As the NFL draft creeps closer, teams are deep in the weeds, picking apart prospects to find just the right fit. It’s never been easy, but now, with the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in the mix, the whole process feels a little more unpredictable.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton recently opened up about how these changes factor into their approach at the 2026 NFL Combine. Let’s get into how the Broncos are rolling with the punches and what they might have their eyes on in the next draft.
The Transfer Portal and NIL Contracts: A New Era in College Football
The transfer portal showed up in 2018, and NIL contracts got the green light in 2021. Suddenly, college players could bounce between schools more easily—and make money off their own name.
Sure, these changes open doors for athletes, but they also throw a wrench into how NFL teams scout and judge talent. It’s a new world, for better or worse.
Sean Payton’s Perspective on Player Evaluation
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Sean Payton talked about what the transfer portal and NIL deals mean for scouting. He thinks a player’s path—especially if they’ve worn a few different jerseys—can say a lot about who they are off the field.
According to Payton, all the movement hasn’t slowed down the Broncos’ process. In fact, he says it’s given them a clearer look at a player’s grit and ability to adapt.
*To some degree, you can see the journey that some players take,* Payton said. *It’s actually kind of helped us.*
Denver Broncos’ Draft Strategy Under Sean Payton
Since taking the reins in 2023, Payton and the Broncos have made 19 draft picks. Out of those, 16 players stuck with one school for their entire college run.
That says a lot. The Broncos seem to care about stability and sticking it out when things get tough.
Emphasis on Leadership and Longevity
Leadership is a big deal for this team, too. More than half of their 2025 draft class were team captains—guys who earned respect from their teammates.
Some names? Jahdae Barron, RJ Harvey, Pat Bryant, and Jeremy Crawshaw all fit that mold. They stayed at one school and wore the captain’s badge, which the Broncos clearly like to see.
*Perhaps a sign of longevity, and more importantly, earned respect,* Payton said about those captains in the 2025 class.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is still a ways off, so there’s plenty of time for the Broncos to plot their next moves. After trading for Jaylen Waddle, they won’t pick until No. 61 in the second round.
That means a long wait, but also more time to really dig into the prospects and find someone who fits their vibe.
Key Attributes the Broncos Might Seek
Looking at their recent picks, it’s a safe bet the Broncos will keep looking for players who show:
- Stability: Guys who didn’t hop around from school to school.
- Leadership: Team captains, or at least players who proved they could lead.
- Character: How did they handle transfers, if any? What does their story say?
These traits line up with what Payton seems to value—players with strong character and a solid foundation.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal on Small-School Players
Here’s something that’s changed: fewer small-school players are showing up in the draft. A lot of them are transferring to bigger programs to get noticed.
It’s not exactly a crisis, but it does force teams like the Broncos to rethink how they scout. You can’t just look at the big schools and call it a day anymore.
Adapting Scouting Strategies
The Broncos have started keeping detailed notes on every player’s transfer history. It’s a way to make sure they don’t miss someone just because their path was a little winding.
*Very commonly, you’ll list the schools: first school, second school. Maybe junior college, first school, second school,* Payton explained. Not exactly simple, but that’s the reality now.
The Denver Broncos, with Sean Payton at the helm, are trying to make sense of how college football keeps changing. They’re taking a strategic approach to the NFL draft, which honestly isn’t easy these days.
Stability, leadership, and character—those are the qualities the Broncos say they’re after. It sounds simple, but finding players who truly fit that mold can be tricky.
With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, at least they’ve got some time. There’s a sense that the Broncos know what they’re looking for, or at least they’re getting closer.
For more insights and updates on the Denver Broncos’ draft strategy, visit the original article on Broncos Wire.
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