Evaluating the most realistic QB options for Denver in the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is getting closer, and as close as it gets, it seems like the Denver Broncos will have their new franchise quarterback. There are not many solid names left in free agency, and the quarterback class moves have made this situation more and more clear. The Denver Broncos WILL go quarterback in the draft.

The 'best' remaining free agents at the quarterback position are the following guys ...

• Ryan Tannehill
• Carson Wentz
• Brian Hoyer
• Blaine Gabbert
• Trevor Siemian
• Kyle Allen
• Nate Sudfield
  

Former number 2 overall pick Zach Wilson will likely be cut, and could also be an option for Denver. Still, as free agency went by, it seems like the Broncos will not sign a veteran quarterback, stick with Jarrett Stidham, and Ben DiNucci, and will get one in the draft.

Selecting the best option is a top priority for Denver if they want to have at least a winning season again. You are selecting your guy for the future at the most important position in the sport.

Caleb Williams to the Bears at number one is happening, unless a team would like to offer the biggest haul in draft history, which is very unlikely. Washington signed veteran Marcus Mariota in free agency, with that signing, LSU's Jayden Daniels could be the pick for them, especially with Mariota's game style which is very similar to Daniels' or UNC's Drake Maye. Regardless of whom the Commanders decide to pick, the guy they do not pick is likely to go to the New England Patriots at number three. Unless the Patriots go wide receiver. The Minnesota Vikings are a team to watch for a possible trade-up, and it seems like Drake Maye and JJ McCarthy could be their options. Maye is more likely if they jump New England.

That said, let's look at the most realistic options for Denver in the upcoming April draft.

Bo Nix, Oregon:

As the draft gets closer, the lack of capital from the Broncos, thanks to the free agency signings, and the Minnesota Vikings trade for an additional first-round pick, for me, Bo Nix is the most realistic option to become the next franchise quarterback for Denver. Assuming the Broncos do not trade up, and Williams, Daniels, Maye, and McCarthy are gone, Nix should be the pick, either by selecting him at 12th overall, or by trading down in round one to get an extra day two pick.

The ideal scenario would be trading down in round one to get extra capital and then select Bo in mid-late round one, but it would make sense to secure their guy and pick him at 12th overall, especially with teams such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Los Angeles Rams who could have the quarterbacks under their radar as possible options.

For me, Nix is the perfect fit for Sean Payton's system, he is a very experienced guy with comparisons to a very familiar name for Payton, to be specific, Drew Brees.

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina:

Rattler is also a very experienced quarterback with a third or fourth-round draft projection. He could be a very good option if the Broncos would like to address other positions with their first pick/s in the upcoming draft.

Spencer Rattler did not have the best NFL Combine but crushed his Pro Day at South Carolina. He has a lot of athleticism and arm strength. At this point, and with his projections, Rattler could be a big steal for the team that ends up getting him, and the Denver Broncos could be it.

He could be a top-tier quarterback if he is well-developed, and Sean Payton could be a good coach to be with to improve, develop, and eventually be a starting quarterback in today's league.

JJ McCarthy, Michigan:

Ahead of free agency, many saw McCarthy as the pick for the Broncos at 12th overall. As the draft gets closer, likely, he might not even be available past the 10th overall pick. Minnesota lost Kirk Cousins, who left in free agency to sign with the Atlanta Falcons, and signed Sam Darnold, later on, they added an extra first-round pick thanks to a trade with the Houston Texans.

McCarthy is a very talented guy and a proven winner, but regardless if the Vikings trade up or not, they are ahead of Denver by one pick, even if they stick with their original pick (11th overall) and decide to not trade up. Reports say that if the Vikings are not able to trade to the top three, McCarthy is likely their guy.

If somehow McCarthy falls to 12, or the Broncos see him as their guy and jump over the Vikings to draft him, he would also be good for Payton's offense. My concern with him is the lack of passing attempts over his college career, and that a big part of them were check-downs with his running back.

Who would you like as the Broncos' next quarterback?