Broncos head coach Sean Payton knows what he wants when assembling a roster.

It’s a quality that shows through in his meticulous attention to detail, clean and tight game plans, and ability to emphasize his players’ strengths through a variety of offensive schemes.

For Payton to get the ball rolling in his first season with the Broncos — a franchise looking to end a seven-year playoff drought — he chose to sprinkle in some of his past throughout the team. That began with the addition of seven coaches who worked with him at different times during his 15-year tenure with New Orleans. And it continued as the Broncos added six former Saints players since the start of free agency.

Payton knows what each player brings to the table. More importantly, they understand Payton’s vision and can help translate it to teammates.

“On offense, (Payton) is sprinkling (six) different guys across three different (position) rooms,” said tight end Adam Trautman, whom the Broncos acquired from New Orleans on the last day of the NFL Draft. “To have us in each room to let players know how training camp is and what Sean expects (from) his players…I think that’s a huge deal.”

In addition to Trautman, the other ex-Saints headed to Dove Valley are running back Tony Jones Jr., fullback Michael Burton, tight end Chris Manhertz, and wide receivers Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Marquez Callaway.

After the Broncos picked up Trautman as part of a trade for the No. 195 overall pick, an acquisition Payton said was “just as exciting” as drafting players, it would be natural to assume the head coach was trying to bring the culture he established in New Orleans to Denver. But Payton quickly dismissed that notion.

“No, not at all,” Payton said. “Lil’Jordan Humphrey was a player I’m familiar with. He’ll compete in the receiver room. Marquez is the same way. With each of these signings, there’s different visions.”

Trautman said he’s ecstatic about getting traded to Denver and thrilled to get a fresh start with Payton, who drafted him in the third round in 2020 out of Dayton.

Payton no doubt has a clear vision for how he’ll tap into his skills. That’s why Trautman — a versatile tight end who can help out as both a blocker and receiver — enjoyed playing for Payton for two seasons.

Trautman compared Payton’s player development plan to a physical trainer trying to find the best workout routine for a client. He said Payton would try different things until he discovers what works best, then use that information to help craft a game plan.

“He is super detailed,” Trautman said. “Like, your No. 2 receiver has to be perfect in (what he does).”

Payton’s method was beneficial. Trautman, Callaway and Humphrey had their best statistical seasons under Payton in 2021. Trautman had 263 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Humphrey totaled 249 receiving yards while averaging 19.2 yards per catch.

Meanwhile, Callaway was the Saints’ top wideout. He had 46 catches for 698 yards and six touchdowns, including breakout performances against Tampa Bay (112 receiving yards) and Washington (85 yards and two touchdowns). Callaway finished 10th in the league in yards per reception (15.2).

“(Payton) puts his players in the best position so you are familiar with what you are being asked to do,” Trautman said. “Not only are you mentally thinking about the scheme, but you are comfortable with what you are doing. It was super successful in the offense he ran (in New Orleans).”

Payton made it clear post-draft: Even though the former Saints have a previous relationship with him, they still have to compete for their spot. “Each one will have to earn his stripes,” he said.

As Payton prepares to navigate his first season with the Broncos, having players whom he understands should help ease the transition — for everyone.