Broncos Show Huge Sign of Interest in First-Round Projected QB

Michael Penix Jr. started as a likely second-round pick due to injury concerns, but his stock has risen and he could end up going on Day 1.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) during warmups / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are in desperate need of new life under center. As the NFL draft approaches, the Broncos have been thoroughly researching all of the quarterback prospects in the 2024 class.

One prospect has reportedly visited the Mile High City as a part of the pre-draft process. According to 9NEWS' Mike Klis, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. met with the Broncos at team headquarters on Tuesday.

"As QB prospect Michael Penix Jr. makes the rounds, he visited Broncos headquarters yesterday per source. Penix has picked up momentum since his Pro Day workout last week. Injury history at Indiana but two clean years at Washington, where he combined for 9,544 yards/67 touchdowns," Klis wrote.

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Penix, 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, could be selected in the first round. He's viewed as an intelligent quarterback who's extremely accurate with his ball placement. His stock has risen of late, with NFL coaches buzzing about his intangible ability to manipulate things at the line of scrimmage, which has also likely caught Sean Payton's attention, who's admittedly looking for a quarterback with a 'quick processor.'

Entering draft season, the biggest concern regarding Penix was his medicals. That question has been answered as he reportedly passed the medical exams at the NFL Combine. 

The Broncos met with Penix at the Senior Bowl and the Combine. Penix described his meeting with the Broncos in Indianapolis as an interesting one. He further stated that it was tough, as the Broncos staff pulled up numerous bad plays on film. Despite that, Penix emphasized how special it would be to play for Payton.

Penix donning a Broncos uniform is a possibility. If the Broncos can't trade up for one of the top 4 quarterbacks in this class, Penix will be under consideration.

He's coming off a great season at Washington, passing for 4,902 yards and 36 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions, and leading the Huskies all the way to the National Championship Game, where he was vanquished by the Michigan Wolverines. That game saw Penix square off with J.J. McCarthy, and it's possible that both quarterbacks hear their name called in the first round of the draft.

Round 1 of the 2024 NFL draft kicks off on April 25.

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