6 QBs Broncos Could Target After Round 1 of 2024 NFL Draft

We've talked a lot about the first six 2024 quarterbacks but what about the next group's fit for the Denver Broncos?

The Denver Broncos parting way with quarterback Russell Wilson seems inevitable, even though the team says the door to return  is still "open." It feels impossible for the two sides to recover from the ugly nature of Wilson's benching and QB's allegations of the Broncos threatening to demote him if he didn't remove the injury guarantees from his contract. 

The focus has shifted to the top six quarterbacks in the draft, including USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels, Washington's Michael Penix, Oregon's Bo Nix, and Michigan national champion J.J. McCarthy. While the onus has been on these QB prospects, it's possible the Broncos won't end up taking one of them at pick No. 12 in the 2024 NFL draft, though a lot can change over the coming months. 

If the Broncos don't end up landing one of the top six quarterbacks, for whatever reason, what about the second group of six? I'm talking QB7 through QB12.

Let's examine that next group of signal-callers in the 2024 draft class. 

Michael Pratt | Tulane

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Pratt is one of the better Day 3 options. He doesn't have the arm strength to attack the field 20-plus yards with velocity, but he can still throw up some deep shots. 

Up to 20 yards, there is enough arm strength to attack sideline to sideline with enough velocity. The athleticism isn't great, but Pratt works the pocket well to avoid pressure. He can also make solid throws at different angles and speed up his release.

One of the best things about Pratt is that he has a high football IQ and checks all the intangible boxes teams have. You get the best he has to offer when he can work with timing and rhythm routes. 

Coaches won't have to do much work to develop his mechanics or technique, as it is already better than multiple starting NFL quarterbacks. Pratt is one of the better fits for a Sean Payton offense and could likely be had early on Day 3, though that's subject to change through the draft process.

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Spencer Rattler | South Carolina

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The on-field stuff with Rattler is enticing. He has a good arm to make all the throws with good enough mechanics and a fast motion. There is a good ability to reset his lower half when he has to move off his spot or even throw off the platform.

There are serious concerns about his attitude and behavior, going back to when he was on Netflix's series QB1. Those concerns were brought up in Oklahoma and again in South Carolina. On top of that, his reads and vision are questionable, especially over the middle of the field.

With his issues working over the middle of the field and the concerns about him, he may not be a good option for the Broncos. 

Sam Hartman | Notre Dame

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Hartman's ability will bring many questions about his ability to be more than a backup in the NFL. How he made a living in college doesn't translate to the NFL, where defenders are faster and more disciplined. He also doesn't have the athleticism or arm talent to thrive in the NFL outside of specific schemes.

However, Hartman is smart and processes the field quickly. You can use what he has to make an effective offense that features short and intermediate throws to complement a robust rushing attack. He can make a living as a good backup with additional development and likely has a future as a coach in the NFL.

With the Broncos' limited picks, Hartman can be a decent enough option in the sixth or seventh round. 

Joe Milton | Tennessee

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Milton would be another late-round option, but he will need a lot of work. With the Broncos' limited draft picks, it might be better to see if they could land him as an undrafted free agent. That is, if he's identified as a QB Payton would want to work with.

Milton has plenty of tools and traits, but he has never put it all together. His live arm can make NFL throws, but his placement is highly inconsistent. The Broncos' offense would have to be changed to fit what he can do with his arm and athleticism while covering up his slow processor.

Timing and rhythm throws don't work well with Milton, who is frequently late to see the throwing lane. He also will not throw receivers open and can severely limit the potential for extra yards after the catch at the NFL level. 

Austin Reed | Western Kentucky

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The offense Reed has run doesn't translate to the NFL, which will muddy up his evaluation. His production has been outstanding, and he has a good build, though it comes on a smaller frame. While he won't wow anyone with his athleticism, he can use his legs as a slight running threat.

Reed's arm strength is lacking, and anything beyond 13 yards will see the velocity drop and the nose of the ball dip. To cover for it, he will need to be in an offense that can maximize spacing and create clean throwing windows, which also means receivers who can consistently win their one-on-ones. 

Jordan Travis | Florida State

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Jordan Travis' brutal leg injury will be a factor and could see him go undrafted. However, when watching his film, there are elements to his game that would be interesting to work with, especially in Payton's offense. Travis does well working the middle of the field and working the pocket. 

There are concerns that the injury will impact Travis' ability to use his legs when needed, but before the injury, he could use his legs to extend plays and pick up yards when needed. His mechanics as a passer need to be cleaned up and refined, and it can take a little long to go through his throwing motion, giving defenders time to close the window. 

Travis is a tough competitor, and he checks all intangibles boxes. While he does take risks with his throws, he is calculated with them. Even though his arm isn't ideal for the NFL, it is good enough to make the throws when needed and attack deep with velocity, but it won't be consistent. 

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