Broncos make trade in the mock draft, but it would be a mistake

With the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning in 2016, the Denver Broncos have started 13 quarterbacks. In an attempt to put a stop to their dysfunction, they could gamble greatly in the NFL Draft.
In his most recent mock draft, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus projected that the Broncos would trade two first-round selections and four draft picks to the Washington Commanders to get the second overall pick and choose quarterback Drake Maye of North Carolina.

“I believe the market for quarterbacks in this draft will be red hot, and we’ll see that solidify after free agency,” wrote Sikkema. “Here, I have an aggressive [head coach] Sean Payton moving from No. 12 to No. 2 by giving up the same compensation package the 49ers offered to move up from No. 12 to No. 3 for Trey Lance in 2021.”

Maye is one of the best prospects in the class. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently rated him as his second-best QB, comparing him to Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert.

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However, after the Russell Wilson trade, Denver should know unloading draft capital inhibits a franchise’s ability to stockpile talent. Young QBs rarely carry a team and need a strong supporting cast to grow and flourish.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Denver is willing to allow Wilson to rework his contract. It isn’t easy to picture him wearing a Broncos uniform the following season, though, after being benched for the final two games of the year.
In place of Wilson, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham completed 60.6 percent of his throws for two touchdowns and one interception, going 1-1.
To break through its eight-year playoff drought, Denver has to identify a franchise cornerstone, but it shouldn’t take any action that might worsen its current bad luck.
The Broncos could contract a veteran quarterback to give him time to improve and choose a quarterback with the 12th pick—such as Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy—instead of dealing four draft selections. In March, Baker Mayfield becomes a free agent and might be.