“I think there were a lot of smart signings. I think that Evan Engram in particular was one where you rarely do have a star, a Pro Bowl-type tight end,” Ian Rapoport remarked while talking about Sean Payton and the Broncos on April 2. But after Evan Engram’s signing, the Broncos are planning some clever and strategic moves this offseason. To aid the rookie quarterback, Sean Payton has carved out a great road map. And he recently revealed it to an NFL reporter. 

An NFL reporter, Mike Klis, of 9News wrote an update on X on Thursday. He said, “Sean Payton said there will be additions to the WR position by training camp, whether via free agent or draft. But I’m happy about Courtland, Vele, Mims, and Franklin.” There is a bit of contradiction. He is searching for WR and also saying the current ones are good. But what Payton is looking for is the WR who can match the pace of Bo Nix.

Bo Nix’s stats from 2024? He was 6th in the entire league for scoring 29 TDs, 12th for passing 3775 yards. Moreover, he threw only 12 interceptions. That’s a huge achievement for a rookie who played his first year in the NFL. Sometimes, 1st overall QB picks can’t give such results in their first year. So, maybe that’s why Payton is looking for a wide receiver.

And if you look at the draft first, there are superb and quality wide receivers from Ohio, Texas, and Missouri. If we rank the WR group, probably Travis Hunter‘s name would pop up on rank one. Though he will potentially be picked up by the top five. The Broncos hold their first pick in the 20th position. But if they want it anyhow, Sean Payton can trade up. 

Apart from Hunter, there are Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona, Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State, Matthew Golden from Texas, and Luther Burden III from Missouri. If the Broncos get one of these top five WRs of the 2025 draft, there is probably zero chance Sean Payton would regret it. 

And to talk about wide receivers from free agency, Amari Cooper, Diontae Johnson, Keenan Allen, Elijah Moore, and Tyler Lockett are the best wide receivers in free agency right now, who will be a great fit for Bo Nix. So, there are still multiple great options for Payton and the Broncos to add WR for Bo Nix. Let’s see which one they pick.

But while locking eyes on wide receivers, Sean Payton is also, maybe desperately, looking for a running back, particularly in the draft. Let’s see what the Broncos’ HC has said about the RB search.

Sean Payton’s search for RB

“There will be a focus on the running back position. It’s a pretty good draft for running backs.” This is what Payton said while unveiling the draft 2025 strategy. Currently, the Broncos have Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson after the JaVonte Williams trade with the Cowboys. And if you see the stats, only Jaleel McLaughlin has made more than 100 rushing attempts, that is, 113. Indeed, none of the other three have rushed that many.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has reminded the league once again: running backs can make or break a season. Unsurprisingly, teams like the Broncos are shifting their focus to the RB position. In the 2025 NFL Draft, Ashton Jeanty is leading the charge—he’s the standout of this year’s running back class. Plenty of teams have their eyes on the Boise State powerhouse.

Alongside Jeanty, other top prospects include Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), and Damien Martinez from Cam Ward’s Miami squad. These backs are among the most sought-after talents heading into the draft.

Jeanty has made his ambitions clear: he wants to be the next Saquon Barkley and lead his future team to a Super Bowl. The only question now is—who will make the call? All eyes are on the Broncos and Sean Payton as the draft approaches.