The Denver Broncos walked away from the 2026 NFL draft feeling like they added more than just seven rookies—and it all starts with a familiar name: Jaylen Waddle.

When the Broncos traded their original first- and third-round picks to the Miami Dolphins back in March, they effectively made Waddle their first "selection" of the draft. Factor in a swap of fourth-round picks, and Denver essentially gained eight players from their draft weekend haul.

"I think we both feel really good about the last couple days and the team in general," said General Manager George Paton during his post-draft press conference, standing alongside head coach Sean Payton. "We had seven total picks and yet, we also got Waddle. So feel good about the team, feel good about the weekend."

Paton emphasized the strategy behind the draft class: "We wanted to get younger in both lines. I feel like we did that. Wanted to get some offensive help as well, more explosion. I think we helped ourselves at running back and tight end and just depth across the board."

The Broncos sat out the first round entirely, then traded back from the second round into the third before making their first official pick—Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim. For fans watching at home, the early portion of draft night might have felt slow, but Paton sees it differently.

"As you mentioned, that's a boring day, but we forget—we did trade for one of the better receivers in the league, so it was a good day," Paton said.

The early portion of the draft might not have been the most entertaining for Broncos fans, but landing a proven playmaker like Waddle in March was a splash that changed the entire tone of the offseason. With Waddle and his veteran teammates reporting for the start of the team's offseason program on Monday, Denver is already looking ahead—and feeling good about the road to 2026.