2021 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos make sense for trade up
The Denver Broncos need a quarterback, and here are three trades they could make to land one in the 2021 NFL Draft.
If the Denver Broncos are going to compete for an AFC West title in the near future, they need to upgrade at quarterback.
With due respect to third-year man Drew Lock, there’s little to suggest he’s going to be the long-term answer in the Mile High City. Last year, Lock played 13 games and still managed to lead the league in interceptions at 15.
Going into the 2021 NFL Draft, the Broncos are selecting No. 9 and while it’s possible they can nab a quarterback at that spot, they’d be well-served to move up or shop the pick for a veteran.
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Here are three trade scenarios for Denver general manager George Paton to consider:
Broncos trade with the Atlanta Falcons for the No. 4 pick
This is the easiest scenario. Atlanta doesn’t need a quarterback with Matt Ryan good for at least a few more seasons at the helm. The Falcons could take superstar tight end Kyle Pitts out of the University of Florida, but moving back and getting more picks makes sense when considering all their issues.
Basing trades off the famous draft value chart, Denver would need to send the No. 9 and No. 40 overall picks to the Falcons for No. 4 and No. 148 overall. This would allow the Broncos to land either Trey Lance, Mac Jones or Justin Fields (whoever is remaining) while Atlanta can load up.
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Broncos trade with the Miami Dolphins for the No. 6 pick
Miami has already moved around the board a bit, and there’s a situation where general manager Chris Grier might do so again. If Pitts and LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase are gone, perhaps Miami is willing to move back three spots for the Nos. 9 and 71 overall. Denver has to give up its third-round selection here, and the Dolphins get some extra draft capital while still being in good position to nab a receiver such as Alabama stars Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith.
Broncos trade for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
If we get to draft night and the Niners are still employing Garoppolo, Denver ought to call. At this juncture, offering a first-round pick would be folly. However, perhaps San Francisco bites on a second-round choice and a late-round selection. The Broncos would get an upgrade with upside, while the 49ers recoup some of the draft capital they gave up in moving from No. 12 to No. 3 overall.
