Broncos reportedly could trade down, draft QB in first round

The Denver Broncos continue to be linked with potential 2024 NFL Draft moves that involve the club leaving the first round with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. 

Sportskeeda consulting editor and draft analyst Tony Pauline reported on Tuesday that the Philadelphia Eagles could trade with Denver to move up from pick No. 22 to No. 12. Such a transaction could allow Philadelphia to select Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and also keep the door open for the Broncos to ultimately end up with Nix.

NFL writer Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated suggested that the Broncos could jump up from overall pick No. 12 to No. 10 for Nix. Albert Breer of that same outlet reported that Denver "quietly did a lot of work on" Nix leading up to the draft that gets underway on Thursday night. 

Former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning recently revealed that Denver "is very interested" in Michigan signal-caller J.J. McCarthy. Many continue to believe a team such as the Minnesota Vikings can and will outbid Denver regarding a potential trade to move up in the draft order for the national champion. 

Meanwhile, some now think that Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. could be a top-10 draft pick. It's widely assumed Caleb Williams of USC, Jayden Daniels of LSU, Drake Maye of North Carolina and McCarthy will be the first four quarterbacks drafted. 

A recent report named Nix as "the most likely" of the quarterback prospects mentioned in this piece to slide out of the first round. However, one wonders if his stock could rise if Penix is off the board before a team is called to spend the draft's 12th choice. 

For example, the Las Vegas Raiders at pick No. 13 have been linked with Penix and could view Nix as a fallback option. The Seattle Seahawks at No. 16 may also take a flier on either Penix or Nix. 

As much as the Broncos seemingly want to trade up for Daniels, Maye or McCarthy, such a move may not be possible. Thus, Denver could wait to see if Penix falls to No. 12 on Thursday before trading that asset to a club that won't use it to take a quarterback. 

Perhaps the Broncos would even be able to choose between Penix and Nix at No. 22.