After Russell Wilson’s exit, the Denver Broncos are eyeing for some key players to add to their roster. Sean Payton and the team are facing a crucial phase, and they have just over two weeks to make it. Before the NFL combine, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy wasn’t getting much attention from Broncos fans.

However, after an impressive showing at the combine, McCarthy’s popularity in Broncos country skyrocketed along with his draft stock across the NFL. But there might be a twist in the tale, as former NFL player, Brian Baldinger, advised Payton to leave McCarthy, as of now, for another popular name this draft season.

Brian Baldinger doesn’t see Mike McCarthy as an instant fit?

In the latest episode of DNVR Sports, Brian Baldinger joined the show hosts Ryan Koenigsberg, Zac Stevens, and Henry Chisholm, to talk about Denver and their possible draft trade. When asked by the host who would he see Sean Payton picking for Denver at the moment from names like J.J. McCarthy, Jared Verse, and Brock Bowers. Baldinger suggested that if the Broncos have the choice, “I think Jared Verse you could plug and play him right now and you’re going to get a good defensive end. He looks like he’s ready to play and contribute and that’s a position of need after some of the mistakes that they made….I would say Jared Verse, you could Plug and Play.”

He believes that Verse is ready to step in and contribute immediately as a defensive end, addressing a position of need for the Broncos. Regarding McCarthy, Baldinger expressed some reservations. He mentioned that quarterbacks in the draft process often face intense security, regardless of their talent level. While McCarthy appeared skilled, Baldinger questioned if he could thrive in certain offensive systems, such as one reliant on deep passing like Michael Penix Jr.’s offense at the University of Washington.

Baldinger suggested that McCarthy’s success at Michigan, where the offense was run-heavy, might not translate to other systems. However, he acknowledged that the Broncos’ coach, Payton, may have a different perspective on McCarthy, given his history of coaching quarterbacks.

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Read more: While “Sean Payton Likes J.J. McCarthy,” Michael Irvin Not Sure About Russell Wilson’s Replacement

Ultimately, Baldinger emphasized the importance of considering the fit between a player’s skills and the team’s offensive strategy. But what does Payton think of McCarthy?

Does Sean Payton want J.J. McCarthy?

Although Sean Payton wasn’t present at Michigan’s pro day, he closely followed McCarthy’s performance. Additionally, Payton was reportedly present at McCarthy’s private workout with the Broncos, indicating his keen interest in the talented quarterback. In the NFL’s annual owners’ meeting, Payton said, “I wasn’t at J.J.’s pro day, but we had a private (workout with him) the next day where we sent him a bunch of information, spent four or five hours with him, just made him throw all over again. I think it’s all part of the process. I think it can lead to a more efficient and effective decision.” However, the decision Payton is talking about isn’t just about deciding whether to pick J.J. with the 12th overall pick in the draft.

First, the Broncos have to be sure that McCarthy is the right choice for them. Then, they need to figure out how to make sure they can get him in the draft. Before the NFL Combine, McCarthy’s draft status was similar to other quarterbacks like Bo Nix from Oregon or Michael Penix Jr. from Washington. Some experts even thought McCarthy would be picked later in the draft, maybe on the second day, because he wasn’t used as much as a passerby by his coach at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh.

Now it remains to be seen what will be the next move of Payton and his Denver in the NFL draft that begins on April, 25.