As the Denver Broncos approach the 2026 NFL Draft, General Manager George Paton focuses on selecting 'good football players' rather than overthinking positional needs. With seven total picks, including No. 62 in the second round, the Broncos aim to identify high-trait developmental players who can grow into starters. The team is particularly interested in addressing defensive gaps, especially at linebacker and safety, with prospects like Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas highlighted. The draft strategy is debated among staff, with some advocating for aggressive trades to secure top-ranked players, while others prefer to trade back to increase their draft capital. The Broncos' recent success in the second round, including selections like Mims and Bonitto, supports a cautious optimism heading into the draft, reflecting on their historical performance without a first-round pick. Additionally, the team is exploring draft sleepers, including wide receiver Ben Patterson from UT Permian Basin, as they finalize their strategy for the upcoming draft.