Yet another mock draft predicts that the Broncos will select a quarterback who won a national championship.

There is increasing traction among various mock drafts suggesting that the Denver Broncos will select a quarterback with their 12th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. This scenario seems logical given the team’s likely departure from Russell Wilson this offseason, despite statements to the contrary from GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton during their end-of-season press conferences. Despite claims that the door remains open for Wilson’s return, even individuals at the Super Bowl doubt this possibility. Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan conveyed similar sentiments to our own Andrew Mason in Las Vegas.

ESPN has previously projected Michigan’s national champion QB, J.J. McCarthy, to be selected by Denver, and CBS Sports followed suit on Thursday. Josh Edwards highlights McCarthy’s winning record and accuracy, qualities that could appeal to Sean Payton and lead to McCarthy joining the Broncos in the Rocky Mountains. McCarthy’s impressive completion rate of 72.3% during the 2023 season, along with leading Michigan to a perfect 15-0 record, underscores his capabilities. Other quarterbacks like Bo Nix from Oregon and Michael Penix Jr. from Washington have also been mentioned, though it seems unlikely that top prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels will fall to Denver, as they are predicted to go in the top three overall picks.

While there’s still roughly 2.5 months until the NFL Draft, early indications suggest momentum for McCarthy to land in Denver. If chosen, he would be the Broncos’ first first-round quarterback pick since Paxton Lynch, setting a low bar for expectations.