Does mock draft prediction mean Broncos will hold on to Russell Wilson?

Although some believe the Denver Broncos will select a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to replace an aging Russell Wilson, a recent mock draft has them upgrading their O-line instead.

CBS Sports draft analyst Chris Trapasso predicts Denver will trade the ninth overall pick to the New England Patriots to move up to the fifth slot and select Penn State left tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu.

"[Broncos head coach] Sean Payton knows how vital a super-steady left tackle is," Trapasso wrote of the selection. "So he makes an aggressive move to get the best blocker in the class."

Clearly, the Broncos must fortify their O-line, which has allowed the eight-most sacks (26) in the NFL. Still, it's unclear if Wilson has solidified his future in Denver.

"Wilson has had some moments this season when he has looked comfortable and been productive in the offense — but he has looked like his 2022 self at times, too," wrote ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jeff Legwold. "He has two 300-yard passing days this season but also two showings under 120 yards."

Wilson's contract (a seven-year, $245M deal) is another issue. It doesn't make sense for Denver to keep an expensive player who isn't a franchise cornerstone anymore, but moving on from him isn't exactly the easiest thing either.

If the organization releases the former Pro Bowler in 2024, it will come at a massive cost. Per Over the Cap, cutting him with a pre-June 1 designation will incur $85M in dead money, while a post-June 1 designation incurs $35.4M.

Despite the expense, it appears Denver general manager George Paton is scouting QBs. On Saturday, ESPN's Pete Thamel spotted him at the Washington-Southern Cal game featuring star passers Michael Penix Jr. (Huskies) and Caleb Williams (Trojans).

Unless Wilson catches fire in the second half of the season, expect the Broncos (3-5) to move on and try to find the answer at the most important position in the draft.