Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton addressed the media at the NFL League Meetings today, providing insights about a top quarterback prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Payton mentioned that although he did not attend J.J. McCarthy’s pro day, the team conducted a private meeting and workout with him. Payton stated that they spent “four or five hours” with McCarthy, during which they had him throw again.
Broncos general manager George Paton attended the Michigan Pro Day, but the team wanted a closer look at potential top-five pick J.J. McCarthy the following day, with Sean Payton present. Throughout the draft process, McCarthy has been linked to the Broncos, but his rise up the draft board likely puts him out of reach at the 12th overall pick.
Sean Payton explains what he wants to learn I private sessions w/ QBs:
“i like to find out how they process, how quickly it comes. You know, if we send them information at 5 p.m. the prior day — & we send them more than we think that they’re going to have a chance to study…” pic.twitter.com/9tYOof1Ngs
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) March 25, 2024
This would require the Broncos to make a significant trade-up to acquire McCarthy in the draft. When asked about this, head coach Sean Payton told reporters that a trade-up scenario is “realistic” for the Broncos.
“I think that’s realistic,” Payton said. “I think it’s realistic. What’s hard to predict, though, is what’s on the receiving end. I think it’s good to be Monti today at Arizona. So it’s hard to predict what that cost is, and yet I certainly wouldn’t say it’s unrealistic, and we’ll pay close attention to it.”
McCarthy has been projected as the fourth quarterback to be selected, which is why Payton mentioned the Cardinals general manager, who is in a favorable position.
The Cardinals could choose to stay at the fourth overall pick and select the best non-quarterback prospect on their board, or they could accept a significant trade offer from a team that would provide them with multiple future first-round picks. If that were the case, the Broncos would likely be in a bidding war with the Minnesota Vikings, who appear ready to make a major trade-up of their own.
However, there is speculation that McCarthy may not even be available at the fourth overall pick. NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro has reported that there is a possibility the Commanders may select the Michigan quarterback with their second overall pick. This development could complicate the plans for the Broncos and other teams interested in McCarthy.
Later, Payton was asked about his objectives in these pre-draft private meetings with quarterback prospects. He explained that he aims to assess their information processing abilities and how quickly they can execute. Throughout the offseason, he has emphasized to reporters that processing speed is the key trait he seeks in quarterbacks.
His offensive system relies on quick decision-making and fast ball distribution. If a quarterback cannot meet these demands, they do not align with his offensive philosophy, which has been successful throughout his coaching career.
McCarthy appears to meet these criteria, and it is probable that Payton and the Broncos were impressed with what they learned during these meetings. The likelihood of selecting McCarthy in the draft remains uncertain, and as the draft approaches, the odds may diminish.
It is expected that Payton and the Broncos will conduct similar assessments with other quarterbacks they are interested in, such as North Carolina’s Drake Maye and Oregon’s Bo Nix. The ultimate question remains: Will they trade up for a quarterback, stay put at the 12th pick, or potentially move back in the draft?
Answers to these questions will unfold when the Broncos make their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft next month.
