The Denver Broncos met with USC quarterback Caleb Williams at the NFL combine earlier this week, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.
Williams (6-1, 215 pounds) is widely considered the best quarterback prospect in this year’s class, with most draft pundits ranking him above Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy.
The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick this year and they are expected to draft Williams, but nothing’s guaranteed. It’s possible that Chicago could stick with Justin Fields and trade the top pick in the draft in a blockbuster deal.
The Broncos hold pick No. 12 and if they want to draft Williams, it would take a massive trade (perhaps including star cornerback Pat Surtain).
Denver general manager George Paton attended two USC games last season, likely primarily to scout Williams. Broncos coach Sean Payton has also spoken glowingly about Williams in the past. Despite their apparently interest in the QB, Paton hinted at the combine that it would be tough to trade up.
“I think you’d really have to love someone,” Paton said earlier this week when asked about potentially trading for a top-three pick. “To move up to the [No.] 1 [pick], I don’t know if we have the draft capital to do that. We’re open for anything, but that would be hard to move up to No. 1, realistically.”
Denver currently holds six draft picks, including 12th overall, but the team does not have a second-round selection. The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
