Broncos general manager ranked last in NFL power rankings
So far the Denver Broncos trade for Russell Wilson hasn't panned out. The organization was the laughingstock of the NFL last season after an abysmal campaign. Viral videos of teammates fighting on the field bled into reports at the beginning of this offseason about Russell Wilson's "diva-ish" behavior. Put plainly, the organization is not viewed […]
So far the Denver Broncos trade for Russell Wilson hasn't panned out. The organization was the laughingstock of the NFL last season after an abysmal campaign.
Viral videos of teammates fighting on the field bled into reports at the beginning of this offseason about Russell Wilson's "diva-ish" behavior. Put plainly, the organization is not viewed in high regard, currently.
To add further insult to injury, Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com released his power rankings outlining the best and worst the league has to offer in terms of general manager.
Where did the Broncos land on this list? Dead last.
Rosenthal hammered Broncos general manager George Patton over the Russell Wilson deal. Patton, last season, traded for what the team thought would be the quarterback that could take the team to the Super Bowl.
In all, the organization shipped off QB Drew Lock, DT Shelby Harris, TE Noah Fant, a 2022 1st, 2nd, and 5th round pick along with a 2023 1st and 2nd round pick for Russell Wilson and a 2022 4th round pick.
Patton was low-hanging fruit in Rosenthal's article. With the Broncos' colossal failure on the football field last season after giving up a king's ransom, it was enough to put Patton last on this list. The NFL.com reporter discussed what went wrong, and his reasoning behind the ranking, "…we watched Russell Wilson play in Denver under Paton's handpicked coach, Nathaniel Hackett, and suddenly that draft haul the Broncos gave up for Wilson looks like a killer. Paton's second draft also got off to a slow start after a great 2021 haul, but this ranking is about the Wilson trade and Hackett hire."
Rosenthal wrapped up his article with a short statement that could be another reason why Patton is dead last on this list: Sean Payton.
"Payton is essentially in charge now." This could indicate Patton being last on this list solely because Rosenthal believes Patton is done making decisions for the organization.
There's one thing that's for certain, the Broncos' front office is quick to make a change if things aren't going smoothly. If there's another awful draft paired with a subpar product on the field, Patton's tenure as the team's general manager may be at risk.
It's hard to imagine the Broncos faithful are upset with the ranking of their general manager. However, a successful season with a new head coach could be exactly what the organization needs to turn things around. All eyes will undoubtedly be on Denver once the season begins.
