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Broncos Trade Pitch Lands Heisman Trophy Runner-Up

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Caleb Gebrewold | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 9:59 AM ET

The Denver Broncos were among the biggest surprises in the NFL last season. After entering the season with a projected win total of 5.5, which was only more than the New England Patriots - they finished 10-7, reaching the postseason for the first time since 2015.

Despite their strong season, the Broncos were a middle-of-the-pack unit running the ball. Denver ranked just 16th in rushing yards and 23rd in rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams - who led the team with 513 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 139 carries - has since signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

The position stands out as the Broncos' most significant need heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. While Denver is not in a position to land 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, they should be exploring options to move up in the draft.

Broncos general manager George Paton would be wise to attempt to jump ahead of the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, who hold the tenth and 12th overall pick. If Jeanty remains on the board when the New Orleans Saints are on the clock, Denver could negotiate a deal to move up.

The two front offices have some level of familiarity with one another after agreeing to a deal that sent head coach Sean Payton's rights to Denver. While moving down from the ninth overall pick to the 20th overall pick may seem like a big drop, New Orleans has plenty of needs and could look to acquire more draft capital.

A package of the 20th overall pick and the 85th overall pick provides the Saints with a strong enough return to move down in the draft, according to Over The Cap's Trade Calculator. The move would give New Orleans five picks in the first three rounds of the draft.

Meanwhile, Denver would be able to fill a crucial need as they look to build a legitimate title contender while Bo Nix remains on his rookie contract. Jeanty ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries in his final year with the Boise State Broncos.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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