Broncos make aggressive play for franchise QB in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft
With Russell Wilson no longer on the roster, the Denver Broncos are looking at beginning the 2024 season with a depth chart that reads Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci at quarterback.
The team has been suspiciously quiet in free agency as well, prompting many — including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. — to wonder if the team plans to find its next starting quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In his latest mock draft, Kiper Jr. has the Broncos reaching a bit for a QB and taking Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick.
“Nix isn't going to be for every team, but Payton might see a little Drew Brees in him,” Kiper Jr. said. “He's a super-fast processor who can make every throw and was one of the most productive passers in college football the past two seasons. Taking Nix in Round 1 would be a way for the Broncos to try to snag a franchise quarterback, and if they moved down a few spots, they could regain valuable capital. But again, they have to really believe in his potential to do it.”
Nix was the most accurate passer in the NCAA in 2023, completing 77.4% of his passes for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He led the country in touchdown passes, ranked second in passing yards and his three picks were the second-fewest among QBs to throw 20 or more touchdowns.
However, many scouts disagree on whether or not he and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. are truly first-round-caliber passers.
Without its second-round pick, which went to the New Orleans Saints as part of the trade for head coach Sean Payton, Denver would have to wait until the 76th overall pick in Round 3 to draft a QB if it passes in Round 1. At that point, Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman, Tulane’s Michael Pratt and Tennessee’s Joe Milton might be the best available options.
“Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and [South Carolina’s] Spencer Rattler are likely to be off the board by the time Denver picks again,” Kiper Jr. added. “So could Sean Payton & Co. instead take one [12th overall] or trade down a few picks in Round 1?That's the way I'm leaning right now.”
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