The Denver Broncos made a bold move on Monday, parting ways with quarterback Russell Wilson after a two-year stint. It’s a decision that’s certainly thrown them a curveball. As things stand, the Broncos find themselves in a tight spot with their 2024 cap space still in the negatives, which hints at some tough decisions on the horizon. They might have to bid farewell to a few team members or look into trades.
And there’s no doubt they’ll be poring over contracts, trying to find ways to loosen up the purse strings in time for spring.

But there’s another pressing issue: finding a new quarterback for 2024 now that Wilson is no longer on the roster. Even though things might seem a bit bleak at the moment, there’s a silver lining. The draft could offer some promising prospects if the team takes a liking to any of the new quarterbacks entering the league.

What qualities does Sean Payton favor?

When Sean Payton shared his insights at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, he highlighted the critical qualities he’s scouting for. He pointed out, “At some point, teams are going to make you win from the pocket.” According to him, strategic rushing can prevent quarterbacks from breaking free, emphasizing the necessity of being adept on third down. But James Palmer had more insights.

According to him, Payton is looking for QBs who can “multitask”. He will also look at “how they process information, how they make decisions quickly”. This includes taking a snap, spotting an opening for a throw, and safeguarding that crucial position, irrespective of the QB’s height. Payton believes QBs navigate the field by finding gaps between players rather than peering over them. This approach, however, might pose extra challenges for some of them.

Read More: Exclusive: Roosters Skipper James Tedesco Gives Final Verdict on Tom Brady-Patrick Mahomes GOAT Debate Before NRL 2024 Opener in Las Vegas

Payton had a word with several of the QBs up for grabs in the upcoming Draft. However, there are top five prospects who could solve the Broncos’ QB woes.

Which QB could help out the Broncos?

The Broncos don’t have a second-round pick at the moment, but there’s chatter about potentially trading veterans like Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Javonte Williams for extra draft capital. This could open up opportunities to move up the draft board or secure a valuable second-rounder. Candidates like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix, or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. are on the radar.

Then there’s the possibility of picking up someone like Spencer Rattler from South Carolina or Michael Pratt from Tulane in the later rounds, maybe the third or beyond. Hearing from the prospects themselves, it’s clear they’re thrilled at the prospect of working with Sean Payton and his team. Jayden Daniels from LSU is no stranger to Payton’s legacy, and Drake Maye from North Carolina was stoked about meeting one of the NFL’s strategic masterminds. But it’s unlikely that the Broncos will be able to bag any of these two since they’ll be taken by then.

It seems the Broncos might actually lean towards a temporary fix while they groom a newcomer for 2024, unless they’re convinced one of these talents can hit the ground running. The more likely scenario? Giving the rookie a year to learn the ropes.