After one of the most disastrous trades in NFL history, Russell Wilson is headed off the Denver Broncos roster, leaving them without many options. The organization and head coach Sean Payton have praised Jarrett Stidham, but I doubt many envision him as the long-term solution there.
Who should the Broncos target in the 2024 NFL Draft to help replace Wilson at QB?
2024 NFL Draft Targets To Replace Russell Wilson
We know Payton will want a quarterback who can throw with timing and excel in rhythm, keeping the offense moving and taking what the defense will give him.
Quarterbacks who freelance too often or ones he has to scrap most of the offense for (like Payton had to do for Wilson) aren’t high on his radar, as we’ve seen with most of the quarterbacks Payton has targeted in his history as a head coach.
With that in mind, only a few quarterbacks in this 2024 NFL Draft class fit the bill.
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
This one would require them to use their first-round pick (and potentially more) to get a quarterback, but it’d be worth it for Payton to get his guy under center finally.
J.J. McCarthy has already shown he can operate in a similar passing game to what Payton deployed with Drew Brees under center, but he has the tools and athletic gifts to grow into being more than a game-manager style of QB. McCarthy’s youth also means he can be a more viable franchise quarterback option.
Bo Nix, Oregon
If the Broncos trade back and secure a second-round pick, Bo Nix also makes a lot of sense later in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nix operated an Oregon offense that took a lot of the burden off his shoulders this season, showcasing good accuracy underneath in short passes and an ability to work a quick passing game. He’s older and doesn’t boast the same tools as other quarterbacks, but he does have good improvisational ability to make plays out of structure.
Michael Pratt, Tulane
A likely Day 3 target, there are plenty of connections between Michael Pratt and Payton due to their mutual ties to the New Orleans area. Pratt fits what Payton wants at quarterback and has the intangibles Payton has coveted at the position. He’s accurate at all three levels of the field and showed quick processing and the ability to play from the pocket in his college career.
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Pratt likely slips down the board because he doesn’t possess the same level of physical tools that other quarterbacks in this class do, with a solid arm and athleticism. He can easily operate Payton’s offense, but he might not have the physical talents to be a long-term franchise option.
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