The Denver Broncos’ pre-draft presser was more electric than a Monday night showdown, with GM George Paton dropping a bombshell without even mentioning Russell Wilson’s name. Paton’s comments during a pre-draft press conference today seemed to indirectly reference Wilson’s failure to live up to expectations after the team’s blockbuster trade to acquire him. “What you don’t want to do here is force it,” Paton declared.

He added, “You want to get the right player at No. 12. Our first pick, we have to hit on, whether it’s a quarterback, whether it’s a tackle, a receiver or you name it. We need to get an impact player.”

The subtext is as loud as a stadium on game day. After all the hoopla of extending Wilson and then cutting him loose, Paton’s words last month at the NFL Owners’ meeting resonate like a tackle from behind “We took a shot on a quarterback who had a lot of success in this league,” Paton said via senior Broncos write Andrew Mason. “It wasn’t just Russ. There was a lot of contributing factors to why we didn’t win. At the end of the day, we didn’t play good enough offense. We didn’t win enough games. I’m accountable for that.”

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It’s a clear signal that Wilson’s time in Denver, marked by a forgettable first season and a second season riddled with troubles, is a playbook they’re ready to shelve. Wilson’s stats, like his 67.568% completion rate against the Patriots or his three interceptions against the Texans, paint the picture of a rocky tenure.

Meanwhile, Wilson’s new one-year, $1.21 million deal with the Steelers is a far cry from the blockbuster contract he once commanded. Now, with the draft on the horizon, the Broncos are scouting for a player who can bring back the thunder

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While the Broncos’ need for a quarterback is undeniable, Paton and head coach Sean Payton are treading cautiously. “Do we have to draft a quarterback? You would say, ‘Man, it sure looks like we have to draft a quarterback.’ And yet, it has to be the right fit and the right one,” HC Payton stated at the pre-draft press conference, echoing Paton’s sentiment of avoiding another potential misstep.

The Broncos are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a franchise quarterback. “We’ve had teams call to move up, and we’ve had teams call to move back,” Paton revealed, indicating that trade scenarios are on the table. However, he emphasized the importance of not overreaching, stating, “I would just say if it’s a player that you think can change the landscape of your organization moving forward, like quarterback, then you do whatever it takes to get him.”

Recognizing the importance of certain positions in the NFL, Payton acknowledged that the team will factor in positional value when making draft selections. “Our league has always valued certain positions: quarterbacks, tackles, corners, and pressure players,” he explained. “That factors into the grade.”

Despite the challenges and lessons learned from the Wilson saga, the Broncos are optimistic about their future. With eight draft picks, including the 12th overall selection, Paton expressed confidence in the team’s ability to land a “really good player” if they stay put at their current draft position.