Russell Wilson’s role with Broncos includes helping with draft prep

Russell Wilson has a lot on his plate right now. That’s what comes with moving to a new team after 10 years.

He’s dealing with all of the things that come with moving to a new city. He’s buying a house and getting settled in the community.

He’s becoming a part of the scene in his new town. He’s throwing out the first pitch at the Rockies home opener and sitting courtside for a Nuggets playoff game.

And he’s getting up to speed on the football side. He’s learning a new offense and helping teach it to his new teammates.

So far, he’s taking it all in stride. The Broncos quarterback is embracing all the new in his life.

“Life changes,” the quarterback said on Monday after his first time on the practice field in a Broncos uniform. “It’s all about how you react to changes. To go to a winning organization, to an amazing city and an amazing place, it’s a blessing.”

But all of that isn’t stopping Wilson from adding something else to his to-do list. Denver’s new quarterback is also helping with the team’s draft preparation.

He and George Paton communicate on nearly a daily basis, with the general manager asking the QB for his input. Wilson has been impressed with the process.

“George and I have developed a great relationship,” the quarterback said. “He has a brilliant mind. He knows what he wants to do. He has a great plan.”

Part of that plan is getting Wilson’s input on particular players. The GM has asked the QB to look at potential draft picks and provide feedback, tapping in to a valuable resource.

“Playing 10 years in the league, and playing a lot of football, you kind of know what it takes a little bit,” Wilson explained about his involvement.

The quarterback has specific things he looking for in young players.

“Obviously, the talent level,” Wilson added. “But also, does the guy make the team better? At the end of the day, that’s what matters. With so much talent here, it’s a hard thing to make this team. You have to have guys who have that extra tenacity. They have to really understand the game.”

That last part is perhaps the key. The quarterback has been a sponge when it comes to his new surroundings. He’s learning and teaching on a daily basis, getting ready for the season.

“I’m wildly obsessed with it,” Wilson said about his preparation. “I don’t sleep much. I’m usually here pretty early, around 5:15 or 5:30. Whatever it takes.”

That’s a stark contrast to some of the quarterbacks who came before him in Denver. Not since Peyton Manning has that kind of commitment been visible from the most-important player on the Broncos roster.

“I love football,” Wilson added. “I’m passionate about it. I’m passionate about the game. I’m passionate about doing everything I can to help this team win.”

That includes helping out in any way he can. Right now, that includes getting ready for this weekend’s draft.

“Anytime you arrive at a new place, you always want to make it better, and you want to grow personally,” the quarterback explained. “Every day, you have to go in with the mindset that there’s more to do. There’s so much more that we can accomplish together.”

Russell Wilson is doing that for the Broncos in a number of ways, both on and off the field.

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