New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

How trade for QB Zach Wilson may impact Broncos' draft plans

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/23/24

Although the Denver Broncos acquired Zach Wilson from the New York Jets in a late-round pick swap on Monday, they could still take a quarterback in the NFL Draft, which starts on Thursday.

In 2021, the Broncos obtained Teddy Bridgewater in a trade with the Carolina Panthers before the draft. Thus, they didn't take a QB. Nick Kosmider of The Athletic explained the Wilson trade doesn't mean they'll do the same.

"Unlike in 2021, though, this trade shouldn't be viewed as a referendum on Denver's plans in the draft," wrote Kosmider. "Wilson's arrival doesn't fundamentally change the calculus. [General manager George Paton] last week said that if there is a special player available at the game's most important position when the draft begins, 'then you do whatever it takes to get him.'"

The Broncos have the 12th overall pick, but they would still like to move up in the draft and land one of the top QB prospects, perhaps Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. On her X account, The Athletic's Dianna Russini noted they're still trying to determine whether they can make this happen.

So what does this mean for Denver in this upcoming draft?
Expect the Broncos to continue working behind the scenes to see if they have enough to move up in the draft for a QB, otherwise all other options are on the table .
I was told this front office is exploring it all.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 22, 2024

Wilson gives Denver a stop-gap if it can't move up and wants to avoid reaching for an offensive signal-caller. The second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft probably provides more upside than former fourth-rounder Jarrett Stidham, who completed 60.6 percent of his passes in two starts last season.

The Broncos don't have a second-round pick. Still, they should target an intriguing QB with some untapped potential in the third round, such as Tulane's Michael Pratt or South Carolina's Spencer Rattler.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton is probably banking on his ability to salvage 24-year-old Wilson, who posted a lousy 73.2 passer rating in three seasons with New York. Payton helped future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees revive his career while he served as New Orleans Saints HC from 2006-21.

Unlike Wilson, though, Brees was an ascending player before he teamed up with Payton. In his last two seasons with the Chargers, Brees made one Pro Bowl and logged a superb 97 passer rating.

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