In a league where roster decisions can make or break a team’s season, the Denver Broncos’ general manager, George Paton, has been one of the more measured and strategic front-office figures in the NFL. During the 2025 NFL Combine, Paton’s approach to team-building and roster construction was on full display, and it showcased a patience that could very well lead to long-term success for the Broncos. In an industry that often demands immediate results, Paton has proven that his careful, calculated approach, especially in the midst of heavy scrutiny, is a philosophy that is not only sustainable but promising for the future of the Broncos.
The NFL Combine is an annual event that brings together top prospects from college football for interviews, drills, and testing. For general managers, the Combine is an opportunity to gather vital information, assess talent, and begin to shape a vision for the team’s future. For Paton, the 2025 Combine was yet another example of his calm and thoughtful demeanor. He wasn’t caught up in the frenzy of overreaching for a high-profile player just because of a strong workout or a standout moment during the drills. Instead, Paton remained focused on the bigger picture, exercising restraint in a year when other teams might be tempted to make rash decisions.
At the Combine, the usual flurry of rumors, excitement, and anticipation often leads to teams making trades, signing players, and reaching for top talent that could provide an immediate impact. Yet Paton, despite the Broncos being in a position to improve their roster in several key areas, demonstrated an ability to wait for the right opportunity. While some general managers might have been under pressure to make a splash, Paton took a methodical approach. He had been careful in the way he built the Broncos’ roster over the past few seasons, acquiring the right players at the right time. And while his patience was evident at the Combine, it was clear that he was never rushing the process.
In many ways, Paton’s patience has been a hallmark of his time as the Broncos’ general manager. From his first major move in 2021, when he selected quarterback Drew Lock as the franchise’s future, to his subsequent moves, Paton has shown that he prefers to take the long view. He knows that sustained success in the NFL comes from intelligent decisions over a span of years, rather than in short bursts of flashiness. By focusing on smart acquisitions, solid drafts, and building a team around the right leadership, Paton has started to form a team that looks built for sustained success. His patience, evident at the Combine, has shown that he is intent on continuing that process.
One of the key aspects of Paton’s patience is his handling of the quarterback situation. While other teams have made quick fixes at the quarterback position, bringing in high-profile free agents or trading multiple draft picks for immediate solutions, Paton has remained resolute in his commitment to building a team around a quarterback who fits into his vision. Whether it was his early support of Drew Lock or his more recent push to identify a quarterback through the draft, Paton has refused to be swayed by the desire for instant gratification. Instead, he’s focused on finding the right fit for the long term, trusting that a well-rounded roster will provide a more sustainable path to success.
The Combine is a time when general managers are often faced with the temptation to act quickly and decisively. With so much talent on display, the pressure to capitalize on an emerging star can be overwhelming. But Paton’s approach has consistently emphasized the importance of being patient. At the 2025 Combine, while some teams engaged in trade talks and others scrambled to secure draft picks, Paton showed no signs of desperation. He was willing to let the process unfold naturally, trusting that the right players would be available to help the Broncos improve without making rash decisions that could backfire.
For the Broncos, Paton’s patience also extends to roster development. While many teams are quick to pull the trigger on signing high-priced free agents or making bold moves in the draft, Paton has chosen to prioritize player development and roster depth. This was evident as he took a measured approach in how he addressed areas of need for the Broncos, whether it was through the draft, free agency, or developing young players from within. Paton has consistently sought out talent that fits his system and fills gaps in the roster, rather than taking on players who might look good on paper but don’t fit the long-term vision.
In a league that has become increasingly obsessed with the idea of quick fixes, Paton’s restraint at the Combine is a breath of fresh air. The Broncos, after years of instability at the quarterback position and inconsistent performance across the roster, need a manager who can steady the ship. And Paton’s strategy is starting to pay off. The team has begun to build a strong foundation, and his patience has allowed them to build in a way that is sustainable over multiple seasons, not just one.
During the Combine, it was also apparent that Paton’s focus wasn’t just on the players, but also on the future of the team as a whole. He used the opportunity to further solidify relationships with coaching staff, scouts, and other executives. The Combine isn’t just about finding talent; it’s about setting a culture and aligning all areas of the organization toward a common goal. Paton’s leadership style has been one of collaboration and trust. He isn’t trying to do it all himself — he relies on his team, coaches, and scouts to provide him with the information and insights needed to make informed decisions.
One of the most promising aspects of Paton’s approach is his understanding that building a successful team doesn’t happen overnight. While many GMs might feel the pressure to win now, Paton has made it clear that he’s more concerned with building a sustainable winner. This patient approach allows for the proper development of young talent, the nurturing of a team identity, and the cultivation of a culture that fosters long-term success. For a franchise that has faced a number of disappointing seasons, Paton’s ability to remain calm and focused on the future is not just admirable — it’s exactly what the Broncos need.
At the Combine, Paton didn’t just sit back and wait; he used the event as an opportunity to evaluate all the potential options in front of him. He was active in discussions and was clearly identifying key players who could make an impact for the Broncos in the coming years. However, his actions spoke louder than his words. While other teams rushed into decisions, Paton took his time, analyzed each move, and made sure the Broncos were in the best position to succeed, both in the immediate future and in the long term.
In a league that is often defined by urgency and high-stakes decisions, George Paton’s patient approach is a reminder that success isn’t always about making the loudest moves. Sometimes, it’s about taking the time to build a team that can compete year after year, rather than seeking the quickest fix. The Combine provided a stage for Paton to demonstrate that he understands this philosophy better than most. While other teams may be tempted to make flashy decisions, Paton’s focus remains on the bigger picture, positioning the Broncos for success in the years to come. If his patience continues to yield results, the Broncos could soon be a team that not only competes for playoff spots but establishes a winning culture for the long haul.