Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Darron Cummings, The Associated Press)
It’s hard to envision what the future holds for the Broncos until they find an answer for the most important position on the football field.
The franchise has been doing its due diligence in evaluating this year’s class of quarterbacks. Broncos general manager George Paton attended North Carolina QB Drake Maye’s pro day. Head coach Sean Payton, who believes it’s “realistic” for Denver to trade up, said the team held a private workout for Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy after his pro day. Meanwhile, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. took a top-30 visit to the Broncos facility.
Payton will do whatever it takes to get the player he desires, even if that means trading up in the draft. In this latest mock draft, we examine what happens if the Broncos get aggressive in their quest to land their next franchise quarterback.
First Round (No. 4 via Cardinals)
Denver trades: No. 12, No. 76, 2025 first- and second-round pick
Denver receives: No. 4
QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Denver goes all-in to answer the biggest question on the team. McCarthy, a five-star prep recruit, is Michigan’s career program leader in interception rate (1.54), completion percentage (67.6%) and passer rating (160.5). He can hit targets in tight windows and is effective in making off-balance throws. He recorded 44 touchdowns and nine interceptions over the last two seasons while leading the Wolverines to a national title.
“He has a quick mind (and) release,” NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “Just everything he does is real smooth. I wrote in my notes that he never gets bored with completions. Some other guys in his class get in trouble for big-play hunting. If you are going to get him check-downs or completions, he is just going to.”
Fourth Round (No. 121 via Dolphins)
CB Elijah Jones, Boston College
After making their big trade, the Broncos wait until Day 3 to make their second pick. Jones has length and quality ball skills. In 2023, he had five interceptions and eight passes defended in nine games. He allowed 13 catches for 194 yards and one touchdown on 40 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. Jones is lean and won’t provide much support in the run game. But the Broncos could value Jones’ turnover production, especially after releasing safety Justin Simmons.
Fifth Round (No. 136 via Panthers through Browns)
EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
Hunt comes from a small school but has potential with loads of speed and athleticism. During Hunt’s two-year stint at Houston Christian, he had 58 tackles (20.5 for loss) and 13.5 sacks. He can also drop back in coverage if needed, as he was a defensive back before becoming an edge rusher. A source told The Denver Post that the team brought Hunt in for a top-30 visit on April 5, so the interest is there.
Fifth Round (No. 145 via Jets)
TE Jaheim Bell, Florida State
Bell spent three seasons at South Carolina before transferring to Florida State. In his lone season with the Seminoles, he caught 39 passes for 503 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. He had 87 receiving yards against Syracuse — the most by an FSU tight end since 2014. Bell can line up anywhere on the field and is a talented runner after the catch. He averaged 9.2 yards after the catch during his college career, according to Pro Football Focus.
Fifth Round (No. 147)
OT Javon Foster, Missouri
Denver has added three offensive linemen through free agency, but that might not stop the team from adding another in the draft. Foster, a three-year starter at Missouri, has good size and was solid in pass protection. He was among a handful of players who stood out during the Senior Bowl in February. He could be a swing tackle for the Broncos as a rookie with a larger role in the future.
Sixth Round (No. 203 via Texans through Browns)
RB Cody Schrader, Missouri
Schrader has an interesting story. He spent four seasons at Truman State, a Division II school, before walking on at Missouri in 2022 and playing in 13 games (11 starts). In 2023, Schrader was named first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press after he rushed for 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns. He rushed for 205 yards against Tennessee, 112 against Georgia and 114 in a loss to LSU.
Sixth Round (No. 207 via 49ers)
DT Marcus Harris, Auburn
After signing run-stopper Malcolm Roach, the Broncos continue to add depth up front by drafting Harris, a two-year starter at Auburn. Harris might lack arm length, but he makes up for it with his athleticism and motor. He had 40 tackles (11 for loss) and seven sacks in 2023. He could be a rotational player for the Broncos.
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