While we still need to go through the entire pre-draft process, USC quarterback Caleb Williams is still seen as the heavy favorite to be drafted first overall.
Of course, the Chicago Bears own the top pick (thanks Carolina!) … They have to decide what they’re going to do with current quarterback Justin Fields.
Are they all-in on Fields as their franchise quarterback? … Or have they seen enough to know he’s not the guy and they’d be better off trading him away and drafting Williams?
Well, a recent report states that Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are eager to trade up to the first overall pick and draft Williams themselves.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Payton has his eye on Williams – as well as North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: #Broncos want to trade up in this years NFL draft for #USC Caleb Williams, per @TonyPauline pic.twitter.com/xn92xiIozQ
— Fantasy Fanatics (@FFB_Fanatics) January 31, 2024
“Last week in Frisco, Texas a rumor circulating the players’ hotel at the Hyatt Regency had Broncos head coach Sean Payton looking for his new quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft,” Pauline reported.
“Payton wants one of the top passers – Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels … I spoke at length about this with several people including longtime Denver Broncos insider Cecil Lammey, a radio and television personality from the city as well as a writer at DenverSports.com,” he added.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: #Broncos want to trade up in this years NFL draft for #USC Caleb Williams, per @TonyPauline pic.twitter.com/upv4KzFrGY
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 31, 2024
“I was able to confirm the Broncos are interested in moving up for their quarterback of the future, yet such a move would come at an enormous cost and it’s very unlikely to happen.”
“If Payton and the Broncos can’t trade up they’ll have to decide if they are comfortable taking a different quarterback with the 12th pick of the draft, though any signal caller other than the top three seems like a reach with that selection,” he concluded.
Furthermore, Pauline suggested that the Broncos might need to part ways with superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II to facilitate a trade-up in the draft.
Surtain, the Broncos lone clear-cut All-Pro-level player, is expected to have his fifth-year option picked up this offseason.
🚨🚨REPORT: The #Broncos want to trade up for top quarterback prospect Caleb Williams, per @TonyPauline.
Drake Maye & Jayden Daniels are also possibilities.
The team does not want to trade Patrick Surtain, but may if needed “as a last result to secure one of the top passers.” pic.twitter.com/tXfOGOLO44
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 31, 2024
With the Broncos widely expected to move on from quarterback Russell Wilson, the urgency to secure their franchise quarterback of the future is evident.
Broncos want to trade up for Caleb Williams?! 😲
"The NFL thinks Payton is going to move up, no matter what. Don't ask about compensation. Some think it won't matter b/c Sean Payton won't wait on QB. He wants his guy NOW."
Cecil Lammey
Per Mile High Huddle Podcast pic.twitter.com/0vo520B29V
— Trojan Football fan (@TrojanFBx) January 31, 2024
What are your thoughts on the report? … Are you buying it?
It sure would cost Denver a whole lot to move up to the first pick in the draft … But would it be worth it for Williams?
In what order do you rank the top three quarterbacks in the draft???
I'm not sure if he's really as great as people think 🤔 saw some of his games but under pressure or with a strong defense he was not really solid… but well we will see 🤷♂️ good luck to all these young men 🤝
— Go Chiefs!!! (@k_ulrike) February 1, 2024