3 quarterbacks Broncos should acquire after missing out on Aaron Rodgers
By John Buhler
The Denver Broncos need to look elsewhere after missing out on Aaron Rodgers this offseason.
With Aaron Rodgers agreeing to a record-setting extension with the Green Bay Packers, the Denver Broncos have no choice but to pick up the pieces.
The Broncos were thought to be the most likely landing spot for Rodgers if he were to be traded this offseason. They are coached by his former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. With a talented roster, one would think the Broncos are a high-quality quarterback away from being a serious Super Bowl contender. Of course, this team has not reached the playoffs in six seasons.
Now that Rodgers is out of the picture, who can the Broncos realistically get to play quarterback for them this upcoming NFL season?
The #Packers and MVP QB Aaron Rodgers have agreed to terms on a 4-year, $200M deal that makes him the highest paid player in NFL history, sources say. He gets a whopping $153M guaranteed and his cap number goes down. A monstrous commitment by GB for years to come. 💰 💰 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2022
Denver Broncos: 3 quarterbacks to pursue after striking out on Aaron Rodgers
Scouting Report. QB. player. 866. Pick Analysis. Pittsburgh Panthers. Kenny Pickett. 3
Kenny Pickett is the most pro-ready quarterback prospect entering the NFL Draft
While this may not be a great quarterback draft class, similar things were said about the 2017 class that yielded Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Though there is certainly going to be another Mitchell Trubisky in this crop of quarterbacks, the one guy who stands the best chance to be coming off the board first is Kenny Pickett from Pitt. He projects as a more athletic Matt Ryan.
Pickett had ample starting experience at Pitt. He quarterbacked the Panthers to an ACC Championship victory over Wake Forest and a New Year’s Six bowl appearance. The ACC Player of the Year was a Heisman Trophy finalist as well. Though much will be made about his tiny hands, he played his home games in the elements at Heinz Field. He wears gloves like Teddy Bridgewater.
Of the handful of quarterbacks with first-round potential, Pickett is the only one ready to start Week 1. There may be bumps along the way, but he will be coached up by Hackett in Denver. With the Broncos picking at No. 9, they are right in the sweet spot to take the first quarterback off the board. While they might have to trade up, Pickett could fall to them and may become their savior.
If Pickett is some version of Ryan, Mac Jones or Jared Goff, then this is a big win for the Broncos.