Broncos draft Russell Wilson's replacement in latest mock

The Broncos officially confirmed on Monday that they are releasing QB Russell Wilson at the start of the new league year on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

With Wilson's departure, quarterback now becomes Denver's biggest need this offseason. That's why NFL.com's Charles Davis has the Broncos landing Wilson's replacement in his latest mock draft.

With pick No. 12 in the 2024 NFL Draft, Davis believes Denver will select Oregon QB Bo Nix.

"This might be a surprise to some at No. 12, but it's not a surprise that Broncos HC Sean Payton could be interested in a passer whose accuracy in his last two college seasons was reminiscent of Drew Brees," Davis writes.

Nobody is putting Nix in Brees' company, but he is an intriguing prospect after completing 74.8 percent of his passes over the past two years. He also led college football with 45 passing touchdowns in 2023 while protecting the football very well, throwing just three interceptions on 470 attempts.

However, some "experts" believe Nix could fall to the second round in the quarterback-rich draft. Davis does not agree and rightfully so.

Denver can't go into next season with QB Jarrett Stidham as its starter, but after taking an $85 million dead cap hit for releasing Wilson, it is in a tough spot financially. 

The Broncos are still $16.35 million over the salary cap, per Over the Cap. That's why adding to their quarterback room through the draft seems like the only viable option.

Stidham, a fourth-round pick in 2019, will still likely get a fair shot at the starting job, but his eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 career games don't scream confidence.

Some may believe that Nix could be a reach at pick No. 12. However, Payton is searching for his next franchise quarterback, and if he finds one he believes in, it would not be surprising if Denver uses its first-round pick on the position on the first night.