Let the Broncos analysis begin

Well, the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. You have probably read several articles breaking down each pick. Undoubtedly, you have an opinion on the Denver Broncos first draft in the Sean Payton era.

Drafts are a funny thing. They feel a lot like gambling. Teams get a chance to find players they believe will help them win football games. Some guys are highly touted, while others fly under the radar. All we want on a day like today is to evaluate every little move.

I suppose that will be what happens with most of the blogs and podcasts that come out over the course of the next few days. I guarantee that you will find all kinds of analysis on MHR about Payton’s moves, and George Paton quotes, and how the Walton-Penner group will be taking the team in a new direction.

How does this draft help Russell Wilson? What does it mean for Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy? Will one of the undrafted free agents find his way onto the roster?

Draft analysis is tricky. Adding just 5 players in the draft leaves a little more room for scrutiny. And instant reactions are mostly based on emotion. Still there are some measurements that are more objective. Warren Sharp put out a tweet that had Denver sitting in the top ten for best value in the draft.

That’s something to smile at.

It’s been a rough few years in Broncos Country. Denver has spent a lot of time living on hope, and coming up well short of what has been expected for the fans.

As I mentioned before, drafts feel like gambling. Draft analysis is based in emotion more than anything else. Still, it sure is fun to watch a team try to build a future with young men realizing their dreams.

After Payton and Paton got done with their first draft it will be hard not to immediately look at each pick and pass judgement. I have made it my mantra this offseason to just trust in Payton. Whatever he wants. I have the same opinion about the draft.

Still, have fun today reading about, and discussing, everything from the draft. Hope certainly does spring eternal.

Horse Tracks

‘We’re playing the best players’: Broncos’ 2023 rookie class will get chance to compete for early playing time
“Once they’re sitting in that meeting room, how they arrive is of no importance to us at that point,” HC Sean Payton said. “… They’ll all have a piece of tape on the front of their helmet with their last name, and we’re just going to go by what we see.”

Broncos Now: Recapping the Broncos’ 2023 NFL Draft
On this episode of "Broncos Now," Sydney Jones recaps the Broncos' 2023 NFL Draft picks with sound bites from Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton as they evaluate their weekend. Plus, Broncos lead writer Aric DiLalla joins the show to

'That was something we were looking for': Broncos fill need with trade for TE Adam Trautman
The Broncos added three players in the top-100 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday. The following day, they found a way to add another

The Broncos' Day 3 picks have echoes in the team's recent draft past
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- With just two Day 3 picks -- neither of which came before the sixth round -- the Broncos lacked the capital to have much flexibility.

Broncos acquire TE Adam Trautman from Saints, select J.L. Skinner
Unable to get a big, in-line tight end in the draft, the Broncos solved the issue by having Sean Payton place a call to his old friends with the New Orleans Saints.