DENVER — There was some heat directed at Broncos’ general manager George Paton following the release of quarterback Russell Wilson six weeks ago.
Paton addressed the failed trade at the NFL owners meetings, kept a sturdy chin, and went to work alongside head coach Sean Payton in rebuilding the Broncos.
Give Paton this: He knows how to move up and down the draft board. He’s proven to be adept through his league-wide contacts of working the phones and swinging deals after deals. He moved up to the end of the second round last year to nab Oklahoma receiver Marvin Mims Jr., who turned out to be one of the NFL’s top returners as a rookie.
Paton will need his draft board trading skills Friday as the Broncos currently do not have a second round pick and their selection in the third round until No. 76.
The Broncos have many more starter-quality needs than their one pick in Day 2 can cover. Paton was busy working the phones Friday. With quarterback Bo Nix the Broncos’ first-round selection Friday, it makes sense to get him some speed weapons in Day 2.
The NFL Draft continues Friday with pick No. 33 and runs through pick No. 100. Here are some prospect candidates the Broncos may consider:
Wide receivers
*Troy Franklin, Oregon
When the Broncos held that private workout with Bo Nix? Franklin ran the routes and caught the passes. Franklin had 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdown receptions with Nix as his quarterback last year.
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Roman Wilson, Michigan
Running backs
Trey Benson, Florida State
Ray Davis, Kentucky
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Bucky Irving, Oregon
Inside linebacker
J.D. Bertrand, Notre Dame
Payton Wilson, NC State
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Safety
Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Tight end
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Offensive tackle
Roger Rosengarten, Washington (Valor Christian)
Christian Jones, Texas
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