Broncos HC Sean Payton hedges on whether team will take first-round QB

The Broncos could draft a passer with the 12th overall pick, perhaps 2023 Heisman finalists Bo Nix (Oregon) or Michael Penix Jr. (Washington). However, taking either QB early in the first round could be considered a reach.

Penix may have durability issues. When he was with Indiana from 2018-21, he tore his right ACL twice and injured both of his shoulders. 

Nix, meanwhile, hasn't settled questions about his arm strength. Nick Akridge of Pro Football Focus has pointed out that he struggles to throw with "extra velocity" while grading him as a mid-to-late second-round pick. 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Tuesday teams view the Broncos and Minnesota Vikings as trade-up options for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy. Denver lacks draft capital, though, as it only has two picks through the first three rounds. (Minnesota has the 11th and 23rd overall picks.)

If the Broncos can't trade down and land a QB, the team should target one in the third round (No. 76 overall). South Carolina's Spencer Rattler recently confirmed he met with Denver on FanDuel's "Up and Adams," which signals it is mulling this.

While he's not viewed as an elite prospect, Rattler would give Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham – who posted a below-average 87.7 passer rating in two starts last season – some competition. 

As of Thursday, FanDuel listed the Broncos' 2024-25 over-under win total at 5.5, tied with the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots for the worst in the NFL. Missing on the most important position would exacerbate their problems.