Ranking the Five Best Moves George Paton Has Made as Broncos General Manager
Since taking over as general manager of the Denver Broncos in 2021, George Paton has played a major role in reshaping the franchise. His tenure hasn’t been flawless, but several key decisions have helped transform Denver into a legitimate contender.
Paton has made his mark through a mix of bold draft selections, savvy free-agent signings, and, most recently, an aggressive trade for Jaylen Waddle to elevate the offense. Those moves have helped build a roster that is both talented and sustainable. Here’s a look at the five best decisions he’s made so far:
5. Signing Zach Allen (2023)
When the Broncos signed Zach Allen in 2023, the move flew somewhat under the radar. Since then, it has quietly turned into one of the most impactful free-agent additions of Paton’s tenure.
Allen has developed into the anchor of Denver’s defensive line, capable of lining up at both defensive end and defensive tackle. Over the past two seasons, he has totaled 15.5 sacks and 87 quarterback hits, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
His dominance was fully recognized in 2025, when he earned both Pro Bowl honors and First-Team All-Pro recognition. For a signing that didn’t initially grab headlines, Allen has delivered elite production and become a cornerstone of the defense.
4. Drafting Quinn Meinerz (2021)
Drafting Quinn Meinerz in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft was a bold move, especially considering he played at the Division III level. It was a gamble on upside – and one that has paid off in a major way.
Meinerz has developed into one of the best guards in football, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in both 2024 and 2025. His combination of power in the run game and reliability in pass protection has made him a foundational piece of the offensive line.
The advanced metrics back it up as well. Meinerz posted an 88.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, the highest among all guards, and has not recorded a grade below 83.7 in any of the past three seasons.
3. Drafting Nik Bonitto (2022)
When the Broncos selected Nik Bonitto in the second round in 2022, they were betting on his pass-rushing upside. He has since developed into the team’s most dangerous edge rusher.
Bonitto has earned Pro Bowl selections in both 2024 and 2025 while totaling 27.5 sacks over the past two seasons. His ability to consistently generate pressure – combined with a knack for making plays in critical moments – has made him a game-changer for Denver’s defense.
One of his most impactful plays came in the 2025 Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, when he strip-sacked Josh Allen early in the third quarter. The turnover, recovered by teammate Malcolm Roach, set up a field goal that gave the Broncos a pivotal 23-10 lead in a 33-30 overtime victory.
2. Drafting Bo Nix (2024)
Franchise quarterbacks define organizations, and drafting Bo Nix may ultimately be George Paton’s most important decision. Through his first two seasons, Nix has already delivered historic production.
He has led Denver to 24 regular-season wins, tied for the most by any quarterback in NFL history over their first two seasons. He is also just the third quarterback ever to throw for over 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns in each of his first two years.
Nix has also delivered in big moments. In the 2025 Divisional Round against the Bills, he threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, including a clutch 26-yard scoring strike to Marvin Mims Jr. late in regulation. In overtime, he led a six-play, 75-yard game-winning drive that set up a chip-shot walk-off field goal by Wil Lutz.
1. Drafting Patrick Surtain II (2021)
At the top of the list is a move that has already produced elite, award-winning results. Drafting Patrick Surtain II in 2021 gave the Broncos a true shutdown corner and one of the best defensive players in the league.
Surtain has earned Pro Bowl selections in each of the past four seasons and has been named First-Team All-Pro twice. His dominance peaked in 2024 when he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, solidifying his place among the league’s elite.
His most iconic moment came in Week 5 of the 2024 season against the Las Vegas Raiders, when he returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. That play completely shifted momentum and helped propel Denver to a convincing 34-18 victory.
