Post the unceremonious departure of Russell Wilson, Broncos HC Sean Payton emphasizes need for ‘right fit’ at quarterback ahead of NFL Draft

Payton argued they need a quarterback but that doesn't mean they will draft anyone.

Post the unceremonious departure of Russell Wilson, Broncos HC Sean Payton emphasizes need for ‘right fit’ at quarterback ahead of NFL Draft

Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton (Image via IMAGO)

Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos may be in for a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft. However, the veteran head coach will not select just any player that falls into their lap. During the Broncos pre-draft press conference, Payton and general manager George Paton revealed their plans to select the best possible players in the draft. 

Sean Payton’s shopping in the draft starts with the No. 12 pick. However, if they wish to draft one of the generational quarterbacks, they must trade up. To achieve that, Parton needs to secure a trade partner, which is highly unlikely considering most of the high draft pick holders all want a QB.

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This is not a concern for Payton. He is aware of the necessity of a quarterback, but they will not jump the gun at just any player. Instead, they want to remain meticulous and choose those who fit the system.

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You’d say it sure looks like we have to draft a quarterback. And yet, it’s got to be the right fit. If we had tip sheets as to what everybody else was picking, it would be easier to answer that question
Sean Payton said per the Broncos’ official website.

The Broncos’ only undercenter right now is Jarett Stidham. Last season, he played a couple of games after Payton benched veteran Russell Wilson. The 35-year-old then left Boulder Country earlier this year and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Should Sean Payton trade up for a quarterback?

Parton can play this in two different ways. The first is to trade back their No. 12 pick and fall down the pecking order. It will lock their chances of securing Jayden Daniels or JJ McCarthy. However, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has predicted that Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and Spence Rattler are all getable in the second round. 

Post the unceremonious departure of Russell Wilson, Broncos HC Sean Payton emphasizes need for ‘right fit’ at quarterback ahead of NFL Draft
Sean Payton and Russell Wilson (via Imago)

The second scenario is to trade up, and the possible candidate could be the Arizona Cardinals. In this deal, the Broncos bag the No. 4 pick, and the Cardinals get wide receiver Courtland Sutton, 1-12, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick.

What you [the Broncos] don’t want to do is force it. You want to get the right player at 12. Our first pick, we’ve got to hit on. Whether it’s a quarterback, whether it’s a tackle or receiver.
Sean Payton said

If Parton manages to pull this off, they will have ample options to choose from as a top-10 pick. They can even opt against drafting a quarterback and go for a tackle or a receiver like Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers.

However, the Cardinals have already gone through a similar situation last season. GM Monti Ossenfort was traded down last year, which backfired, allowing the Houston Texans to draft CJ Stroud.

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