The Lead
The NFL Draft is about more than finding standout players in the first round.
Yes, that's important — and the Broncos are excited about the versatility that 20th-overall pick Jahdae Barron should bring to Denver's defensive backfield.
But as Head Coach Sean Payton has mentioned often, the success of a draft class is measured by the performance of the entire group.
"Ninety-five percent of the discussion about the draft is the first round," Payton said about the draft. "When you really evaluate a good draft, it's these later picks. We're anxious to see how they evolve."
Third-round pick Sai'vion Jones — whom the Broncos traded up to select — will be among those players the team hopes to develop. And in a recent article selecting each team's best value pick, The Athletic tabbed Jones for the honor.
"Jones may be the player with the best chance to dramatically outplay his draft slot," Nick Kosmider wrote. "The 6-foot-5, 283-pound prospect had a breakthrough year in 2024, tallying 43 pressures, 4 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles. Though Jones played four seasons at LSU, he enters the NFL at just 21 and is still ascending as a pass rusher."
General Manager George Paton spoke after the draft about Jones' motor, and the 101st-overall pick showed that as he posted more pressures in his final season than in his previous three seasons combined.
"Jones' blend of size, skill and SEC experience should help him make an impact along Denver's defensive front sooner rather than later," Kosmider wrote.
