George Paton’s reign as general manager has been a success for the Denver Broncos, considering the achievements he has made in his first five seasons. As of this writing, the Broncos sit atop the AFC West in Paton’s fifth season, with a 6-2 record. For reference, GMs get a five-year window, while head coaches get a three-year window.
After inheriting Vic Fangio during the 2021 season, Paton traded for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater before the NFL draft for roster flexibility. Instead of force-picking Justin Fields or Mac Jones, acquiring Bridgewater allowed Paton to assess former coach Vic Fangio for a season, acquire an elite cornerback, and still keep a long-term view on constructing the team’s roster.
After missing on the hire of HC Nathaniel Hackett during the 2022 season, Paton traded EDGE rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins for draft picks and running back Chase Edmonds, including a first-round pick. Paton then shipped the first-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for the rights to HC Sean Payton. So, after a 5-12 season, the Broncos bounced back to an 8-9 record.
Paton then decided to cut QB Russell Wilson after the 2023 season, making him the largest dead cap hit in league history. Since the 2022 NFL Draft and the acquisition of Wilson, though, Paton has had to rely on drafting. The Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and three players for Wilson. Fortunately for the Broncos, Paton’s been able to adapt. Here are his five best draft picks since becoming the Broncos’ GM.
5) Troy Franklin, Oregon
2025 PFSN WR Grade: 75.5 (C)
Last Season’s Grade: D
Drafted in the fourth round, typically not a starter round, Troy Franklin has been a steal. Typically, it takes two seasons to gauge a draft pick, so through a possible 25 games, the 2024 NFL Draft class results are starting to settle. We had to project forward for this writing exercise, though. Franklin projects as an average to above-average No. 2 WR in the NFL.
With offense’s playing in 11 personnel — one running back, one tight end — the majority of snaps, hitting on Franklin is like a stock’s dividends going up for a Day 3 pick reserved for backups. For reference, that means there are 96 starting WRs. Here are Franklin’s 17-game averages.
76 targets, 43 receptions, 440 yards (25.9 yards per game), and four touchdowns
With half a season left before the final verdict on Franklin, here’s his 2025 receiving line in context with the other Broncos’ No. 1 WR — Courtland Sutton.
Sutton: 56 targets, 37 receptions, 536 yards (67 yards per game), and three touchdowns
Franklin: 54 targets, 33 receptions, 358 yards (44.8 yards per game), and four touchdowns
Always put more weight into a player’s Year 2, except for the rookie breakout exceptions. Franklin’s 17-game average looks pedestrian because of a rookie season buried on the depth chart. His PFSN WR grade this season suggests he’ll continue to improve through his second season and prove us right.
4)Luke Wattenberg, Washington
2025 PFSN Offensive Line Grade: 78.7 (C+)
Last Season’s Grade: C
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Broncos developed Luke Wattenberg for two seasons before starting him. Since entering the starting lineup, he has started 21 of a possible 25 games. Wattenberg’s been a cost-effective starter, offsetting the dead cap hit of Wilson that’s on the books for 2024 and ’25.
Before the end of the season, though, Paton will probably extend the Day 3 pick to bolster his resume. He’ll be able to say he extended a player from the 2022 draft class on Day 3 who became a starter. That’s not a starter round.
3) Riley Moss, Iowa
2025 PFSN CB Grade: 85.9 (B)
Last Season’s Grade: C-
Riley Moss would be No. 1 on the list if it weren’t for Paton’s astute drafting. Moss was a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s an unlikely rise because he missed most of his rookie season. Last season, though, it looked like he was a justifiable starter pick as the No. 2 CB opposite Pat Surtain II. But this season, however, Moss is showing there’s meat on the bone. He ranks No. 20 in PFSN’s CB Impact Score. For reference, there are 96 starting CBs.
2) Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
2025 PFSN CB Grade: 77.7 (C+)
Last Season’s Grade: 80.4
Nik Bonitto was Paton’s first draft pick, 64th overall, after the Wilson trade. The latter’s already extended the former before the 2025 season. Through eight games, Bonitto leads the Broncos in sacks with eight. He’s first in tackles for loss as well. Bonitto inked a four-year extension worth up to $120 million before the season, and it looks like a bargain. His annual salary is No. 10 amongst EDGE rushers. For reference, Bonitto is fourth in the league in sacks.
1) Bo Nix, Oregon
2025 PFSN CB Grade: 79 (C+)
Last Season’s Grade: C+
There’s no fall off. Bo Nix looks exactly how he did as a rookie, with the Broncos going 10-7 and making the playoffs. During a five-game stretch during the 2025 season, though, Nix has shown there’s meat on the bone. Through weeks 4-8, Nix looks like a franchise QB.
Because the Broncos’ defense is No. 1 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Score, Nix doesn’t have to do much. That doesn’t mean he can’t. Nix threw for four passing touchdowns against the Cowboys in Week 8 of the 2025 season, an inferior defense — a symbolization of his arrival.
Honorable mention: Eyioma Uwazurike, Iowa State
Drafted in the fourth round, Uwazurike looks like a quality backup in the NFL. He doesn’t qualify for a PSFN DT Impact Score, but he is tied for sixth on the Broncos with two sacks. Uwazurike is sixth in tackles for loss as well, while ranking No. 10 on the Broncos in tackles.
