3 Reasons Why Broncos Won't Draft a QB at Pick 12
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The focus around the Denver Broncos has shifted to free agency and, more importantly, the NFL draft. Mock drafts are already floating around social media, and everyone has their take.
But what should the Broncos do with the No. 12 overall pick? The quarterback position is a huge question mark for Denver going forward, regardless of whether Russell Wilson returns or not.
While it may be an exciting prospect for the Broncos to draft a first-round QB this year, it may not be the best decision for this current team. Let’s dive into why Denver should forgo selecting a signal-caller in Round 1 this year.
Too Costly
The consensus top-3 quarterbacks in this year’s draft class are USC's Caleb Williams, UNC's Drake Maye, and LSU's Jayden Daniels. Each prospect has unique skills that would inject life into the Broncos' offense, whether it be arm talent, mobility, or football IQ.
Drafting any of the top-3 QBs would give Denver a shot at a long-term answer at the quarterback position. The problem is the Broncos would have to trade up into the top-3 of the draft to guarantee landing one. The Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots control the first three picks, and all three need a quarterback.
To move up to any of those spots would require a ton of draft capital and even a blue-chip veteran or two. The Broncos simply don’t have the ammunition to make such a move. Even if they did, the team would have to convince one of the teams in the top-3 to move back all the way back to No. 12 overall.
If Denver does manage to make a move into the top-3 and select one of the top flight options, the cost may be crippling. After all the draft capital the Broncos relinquished in the past two offseasons, they enter 2024 with six selections.
The Broncos would have to be willing to trade away much of their 2024 picks, some 2025 selections, and likely a starter-level player to even get Chicago, Washington, or New England to pick up the phone. That would leave the Broncos' roster barebones and unable to support a young highly-drafted quarterback.
Tier-2 QBs Not Worth a First-Rounder
This team is already void of talent across the board, and using resources to trade up for a player who won’t have a supporting cast to help lift them could stunt the QB's development.
The second-tier signal callers in this class are intriguing but aren’t worth taking at No. 12. Trading back isn’t a bad option if the Broncos think they can take a quarterback later.
Too Many Other Roster Holes
This team is better served trading back to acquire more picks to rebuild this roster with many holes to be plugged. The Broncos need help across the defensive line, and acquiring explosive players at wide receiver or tight end is a need.
If the Broncos can hold off on selecting a quarterback until next season after they’ve built the nest around him, they'll create a better environment for him to grow. While going into the 2024 season with another veteran stopgap under center isn’t the sexiest thing in the world, Broncos Country may have to face that reality for at least one more year.
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