Mile High Report: All Posts by Laurie Lattimore-VolkmannBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2024-03-26T08:00:00-06:00https://www.milehighreport.com/authors/laurie-lattimore-volkmann/rss2024-03-26T08:00:00-06:002024-03-26T08:00:00-06:00‘Broncos’ Madness’ continues as the choices get tougher
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<p>There are probably no Cinderella winners here.</p> <h2 id="OaRnuq">Welcome back to the Broncos Madness!</h2>
<p id="h5X87T">Hopefully your March Madness brackets aren’t completely busted, but even if so, now it’s time to move to the next round of Broncos Madness!</p>
<p id="tjNsdD">As if many of the choices weren’t impossible enough the first time around, now there are even a few tougher ones — so tough I don’t even know if Petyon F-ing Manning will even make it to the next round. </p>
<p id="6loLR1">And for the record, there should really be only one choice for the last one ;)</p>
<p id="0JSO0T">(and thanks again to <em>areferee</em> for the graphics!)</p>
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<cite>AReferee</cite>
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<h3 id="hy8Z6w"><strong>The OG</strong></h3>
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<h3 id="bmmPCS"><strong>The Elway Era</strong></h3>
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<h3 id="Sk5aH2"><strong>The Manning Show...for now</strong></h3>
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<h3 id="zVQgmf"><strong>Broncos’ Greatest Hits</strong></h3>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/26/24112201/broncos-madness-continues-as-the-choices-get-tougherLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-03-26T04:30:00-06:002024-03-26T04:30:00-06:00Horse Tracks: Payton tests QB draft prospects to see how they handle adversity
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<p> “If we send them info at 5 p.m. the prior day — and we send them more than they have time to study — did they handle it really well? did they struggle?”</p> <p id="bLA3en">Sean Payton once again revealed during the NFL owner’s meeting his preference for a “quick-processor” at quarterback.</p>
<p id="laZo7s">It hasn’t been a secret as he’s been saying this in different ways since Week 17.</p>
<p id="k2ffUB">But in his Monday comments, he did reveal an interesting way he “tests” this quality on soon-to-be-rookie QBs.</p>
<p id="xEKVDD">He doesn’t just watch film from a game where they have prepared for a particular opponent, or look at their overly-practiced throws during a pro day. Payton likes to stress them a little by sending too much information the night before to see how they deal with it.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sean Payton explains what he wants to learn I private sessions w/ QBs: <br><br>“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…” <a href="https://t.co/9tYOof1Ngs">pic.twitter.com/9tYOof1Ngs</a></p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1772262294996594929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
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<p id="4rUjIL">I like this idea a lot. Not only can Payton see what kind of attitude they have about being given all that information late, but more importantly they can observe the new QB’s process for trying to deal with the information.</p>
<p id="U87F7h">I imagine it’s a lot less about how well a QB does with the info, but more about how he prioritizes what to learn and how serious he is about trying to learn it. </p>
<p id="QmsPJ3">Of all the ways coaches and scouts try to figure out the right QB for their team, this is as good as any. It seems Payton could find out a lot about a player that is more important to him than just watching the young guy throw.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“… Did they handle it really well? Did they really struggle? What time are they at the facility? Have they been preparing? Are they early? Like, all of it, it’s interesting. It’s fascinating. And these guys are — when I say they’re not kids but it’s a good group when we’re …”</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1772262299962634627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
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<p id="dEQZTe">With that in mind, I’m going to steal <em>and share</em> Scotty Payne’s knowledge here to mention that among this year’s top college quarterbacks, the two most likely to fit Payton’s “quick processor” requirement — <em>and be available</em> — are Bo Nix and Michael Penix. </p>
<p id="CHn6j0">JJ McCarthy has been rumored to be a favorite of Payton’s, and the former Michigan QB among others did get a private workout with the Broncos last week, but McCarthy’s stock keeps rising so it’s unlikely the Broncos have enough to trade up as high as they’d need to in order to nab him.</p>
<p id="V5Jl2C">But if Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and McCarthy are likely to go as the top four quarterbacks - probably in high enough spots Denver cannot trade up to - then Nix might be there at 12. </p>
<p id="8p836c">Nix has the most experience of this year’s quarterback draft class having played 61 games over five years at two different major programs and throwing 113 touchdowns but just 26 interceptions. He also scored 38 rushing touchdowns on more than 1,600 yards in addition to all the TD passes. Also noteworthy, <a href="https://x.com/MA7290/status/1771961296151359738?s=20">Nix has had five offensive coordinators and three head coaches</a> in those five years. </p>
