This week at the Senior Bowl in Alabama, there were some speculations going around concerning the Denver Broncos. This included the possibility that the team might try to trade up for either Drake Maye of North Carolina or Caleb Williams of USC, two of the best quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
Even if it appears improbable given Denver’s asset shortage following the trades for Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton, quarterback will still be a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In speaking to media from the Senior Bowl, Tulane’s Michael Pratt said that he’s already had a couple interviews with the Broncos in Mobile.
Clearly, Pratt doesn’t have the same standing as Williams and Maye. However, even at this early pre-draft stage, the 6-foot-2 signal caller is building momentum. When the yearly event rolls around, he might wind up being a surprise late first-round selection or a second-round pick.
Denver Broncos could add surprise QB in NFL Draft
Wilson’s release from Denver before to the next league year beginning in March is all but inevitable. Despite the Broncos’ continued playoff chances, he was benched in the latter part of the season. Sean Payton and company want to take a different approach.
In this scenario, Payton’s scheme is better suited for another veteran quarterback that the Broncos add to the mix. Additionally, they gamble heavily on a rookie quarterback in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Denver’s projected draft selection is number twelve. It won’t be selected again until 76th overall. There’s not enough ammunition for the team to trade up unless they move someone like standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II. There is no trade for him.
Alternatively, the Broncos may try to go lower in the first round in order to acquire more assets. This would allow them to perhaps consider Pratt without appearing overly ambitious.
The quarterback does seem to fit what Payton likes to do on offense.
“Pratt’s elite competitive toughness will always be a plus, and he does have enough arm elasticity to work off-platform in spurts — but he won’t elevate offenses off of his physical talent alone,”
Sounds a little bit like former quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. That is, his toughness against the competition and his off-platform passing abilities. Brees’ tenure under Payton in New Orleans was characterized by these two factors.
In this way, the interest makes sense.
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