Report: Broncos Expected to 'Sniff Around' Purdue QB Aidan O'Connell

O'Connell has a Day 3 grade.

The Denver Broncos — they of five overall selections — could emerge from this week's NFL draft with a new quarterback in tow.

NBC Sports' Peter King reported Monday that Denver is expected to "sniff around" Purdue QB Aidan O'Connell, a mid-to-late-round prospect.

"The Broncos pick 67 and 68 to start. I don’t expect them to trade a receiver, and I do expect them, on day three, to sniff around Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell," were Kings' exact words.

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A two-time second-team All-Big Ten honoree, O'Connell finished his collegiate career with a 66.7 completion percentage, 9,219 air yards, 65 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions across 30 games for the Boilermakers.

The 6-foot-3 pro-style passer was given a Round 4-5 projection by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, who foresees O'Connell as a backup at the next level.

"O’Connell’s 2021 tape is better than what we saw from him in 2022, but there were still flashes last season," Zierlein wrote in his scouting profile. "He’s a pocket passer who can throw with solid accuracy over the first two levels but struggles with trajectory and rhythm on deep targets. O’Connell has below-average mobility inside and outside the pocket. He needs to keep his progressions on schedule and his throws on time to make up for average arm strength. He had to carry a heavy percentage of the offense on his back at Purdue and could benefit from an offense that allows him to manage games. O’Connell has backup potential and his upside is slightly above average."

The Broncos hold two choices — Nos. 108 and 139 — in the aforementioned rounds, though it's fair to wonder if they'll take a flier on a signal-caller. The club currently has three under contract for 2023: Russell Wilson, the locked-in starter; Jarrett Stidham, who signed a two-year, $10 million free-agent deal; and Jarrett Guarantano, a project from the previous regime.

However, only Stidham was handpicked by new head coach Sean Payton. There isn't much loyalty elsewhere.

Which may explain Denver's impending sniffs.

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