INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: George Paton, general manager of the Denver Broncos speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images
The 2022 NFL Combine officially kicked off today with Broncos General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett speaking with the media on a plethora of topics including their thoughts on the QB, depth in the NFL draft and some of the key free agents they hope to retain.
If you want to hear our exclusive interview with GM George Paton, you can listen to it here.
If you want to hear our exclusive interview with HC Nathaniel Hackett, you can listen to it here.
George Paton traded up in the 2nd round to draft RB Javonte Williams and he showed some dynamic flashes during his rookie season, rushing for 903 yards and 4 TDs while also snagging 43 receptions for 316 yards and 3 TDs. Paton said they would like to have Melvin Gordon back but there is clearly an acknowledgement here that the team believes Williams is ready for a bigger workload.
Paton expressed optimism about Bradley Chubb's health and his ability to return to a Pro Bowl level of play. Chubb is expected to play this season on his 5th year option before the team considers his future. Expect the Broncos to spend a premium pick (or two) on an EDGE rusher in the upcoming draft.
The Broncos brought in John Vieira as an "Instructional Designer" to coach the coaches. It's something that only a couple of teams in the league have had but George Paton thought so much of the idea that when he hired Hackett, along with his relatively young staff, Vieira was brought in as a way to assist the coaches behind the scenes through technology to help them better connect with the players.
Here are the "4 pillars" or attributes every QB needs to have according to Coach Hackett. He gave more detail about this as well as how he knows a young QB prospect has these traits in our interview with him here.
QB Watch
As we continue to eye the QB situation with regard to the Broncos, here are some noted from around the league.
- Jimmy Garoppolo is set to receive shoulder surgery here soon, he will be fine for the regular season. Teams around the league are expecting to have to give up possibly two 2nd rounders if they want to trade for him.
- The Colts are expected to move on from Carson Wentz very soon. What it would take to acquire him is unknown.
- We reported on Rodgers already, and today Ian Rappaport confirmed he and the Packers are negotiating.
- Russell Wilson went on sports talk radio and kind of laughed off the idea of playing on the east coast.
The Broncos also have had Combine meetings with Kenny Pickett and Matt Corrall, and expect to meet with others soon.