The Denver Broncos are reportedly setting the stage for a significant shift in their strategy for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. According to NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the team is prepared to be “pretty aggressive” in their efforts to ascend from their current No. 12 pick. The primary aim? Securing a top-tier quarterback to bolster their roster.
Patrick Surtain II, A Key Trade Asset
Tony Pauline, a respected NFL Draft analyst and consulting editor for Sportskeeda, has provided further insight into Denver’s potential trading strategy. It appears the Denver Broncos are considering offering up Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II as a centerpiece in a blockbuster trade deal.
Any package to move up will include at least one future first-round pick as well as Surtain and the 12th selection in this year’s draft.
Target Locked, J.J. McCarthy
The focus of the Denver Broncos’ draft aspirations seems to be on Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy. This move could potentially reshape the team’s future, aligning them with a proven leader capable of navigating the pressures of the NFL. McCarthy’s leadership and playmaking skills have placed him in the crosshairs of several NFL teams looking to bolster their quarterback position.
Draft Speculation Swirls Around Quarterbacks
As the draft approaches, speculation continues to swirl around the order of selections. Caleb Williams of USC is widely anticipated to be the first pick by the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders, holding the second pick, have shown no signs of a willingness to trade away their high-value selection.
They, along with the New England Patriots, have been linked to a trio of quarterback prospects: McCarthy, Jayden Daniels of LSU, and Drake Maye from North Carolina.
Eliot Wolf, the de facto general manager of the New England Patriots, hinted at being “open” to discussions around either trading the third pick or selecting one of the top available quarterbacks, indicating the high stakes and fluid dynamics leading into the draft.
My latest and last NFL mock draft before next week. 8 trades. 2 in the top 5. #Patriots #Vikings #Bills #Cardinals make blockbuster deals. #Broncos trade 3 times. #Eagles move up to 12.
Here’s my mock draft 3.0: https://t.co/klNPXQDAfI— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) April 16, 2024
Denver Broncos Face Tough Competition for J.J. McCarthy
While the Denver Broncos are keen on climbing up the draft order, they face stiff competition. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants are also in the fray, potentially vying to secure McCarthy for themselves.
As of now, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Vikings as the betting favorites to land McCarthy, followed by the Giants and Patriots, showcasing the intense competition and strategic maneuvering prevalent in the run-up to the draft.
Moreover, the top teams in the draft order, specifically the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers, are open to trading down. Interestingly, both teams need a cornerback, which might make Surtain an attractive proposition should trade talks intensify.
Denver Broncos Go All-In
The Denver Broncos’ aggressive strategy and willingness to leverage significant assets underscore their commitment to securing a franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. As the countdown to the draft continues, all eyes will be on the Denver Broncos to see if they can execute a trade that could potentially alter the team’s trajectory for years to come.
As the landscape of the draft shifts with each passing day, the anticipation builds for what could be one of the most strategic drafts in recent NFL history.
Sources: Yardbarker