<blockquote><p id="Zhht4z">Among his best traits are the ability to throw accurately on a designed rollout, thrive in the quick passing game and go through his progressions quickly and still make the correct read. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/18/24102642/2024-nfl-draft-profile-quarterback-bo-nix">- Scotty Payne, Mile High Report</a></p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoNix?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoNix</a> has 61 FBS games under his belt.<br><br>He’s played so long, he faced <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoeBurrow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JoeBurrow</a> at LSU.<br><br>His Cmp% and YPA have spiked every season.<br><br>57.6%, 59.9%, 61.0%, 71.9%, 77.4%<br><br>6.7, 6.8, 7.1, 8.8, 9.6<br><br>His 77.4% in 2023 is set a new NCAA single-season record.<br><br>45 TDs to 3 INTs in 2023. <a href="https://t.co/6eEPASveiX">pic.twitter.com/6eEPASveiX</a></p>— Ryan Michael (@theryanmichael) <a href="https://twitter.com/theryanmichael/status/1769773539098255456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="nuJRpK">Penix transferred from Indiana to the University of Washington in 2022 where he was able to stay healthy and play 28 games over two seasons. At Washington, Penix threw nearly twice as many yards and touchdowns (with just four more interceptions) as he did at Indiana. Among his attributes are a high football IQ - which bodes well in a Payton offense:</p>
<blockquote><p id="zBPjEL">Penix has a very good command of his offense, with an understanding of the various passing concepts as well as the blocking schemes. Penix understands where his answers are in any given play and also understands where pressure is likely to come from. - <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/25/24111409/2024-nfl-draft-quarterback-deep-dive-michael-penix-jr-washington-scouting-report-ny-giants">Chris Pflum, Big Blue View</a></p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michael Penix Jr. is rising up <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> boards. Where will he be taken? <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/UW_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UW_Football</a>) <a href="https://t.co/agx80QOjfW">pic.twitter.com/agx80QOjfW</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1771642843469119946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a>
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<p id="Db0I8K">Payton, who acknowledged it was “realistic” for the Broncos to consider trading up to draft a quarterback next month, also pointed out another reality — that only one or two of the young QBs taken at the top of the draft will be successful.</p>
<p id="mTJWEI">“I think the key is, what’s the fit relative to your team?” Payton said Monday, noting this year’s class is a good group of QBs. “Certainly, they’re well-prepared, they’ve been well-coached. They’ve been well-coached in college relative to the game. And you see the success on the field.”</p>
<p id="UFVvbM">Payton also addressed not adding any free agent QBs yet (or likely at all), saying he felt the Broncos were still considered a desirable place to be as a quarterback but that Denver was being very judicious and felt good with its current room should a rookie be coming in.</p>
<p id="jgF74P">Payton still talked up his backup QB Jarrett Stidham, noting he was excited to see him “compete to be the starter” but also admitted the Broncos are “still in the midst of assembling our roster.”</p>
<p id="kAPvUS">“We have to get better in a lot of areas,” Payton said, “and we’re excited to do that.”</p>
<h3 id="Tt42Cl">Broncos/NFL News</h3>
<p id="8wFpwL"><a href="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/sean-payton-nfl-owner-meetings/73-bf8b46e2-b34c-4e9a-9faa-76c5b203c66a">Sean Payton addresses Broncos' QB situation at NFL owner meetings | 9news.com</a><br>Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton addresses media, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson Stidham NFL draft free agency quarterback news latest signed players.</p>
<p id="ITTULR"><a href="https://denvergazette.com/sports/denver-broncos-had-private-workout-with-j-j-mccarthy/article_c4470476-eaad-11ee-839f-7f16c8453dbe.html?utm_source=dg-news-alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert">Denver Broncos had private workout with J.J. McCarthy | Sports Coverage | denvergazette.com</a><br>ORLANDO, Fla. — The Broncos hold the No. 12 pick in the NFL draft, but they might not wait that long to land their quarterback of the future.</p>
<p id="2pLi4M"><a href="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/penner-way-dont-rebuild-build-it-right/73-cde22740-1c91-4a2e-aefc-bf1d32247375">Penner Way: Don't rebuild, build it right | 9news.com</a><br>The Denver Broncos seem to have better ownership than their team on the field.</p>
<p id="ZYuxpK"><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2024/03/25/broncos-new-uniforms-unveiled-soon/?utm_email=94D434EF84B314CC34FC95C6F9&active=yesD&lctg=94D434EF84B314CC34FC95C6F9&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.denverpost.com%2f2024%2f03%2f25%2fbroncos-new-uniforms-unveiled-soon%2f&utm_campaign=denver-breaking-news-broncos&utm_content=alert">Broncos have new uniforms approved, set for unveiling in coming weeks</a><br>The Broncos' new uniforms are finally set to arrive. Denver president Damani Leech said Monday that the team has a "full redesign" of the uniform completed and set for unveiling in the coming weeks.</p>
<p id="L3o0e4"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/we-re-passionate-about-being-competitive-owner-ceo-greg-penner-broncos-leadership-focused-on-finding-both-short-and-long-term-success">‘We’re passionate about being competitive’: Owner & CEO Greg Penner, Broncos leadership focused on finding both short- and long-term success</a><br>“I don’t think there are any shortcuts or quick fixes,” Penner said. “We’re going to do this the right way and have this team be competitive this coming season, but also be in a position to build for the future.”</p>
