ESPN Proposes Broncos Trade Down with NFC Team in Round 1

ESPN Suggests Broncos Trade Back with NFC Team in Round 1

Sean Payton has never traded back in the first round as an NFL head coach, but this year, the Denver Broncos may consider it with the 20th overall pick. The Broncos could go in several directions with this pick—potentially selecting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton or Boise State’s Jeanty, who’s now a top-10 pick in many mock drafts. However, they could also opt for a defensive prospect or a wide receiver, as nearly any position, except quarterback, could be addressed.

While it’s not likely for Payton, who runs football operations for the Broncos, to trade back, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggests that doing so would be a smart move. Barnwell proposes a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, where Denver would send the 20th pick to the Rams in exchange for picks 26 and 90.

Although the Rams don’t have a second-round pick due to last year’s move for Braden Fiske, they do have an extra third-rounder from the Falcons hiring assistant coach Raheem Morris. This could make it worthwhile for the Rams to move up, especially if they’re eyeing a quarterback like Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford.

Draft insiders have noted that the overall talent in this year’s class is considered less deep, meaning the quality of players from around pick 11 to pick 60 may be relatively similar. As a result, trading down from 20 to 26 could give the Broncos an additional top-100 pick while still allowing them to select a quality player.

If the Broncos are targeting a wide receiver, moving back a few spots could risk losing their preferred prospect, as teams like the Steelers, Chargers, Packers, and Texans could all be in the market for a pass-catcher. However, if Denver isn’t set on a specific player, a trade back could help accumulate more picks and provide flexibility.

With the added Day 2 pick, the Broncos could even use the opportunity to move up again in the second or third rounds, as they’ve done in previous drafts to target specific players like Marvin Mims Jr. and Riley Moss in 2023. This strategy would give the Broncos more options and resources to target players they value most.

If the Broncos are hoping to add a running back early, but players like Jeanty and Hampton are off the board, a trade back could provide them with a fresh set of options, such as another running back or perhaps a wide receiver, tight end, or defensive player. The additional third-round pick could be a key asset in making a move up during Day 2 to secure their top target.