The Denver Broncos traded for former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson this week, but that doesn’t mean they’re changing their plans at quarterback ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. At No. 12 overall, Denver could select Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon’s Bo Nix, but the Broncos could also trade for their guy.
During a recent interview on 104.3 The Fan’s Stokley and Josh, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning said the Broncos have an affinity for Michigan’s JJ McCarthy.
“I know Denver is very interested in him and it looks like a place he would like to come, but it’s a little out of his control,” Manning said via Denver Sports.
Manning said he spoke on the phone with McCarthy, who was “impressive to talk to.” Many mock drafts see McCarthy selected No. 5 overall by a team like the Minnesota Vikings, who trade up to select their new franchise quarterback. If Denver really wants McCarthy, general manager George Paton may have to make a deal to move up the selection committee.
Appearing on “The Adam Schefter Podcast,” McCarthy recently called the Broncos stylistic adjustment, and that Sean Payton had “so much good advice” in the preliminary process.
McCarthy went a perfect 15-0 for the Wolverines in 2023 and won the College Football Playoff National Championship. Over the past two years, he has thrown 44 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Overall, McCarthy went 27-1 as a starter at Michigan, good enough for third-best quarterback in FBS history. However, he is poised to become the first quarterback drafted in the top 10 with no college season of 3,000 passing yards or 500 rushing yards since Joey Harrington in 2002. Still, NFL teams consider the 21 year old passer like someone with a high ceiling. to the next level. The Broncos are apparently one of them.