From the NFL’s annual league meetings on March 27, Denver Broncos general manager George Paton spoke about the team’s plans for the upcoming 2022 NFL draft. Interestingly, Paton said the Broncos could trade up.
“We still have nine picks. We’ll focus more on the 64[th-overall pick]. We could also trade up, because we do have the ammo to still trade up. It doesn’t really change our process for the draft,” Paton said, via Broncos.com.
Currently, the Broncos’ highest draft pick is the 64th overall pick, but they could absolutely move up. As Paton mentioned, the Broncos have nine total picks, including two third-round and two fourth-round picks. If Paton wanted, he could package the 64th pick with a third-round pick and move up in the second round.
In addition, Paton said that he believes this year’s draft class is strong.
“I like the corner class, the offensive tackle class. People have knocked the draft — I do think it’s a strong draft, especially in the middle where we’re picking.”
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Broncos to Meet With OT Prospect
Well, who could the Broncos target in a potential trade-up? There is one prospect that stands out.
According to Mike Klis of Denver’s 9News, the Broncos will meet with Washington State offensive tackle Abraham Lucas.
Right now, Lucas is ranked 48th on ESPN’s big board.
The Broncos invested in the offensive tackle position in free agency with the additions of Billy Turner and Tom Compton. Nevertheless, Turner is 30 years old, and Compton is 32 years old. Furthermore, neither of those players is elite.
Lucas is viewed by many draft experts as a developmental prospect. Pro Football Focus‘ 2022 big board suggests Lucas will not start right away, but “has the physical traits of a starting tackle in the NFL.”
The Broncos can afford to be patient with Lucas. With Turner and Compton on the roster, there is no pressure for Lucas to start right away.
The team can allow Lucas to develop, then enter him into the starting lineup in a year or two.
Broncos Are Interested In an LSU Cornerback
Speaking of the cornerback class, the Broncos have already have shown interest in one cornerback prospect, LSU’s Cordale Flott.
According to Pro Football Network’s Mike Kaye, the Broncos have requested a private meeting with Flott.
Last season, Flott recorded 40 total tackles, three passes defended, and one interception in 11 games.
At LSU, Flott was primarily utilized in the slot, a position the Broncos addressed with the signing of K’Waun Williams.
Williams is a good veteran, but Williams has never played a full season in his career. Over the past two seasons, Williams has missed a total of 11 games. So, adding some depth behind Williams would be a wise move.
Pro Football Focus ranks Flott 109th overall on their big board.
Flott is receiving a lot of predraft interest. According to Kaye, the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Giants have all requested to meet with Flott.
Broncos GM George Paton Addresses Idea of Trading up in NFL Draft