Broncos HC Sean Payton 'enamored' with boom-or-bust quarterback

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy seems like a boom-or-bust prospect, yet he's piqued the interest of Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton.

On Tuesday, longtime Minnesota Vikings broadcaster and KFAN-FM host Paul Allen claimed a source told him Payton is "enamored" with the 21-year-old signal-caller. Of note, Broncos general manager George Paton spent 14 seasons in the Vikings front office, meaning that he and Allen could be on good terms.

"There's just a little bit of steam that's beginning to emerge locally that Sean Payton loves J.J. McCarthy," said Allen. "He's a quarterback from a pro-style offense with a strong arm. I'm not going to say he reminds him of Drew Brees. McCarthy moves more than Drew, and he's taller and not as accurate."

Scouts' opinions on McCarthy vary drastically. Per ESPN's Matt Miller, an AFC East scout compared his skill set to Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, while another scout in the AFC South gave him a third-round grade. 

McCarthy helped Michigan win its first national championship in 26 years this past season, but his numbers don't jump off the stat sheet and scream franchise QB. In 15 games, he completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 TDs and four interceptions.

The Broncos – who have the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft – will probably release Russell Wilson in March and draft his replacement, with Tankathon projecting that Denver will select McCarthy. 

Still, it's fair to wonder whether McCarthy is ready to start in the NFL, let alone carry a franchise. He wouldn't be entering an ideal situation, either. The Broncos finished 20th in the league in points scored (21 PPG) for the past campaign and have posted seven straight losing season. 

The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis starts on Feb. 26 and Denver should look into additional quarterbacks there to ensure it makes the right decision.