In a surprising twist of NFL off-season drama, the Denver Broncos are reportedly poised to make a “pretty aggressive” trade, shaking up the NFL Draft dynamics in a bid to secure their future quarterback.
Following the departure of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos under the direction of head coach Sean Payton are ready to overturn their current playbook for a shot at drafting high.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer highlighted the team’s readiness to engage in trade talks, hinting at an unexpectedly bold move that could see Denver climbing up the draft order.
Denver Broncos Eyes a Top Draft Spot
According to Sam Monson, lead NFL analyst at Pro Football Focus, the Broncos may be setting their sights much higher than many anticipated. Monson’s predictions suggest the Broncos are preparing to send their No. 12 and No. 76 overall picks this year, along with a first-rounder in 2025, to the New England Patriots for the No. 3 pick.
This potential move could position Denver to acquire LSU Tigers’ standout quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
“Head coach Sean Payton blew up the status quo in Denver by determining early that Russell Wilson wasn’t the answer, and the team is now eating the largest dead cap hit in NFL history to move on from him,” explained Monson. “Payton needs the next guy, and the next guy needs to be a better option than Wilson was, or else Payton will look extremely reckless.”
Broncos analysis: What are Denver’s options if Sean Payton, George Paton don’t land quarterback near top of 2024 draft? https://t.co/hwtjVe3Oia
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) April 14, 2024
Draft Trade Complexities Shift Scenarios
The trade landscape is rife with complexities. The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 pick and are widely expected to select Daniels if the Chicago Bears take USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams first overall. This expectation puts Denver in a precarious position, potentially shifting their focus to other top quarterback prospects such as North Carolina’s Drake Maye or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
Further complicating the scenario is the stance of the New England Patriots. Noted for their strategic draft decisions, the Patriots are rumored to be holding out for a “Godfather offer” to part with their prized No. 3 spot.
Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston relayed insights from within the Patriots organization, suggesting that it would take a significant offer to lure them into trading down. “It’s going to take a lot more than [three first-round draft picks] to get the club to trade the third selection,” Curran noted. However, the dynamics could change if Washington selects the quarterback that New England covets.
Denver Broncos Alternate Routes and Strategic Flexibility
If a trade with the New England Patriots doesn’t materialize, the Denver Broncos still have viable options. Denver could remain at the No. 12 pick and consider drafting either Washington Huskies’ Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon Ducks’ Bo Nix, both of whom offer promising futures at quarterback. Alternatively, as ESPN’s Jeff Legwold suggested, Denver might even consider trading down to secure either Penix or Nix later in the first round.
A Pivotal Moment for the Broncos Broncos
As draft day approaches, the Denver Broncos stand at a crossroads. The potential trade with the New England Patriots not only highlights Denver’s urgent quest for a franchise quarterback but also underscores the high-stakes nature of NFL draft strategies. Whether Denver secures a top draft pick or opts for alternative strategies, the decisions made this draft season could define the Broncos’ trajectory for years to come.
In the words of Monson, “I wouldn’t be shocked if they find a way of trading up to No. 3 overall for the guy Payton covets.” This sentiment captures the essence of the NFL draft: a time of high tension, strategic gambles, and the ever-present search for the next great NFL star.
Sources: Yardbarker
