The anticipation and speculation surrounding the Denver Broncos’ draft picks have been seemingly never-ending this offseason, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. With head coach Sean Payton eyeing a quarterback, NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter surprised many by suggesting a different candidate than Bo Nix for the Broncos’ No. 12 pick – Heisman finalist and former Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.
Reuter acknowledged Penix’s injury history as a concern but emphasized the Broncos’ urgent need for a quarterback. He hinted at Payton’s potential to fortify the offensive line to protect Penix, akin to what he did for Drew Brees in New Orleans.
Despite questions about whether Penix’s success was solely due to his former coach’s system, his exceptional arm talent and pocket presence impressed analysts like Bucky Brooks, who highlighted his precision and knack for deep throws.
CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani echoed Reuter’s sentiment, projecting Penix to the Broncos in his latest mock draft, citing his impressive stats and ability to thrive in Denver’s high-altitude environment.
While Penix remains a compelling option, Reuter also highlighted Houston Christian edge rusher Jalyx Hunt as an “ideal” pick for Denver at No. 76. Hunt’s transition from safety to a formidable pass rusher caught attention, making him a solid third-round prospect with his length and speed.
As the draft draws near, the Broncos have a plethora of enticing options to address their needs, whether it’s bolstering their quarterback position or shoring up their pass rush.
