The Denver Broncos haven’t been talked about much as a team that could trade up in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. But that’s about to change.
Head coach Sean Payton opened up on the Broncos’ draft mindset while speaking with reporters Monday at the annual NFL owners’ meetings. Payton left the door wide open for a trade but noted it takes two to tango.
Sean Payton Gets Candid on Broncos’ Plans for 2024 NFL Draft
The Broncos own the No. 12 pick in the draft. It’s a good spot to be in, but it’s far enough down the board that trading up to, say, the top five likely would require significant additional assets.
Should trading up be considered “realistic” for Denver?
“I think that’s realistic,” Payton told reporters. “I know the reports suggested otherwise, but it’s realistic.”
Payton then identified the Arizona Cardinals, who own the No. 4 pick, as a potential trade partner. Arizona general manager Monti Ossenfort recently said the franchise is “open” for business.
“What’s hard to predict, though, is what’s on the receiving end,” Payton said. “It’s good to be Monti in Arizona today.”
It’s not Cardinals-or-bust for teams like the Broncos that could be looking to trade up. The New England Patriots are open to trading the No. 3 pick — Jerod Mayo admitted as much — and the Los Angeles Chargers also make sense as a potential trade partner.
So, the Broncos will have options. But trading up won’t be cheap, especially if it’s for a quarterback.
Broncos’ QB Situation Uncertain Following Russell Wilson’s Exit
Denver is finally in its post-Russell Wilson era. But the financial fallout won’t go away anytime soon, and the Broncos still don’t have a clear franchise quarterback of the future.
Perhaps Denver will trade up for a top-tier QB prospect. But, if the season started today, veteran Jarrett Stidham would probably be the starter.
“He is going to compete for that position,” Payton told reporters. ” … I’m sure there will be other candidates that will be competing with him.”
Stidham was drafted by the Patriots in 2019. He was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2022 offseason and signed with the Broncos a year later. Stidham has shown some promise, but with just four career starts under his belt, he remains inexperienced.
“I just don’t think that we’re there,” Payton said when asked whether Stidham has reached his ceiling. ” … In fairness to him, I’m anxious to see where that spot is, that’s it.”
As for this year’s QB draft class, Payton said people should “tune out the stuff” they read about prospects.
“The reality of it is, one, maybe two of these guys will have a chance of success,” he said. “And then you get those leap years where three or four do it.”
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