The Denver Broncos have been patient and meticulous in the 2024 offseason, at least when it comes to the quarterback position. There have been no fewer than two dozen quarterbacks changing teams this offseason already, and the Broncos have passed on every single one of them. For the time being, the Broncos seem confident in their own plan at the position, perhaps even a little too confident for the fan base, which is in the dark at this point.
Everyone wants to know what direction Sean Payton and George Paton are going to go at quarterback, and everyone is eager to find out how the Broncos are going to move on from maybe the worst trade in franchise history. For some, there's no "maybe" about it. The Russell Wilson trade was ultimately a disaster, even if the process was fine back in 2022.
How can they right the wrongs? Let's look at a 2024 mock draft scenario.
1. 8th overall (from Falcons): JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Yes, this trade would take the Broncos out of the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft entirely, but if you can ensure the quarterback you want, it's a price you have to be willing to pay. JJ McCarthy has been connected to the Denver Broncos for quite some time, and Denver has shown substantial interest in him through a variety of meetings. They had a formal meeting with McCarthy at the NFL Combine, they met with him at his Pro Day, and the team put McCarthy through a private workout after his pro day as well.
And then there's the juiciness of Sean Payton and McCarthy recently following each other on Twitter/X...
McCarthy would be the highest-drafted quarterback in Denver Broncos history if this were to come to fruition. The Broncos could reasonably afford to trade up to get McCarthy here as opposed to sending multiple first-round picks to move into the top four of the 2024 NFL Draft, which would be a brutally tough pill to swallow.
This is all about trusting the Sean Payton process, and getting a tremendous talent like McCarthy -- who has way more talent than he's given credit for because Michigan was a good team -- would potentially transform the future of this Broncos franchise.
There would be something refreshing about the team getting all-new uniforms after an offseason where the theme has been "out with the old", along with the team making someone the highest-drafted QB in franchise history. This is the type of move that could wash away the sting of the Russell Wilson trade.
2. 121st overall: Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State
The Denver Broncos have been doing a lot of digging on cornerbacks in this year's draft. In particular, they seem to be doing a lot of digging on mid-to-late-round guys at the position. One player they have shown a measure of interest in is Mississippi State's Decamerion Richardson, a 6-foot-2 corner who has elite long speed (4.34 in the 40-yard dash).
He led Mississippi State last year in passes defended, and while he got his hands on the ball often, he didn't have a single interception at the collegiate level. That's a bit of a concern, but there are many traits to work with here and the Broncos add another athletic option to their cornerback group.
3. 136th overall: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
The running back position might be an underrated position of need for the Broncos heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, though the emphasis on "need" is certainly up for debate. It's not a desperate need, but having other options with the way Javonte Williams struggled last year would be welcomed. The Broncos didn't even get 100 carries last season out of Samaje Perine, and as much as they threw the ball to the backs last season, his involvement there can't possibly be as heavy this coming season as it was last year, can it?
Ray Davis had 21 total touchdowns last year for Kentucky, and is a thick back with good vision and the type of toughness Sean Payton loves in his backs.
4. 145th overall: Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
Could the Denver Broncos double up on the quarterback position? Should the Broncos double up at the quarterback position?
It all depends on the situation that presents itself. Some might perceive this as a lack of confidence in the top pick -- JJ McCarthy -- but I would view it much more as investing in the game's most important position. If you like multiple guys at this particular position, why would you not take them?
Last year, 67 quarterbacks played across the NFL. That means you're more likely than not to have to use two in a given season. Drafting JJ McCarthy would start the clock ticking on Jarrett Stidham's time in Denver, and drafting your QB2 now would give someone like Pratt time to learn Sean Payton's offense and be able to take that QB2 role by his second NFL season.
5. 147th overall: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
There's probably not a scenario at this point in which Luke McCaffrey to the Broncos doesn't make sense. The Broncos need to throw at least one dart at receiver in this year's draft, and McCaffrey has the type of athletic traits and upside to be a very worthwhile selection here on Day 3.
Aside from just his name, McCaffrey would be a fun pick for the Broncos thanks to his toughness as a possession receiver. He has the competitive fire to come in and be an impact player right away on special teams and carve out a role in the offense down the line.
6. 197th overall (from Falcons): Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
Greg Dulcich still has two years left on his deal, but the Broncos can't bank on him staying healthy at this point. The team obviously likes Lucas Krull and his potential as a receiver, but Dallin Holker of Colorado State might be too intriguing to pass on at this stage of the draft.
After struggling to carve out a role at BYU, Holker transferred to Colorado State and ended up leading all FBS tight ends in receiving yards last season (767). He doesn't have elite deep speed but with a 6.83 in the three-cone, Holker's athletic abilities are also intriguing.
7. 203rd overall: Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
Broncos GM George Paton wants to get even more athletic at the off-ball linebacker position, but at what stage of the draft? This feels about right. Jordan Magee is a very underrated prospect out of Temple who flies around the field and will upgrade your special teams unit immediately as a rookie.
He's probably good enough to go as high as that 145th overall pick the Broncos have earlier in the draft, so don't be surprised to hear his name called then.
8. 207th overall: Keith Randolph Jr., DL, Illinois
The Denver Broncos hired away Jim Leonhard as their new defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator defensively this offseason. Leonhard spent last year as an analyst on Bret Bielema's staff at Illinois, and there are a lot of really solid draft-eligible prospects from that program.
Keith Randolph Jr. is one of them, and someone who could probably factor into the Broncos' defensive line rotation right away. Sadly. Not that Randolph isn't a good player, but Denver is currently desperate for defensive line help.