Broncos' Village-It-Takes Strategy: Drafting Wins

0:00On March 31, Denver Broncos General Manager George Payton says he's feeling solid about their defensive line depth heading into the offseason. They lost John Franklin Myers, who racked up 14.5 sacks over two years, but drafted Sivian Jones in the third round last year to step. Up with four starters back, plus guys like E.A. Oma, Uzzurike, Jordan Jackson, and Jones. Payton thinks they've got the big bodies covered on both lines. Earlier this month, Franklin Myers hit free agency and signed a three-year, $63 million deal elsewhere. The Broncos didn't chase him, or make big splashes outside, instead locking up over a dozen of their own free agents like running back JK Dobbins. Titan, Adam Trautman, and Linebacker's Alex Singleton and Justin Strohnad. Fans and analysts scratch their heads at the quiet approach, but it ties right into smart draft planning. Losing key players like Franklin Myers positions them for compensatory picks, possibly even a 2027 third-rounder, which helps build. Without overspending in the free agency frenzy,

1:06Payton confirmed they're already banking two compensatory seventh-rounders this year, nicknamed Mr. Arelevant and Runner Up, that bumps their 2026 draft haul to seven picks, one second-rounder, two-fourths, a-fifth, and three-sevenths. He stressed how those late picks have landed gems before, like wide receiver Devon Vale and others, often better than chaotic free agent deals. Overall, this village, it takes strategy, keeps the Broncos flexible, turning losses into future wins on draft day.