After recent tumultuous events, it’s evident that Russell Wilson will soon depart from the Denver Broncos. Broncos head coach Sean Payton openly discussed the significant challenges Wilson presented during the 2023 season.
“Teams will eventually force you to win from the pocket,” Payton remarked to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
“Our defensive strategy aims to limit a quarterback’s ability to escape. On third down, we need to be proficient enough to make a throw from any position, regardless of height. Many quarterbacks perceive passing lanes rather than directly over them, which can pose challenges for some.”
Parting ways with Wilson largely stems from Payton’s frustration with trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. However, transitioning to a different type of quarterback will necessitate thorough groundwork and due diligence before the 2024 NFL draft on April 25.
In collaboration with general manager George Paton, Denver’s experienced coach promptly stepped down from the podium to meet with an emerging quarterback prospect, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, whom Payton reportedly admires. While the Broncos’ interest in McCarthy is evident, it would be simplistic to assume they are exclusively focused on him.
Other quarterbacks, such as Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., will also be considered. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the team’s leadership has a genuine interest in McCarthy.
Undoubtedly, when Payton discussed the intangibles and essential skill set he expects from a quarterback, it strongly appeared that he was alluding to McCarthy’s abilities. “When it comes to quarterbacks, one challenging aspect to gauge is their ability to handle multiple tasks, process information, and make quick decisions,” Payton began his analysis.
“While someone may appear intelligent during conversations, their ability to quickly deliver information and progress through their reads is crucial. Accuracy is another fundamental trait we look for. Sometimes,
these aspects are straightforward to assess, while other times, they prove more challenging. I believe we have the capability to excel in this area, and to some extent, we’re content that not everyone shares our approach.” Payton is acutely aware of the substantial risks associated with drafting rookie quarterbacks, yet the undeniable fact remains that while he outlined his criteria purposefully, it once again pointed toward McCarthy, the Wolverine prospect.
When discussing the draft, there are inherent risks involved. The speed at which they can process information is crucial. Sometimes, during rookie minicamp, you may realize that a player is struggling to grasp the playbook, which could potentially hinder their progress.
Assessing attributes like stature and athleticism should be relatively straightforward, but qualities like leadership are more nuanced and challenging to evaluate.
It’s that intangible element that can make all the difference. For some, it’s more apparent than for others. Ultimately, you hope it’s present in the player you choose. Regarding the Broncos’ search for Wilson’s replacement, one thing is certain: it won’t be a straightforward task.
