The pick is why George Paton should have a new contract.
This one pick is why the Broncos can win two more playoff games.
The 62nd overall selection is khaki pants and plain white t-shirt. There is nothing sexy about waiting until the second day to make a pick. But no player taken at 30th overall would have made receiver Jaylen Waddle’s impact.
So, patience has context. Another luxury pick, however, will be difficult to accept.
Following the best-player-available path is usually correct, but variables become more nuanced during Super Bowl windows. So when the Broncos chose cornerback Jahdae Barron at one of the deepest positions last April, it was immediately questioned.
Barron has the potential to turn into a solid starter, but he wasn’t ready to take away snaps from Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian. And when the Broncos offense needed a boost in the AFC Championship Game, the decision to take Baron, and trade back for R.J. Harvey was hard to stomach with running back TreVeyon Henderson standing on the Patriots’ sideline as a better option.
Here’s the deal. Paton has nailed the second round.
“Our process works,” Paton said.
He drafted Javonte Williams (35th), Nik Bonitto (64th), Marvin Mims Jr. (63) and Harvey (60). Williams started 29 games, Bonitto has finished top nine in Defensive Player of the Year voting twice, Mims is the league’s best returner and Harvey, while struggling as a between-the-tackles runner, led all rookies with 12 touchdowns.
Paton, with expertly defined parameters by coach Sean Payton, needs to pull it off again. He said Thursday that the Broncos are focused on six players in the 45 to 75 range.
It will be hard to find a starter, a testament to Denver’s retooled roster over the past three seasons. But the Broncos need to land a contributor, the type of player who can make a difference in a big game. Or two.
If Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is on the board, the Broncos should turn in the card without hesitation. He could learn under Alex Singleton this season, while also playing snaps in the passing game.
If Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price is available, the Broncos should blow out their hamstrings running to the podium. He provides speed, power, and special teams acumen. And he could spell Dobbins — and even replace him next season — as Harvey remains a weapon in the passing game.
If defensive tackle Caleb Banks falls, the Broncos can provide a soft landing spot. And squinting is not required to see Eli Stowers as a Jimmy Graham flex tight end. The problem is that it would not likely be next season.
The Broncos can reach and win the Super Bowl. With the 62nd pick, they require a player who delivers sooner, not later.
Cut to Chase: The Rockies are the only team in major league history that can deliver an undefeated homestand and go on the road with no momentum. They avoided the bagel trip on Thursday because of Chase Dollander. His average fastball was 99.4 miles per hour with improved command. Time to stop the silliness with the opener and start him.
Nugget logic: It is hard to understand Nuggets fans. They believe this team can win a championship, but feel like a second-round exit is acceptable because of the injuries. They are healthy now. And if someone told you before the season that the reason the Nuggets would lose in the postseason was Peyton Watson’s hamstring, laughter would follow. The Nuggets have enough depth. One of the biggest questions is whether coach David Adelman can get this team to the next step.
Mack the Knife: Nathan MacKinnon has been a wagon all season. The same thinking that will prevent Nikola Jokic from winning MVP will also lead to MacKinnon landing his second Hart Trophy. He is the best player on the best team. Period. End of vote.
Johnny B. Great: The only reason DU landed goalie Johnny Hicks last summer is that Tennessee State, where he originally committed, failed to fund its program. All Hicks did for the Pios was go 16-0-1 and set an NCAA single-season save percentage record at .957. He is diminutive and dominant. “I have always been a small goalie. It doesn’t bother me,” Hicks said.
