Story perspectives

Broncos Trade No.62, Lose First-Round After Waddle Deal

4/25/2026

Summary

Broncos Trade Picks

The Broncos traded their No. 62 pick to Bills for the No. 66 third-round slot, used on DT Tyler Onyedim, and a No. 182 sixth-round pick, leaving Denver without first-round selection after acquiring WR Jaylen Waddle.
General manager George Paton said the fourth-round picks at No. 108 and No. 111 will define Day 3.
Denver retains two fourth-round, one fifth-round, one sixth-round and three seventh-round picks, targeting an inside linebacker, tight end, running back and tackle.

Summary

Broncos Reshape LB

Broncos released veteran Dre Greenlaw and re-signed inside linebacker Justin Strnad, reshaping their linebacker corps.
Josiah Trotter, a first-team All-SEC linebacker at Missouri and son of former 11-year NFL veteran Jeremiah Trotter, recorded 84 tackles, 13 for loss and two sacks.
Scouts say Trotter excels as a run defender and blitz attacker but must improve pass-coverage.

History

Historical Context

Denver’s 34-19 Super Bowl XXXIII victory on January 31 1999, achieved after a 14-2 season, showcased John Elway’s championship legacy and the team’s willingness to trade draft assets for immediate talent. Since GM George Paton joined in 2021, the Broncos have mirrored that approach, swapping the 2024 first-round pick for receiver Jaylen Waddle and reshuffling linebackers to reinforce defense as they did in 1999.

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Broncos Trade Picks

The Broncos traded their No. 62 pick to Bills for the No. 66 third-round slot, used on DT Tyler Onyedim, and a No. 182 sixth-round pick, leaving Denver without first-round selection after acquiring WR Jaylen Waddle.
General manager George Paton said the fourth-round picks at No. 108 and No. 111 will define Day 3.
Denver retains two fourth-round, one fifth-round, one sixth-round and three seventh-round picks, targeting an inside linebacker, tight end, running back and tackle.

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