Broncos take potential Russell Wilson replacement in new mock draft

Per Denver head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos will make a Russell Wilson decision within "the next two weeks," meaning they'll probably release him. In a new mock draft, they select a replacement.

Longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has them taking Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 12th overall pick. He noted the 21-year-old isn't a surefire franchise cornerstone, but he has upside.

"Look, this would be a reach by my rankings, but I could see why a team in the top 15 would talk itself into McCarthy," wrote Kiper Jr. "He will test extremely well during combine workouts and impress coaches and front office execs in interviews. He wasn't asked to carry the Wolverines with his arm the past two seasons, but that doesn't mean he couldn't do it. Sure, McCarthy needs some refinement, but Sean Payton could get the best out of him in Denver."

The NFL scouting community is split on McCarthy. One talent evaluator told ESPN's Matt Miller he's similar to Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, while another gave him a third-round grade. 

McCarthy led the Wolverines to their first national championship in 26 years but didn't carry the team. He threw for 2,991 yards and 22 TDs in 15 games.

The Broncos are interested in McCarthy, but they're meeting with other QBs to ensure they make the right choice. According to Mike Klis of KUSA-TV in Denver, they interviewed McCarthy on Tuesday and will meet with Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon's Bo Nix on Wednesday.