Denver Broncos general manager George Paton and offensive line coach Zach Strief attended Michigan’s pro day in Ann Arbor on Friday.
Paton got a close look at Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has been rising up pundit big boards as the NFL draft draws closer.
McCarthy was not the only notable draft prospect working out at Michigan’s pro day, but he was the most notable prospect for the QB-needy Broncos.
KFAN’s Paul Allen reported last month that Broncos coach Sean Payton is “quite enamored” with McCarthy, and Denver’s staff met with the QB at the combine. Unless the Broncos are attempting an elaborate smokescreen, it seems fair to say the club is interested in McCarthy.
Denver does not pick until 12th overall in the first round and McCarthy seems unlikely to fall that far. If McCarthy is Payton’s preferred QB, the team will likely need to trade up to land him.
The New York Giants, who hold pick No. 6, have been doing their homework on McCarthy. The Minnesota Vikings don’t pick until No. 11, but after also acquiring pick No. 23 via trade, they appear to be positioned to trade up for a QB.
So if the Broncos want to land a top QB, they might have to trade all the way up to pick No. 4 (unless they’re willing to make a deal with their division rivals — the Los Angeles Chargers sit at No. 5). Our most recent seven-round mock draft has Denver trading with the Arizona Cardinals to acquire pick No. 4 and draft McCarthy.
The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.
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