Denver Broncos lack first-round NFL draft pick, but GM says Russell Wilson trade was worth it

play

George Paton has moments when he misses his first-round pick, but then he remembers he has Russell Wilson at quarterback.

The Broncos will have to wait until the last pick of the second round to make their first selection.

It is difficult to wait that long. Paton said Friday that he was going to get jumpy. When I walk over to the presser and see our quarterback throwing the ball, I feel pretty good about it. I know I will feel good Week 1 because we have a franchise quarterback who brings it every day.

The last time the Broncos did not have a first-round pick was in 2012 when they signed Manning.

In exchange for Wilson, Paton sent two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick to Seattle.

The Broncos got a nine-time Pro Bowl selection in Wilson, who gives them the kind of cache they haven't had before, but they lost out on the first round in this year's and next year's drafts.

Paton thought it was worth the cost, even if it involved the kind of premium picks he wants to have.

Paton said that they love having first-round picks. The early second was great for us. We love having a quarterback that sets the tone for the building. He is working when I come here. There is a reason he is great.

It's... There is no pain in that. We will watch Russell Wilson highlights on the first day of the draft.

Paton joked that his phone has been ringing recently about potential trades. He said that since the team had just four picks in the next draft, he would consider making a move or two next weekend.

Paton said that no one was worried about who they were picking. We love picking things. We would like to add picks next year.