Denver, Colorado – The Denver Broncos, after a costly investment in quarterback Russell Wilson that did not pan out, now face the decision of whether to pursue a rookie quarterback in the upcoming draft. General Manager George Paton recently hinted at the team’s potential interest in trading up for a quarterback in the 2024 draft, suggesting they may target a player they truly believe in.
One emerging name on the Broncos’ radar is Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a prospect who has garnered less attention compared to other quarterbacks in the spotlight. To secure McCarthy, the Broncos would likely need to move up in the draft, possibly to the third spot, to ensure they have a shot at drafting him before other interested teams, such as the Minnesota Vikings.
The team’s history with missing out on top quarterbacks, like the case with Patrick Mahomes whom head coach Sean Payton coveted years ago, may factor into their decision-making process. Missing out on a promising talent previously might push the Broncos to aggressively pursue their desired quarterback this time around, despite the risks associated with any high draft pick.
Should the Broncos opt not to trade up for McCarthy, another potential option could be Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. Nix, at 24 years old, presents a different dynamic as an older rookie quarterback, which could influence the Broncos’ decision-making process. This decision could mark a shift for Coach Payton, who has not worked extensively with rookie quarterbacks since his tenure in Dallas over two decades ago with Tony Romo.
Ultimately, the Broncos are at a crossroads as they weigh their options for the upcoming draft, with the decision on a new quarterback potentially shaping the trajectory of the team in the seasons to come. The risks and rewards of investing in a rookie quarterback are significant, and the team’s choices in the draft will undoubtedly impact their future success on the field.