<p id="pQHLUk"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-gm-john-lynch-says-wr-brandon-aiyuk-is-not-available-for-trade">Niners GM John Lynch says WR Brandon Aiyuk is not available for trade</a><br>San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch brushed off trade speculation surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, adding that he's working to keep the standout wideout for the long-term.</p>
<p id="NQV2dg"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/25/24111409/2024-nfl-draft-quarterback-deep-dive-michael-penix-jr-washington-scouting-report-ny-giants">2024 NFL Draft quarterback deep dive: Michael Penix Jr, Washington - Big Blue View</a><br>Are the potential rewards with Michael Penix worth the risk?</p>
<p id="8VwPvQ"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/giants-owner-john-mara-gives-support-to-draft-high-for-quarterback">Giants owner John Mara gives 'support' to draft high for quarterback</a><br>The New York Giants have received the green light from owner John Mara to draft a quarterback as high as Round 1 if they so choose. "If they fall in love with a quarterback and believe that it's worth pick No. 6 -- or moving up -- I certainly would suppor</p>
<p id="yfqhPh"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-eager-for-healthy-brock-purdy-to-get-full-offseason-of-work-as-qb1">Niners eager for healthy Brock Purdy to get full offseason of work as QB1</a><br>For the first time in his NFL career, Brock Purdy is set to go through a full offseason of work as the San Francisco 49ers' QB1. Head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the expectations for Purdy in 2024 during an interview with NFL Network's Steve Wyche.</p>
<p id="Wa0tS6"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-hc-mike-tomlin-russell-wilson-in-pole-position-excited-to-work-with-justin-fields">Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: Russell Wilson in 'pole' position, 'excited' to work w/ Justin Fields</a><br>Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Monday discussed the moves his team has made to retool the QB room: adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/26/24111951/payton-tests-qb-draft-prospectsLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-03-19T04:00:00-06:002024-03-19T04:00:00-06:00Horse Tracks: Ignoring true Broncos madness to focus on some fun bracket madness
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<figcaption>Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>March Madness is the best. Don’t let the current state of the Broncos get you down. </p> <h3 id="WJvl0t"><strong>Good morning, Broncos Country!</strong></h3>
<p id="Ks3n53">It’s March Madness season, and thank goodness, because much of the news coming out of Dove Valley is either nothing or nothing great.</p>
<p id="YBPzy8">Like <a href="https://x.com/docllv/status/1769850654866932103?s=20">this prediction for our next QB </a>or <a href="https://x.com/MikeClayNFL/status/1769800544661405953?s=20">this Mike Clay evaluation of the current roster</a>.</p>
<p id="iz3exT">But as Jess Place <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/18/24104665/are-the-broncos-going-to-roll-with-jarrett-stidham-in-2024">noted yesterday</a>, it’s March. No need to panic. Yet.</p>
<p id="YHmq0H">Right? Right.</p>
<p id="tGXGh3">So rather than worry about that true madness, way more fun to do 18 NCAA March Madness brackets and regret every one of them the instant the first round of upsets hits on Thursday. So much fun.</p>
<p id="oxi1aN">It’s truly my favorite sports event of the year (second to Week 1 of the NFL season...though that is quickly diving to the bottom).</p>
<p id="1Dp8nJ">So I enjoyed this announcement from the Broncos regarding their upcoming “Bracket Challenge” with all things Broncos:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Introducing ... the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BroncosCountry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BroncosCountry</a> Bracket Challenge. <br><br>Stay tuned this week for all the first-round matchups! <a href="https://t.co/qiAWa5vMZU">pic.twitter.com/qiAWa5vMZU</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1769533688029630728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="Z8mKh4">And it got me thinking that it would be fun to do a Broncos Madness with 64 of our greatest players - and iconic games - in history.</p>
<p id="GM86W9">So I enlisted my favorite Photoshop™ Extraordinaire and friend of the show, AReferee, to organize our own Broncos Madness bracket challenge based on the various eras. </p>
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<p id="zstR6n">There’s no easy way to tally the results without savvy computer programming skills - which I do not have - so we’re just going to do this old-school. Not quite pencil-it-in-and-mail-to-me old school, but close (and don’t complain about the individual rankings not being a true 1 v. 16...I thought of this silly idea late last night and areferee was kind enough to throw it together for me, so I didn’t have time to “rank” the seeds. So yeah, you’re going to choose between 1 and 2 in the first round a few times. You’ll be fine).</p>
<p id="FNK8Fn">Each Round 1 bracket matchup will have a poll below. Choose your winner and we’ll see who moves on to Round 2 (p.s. - it seems easy until you have to choose!) And with 32 “polls,” this should be fun, lol. </p>
<p id="fo9dtf">Who wants to bet the odds that The Duke ends up the champ like always?</p>
<h3 id="oe3blu"><strong>The OG Broncos</strong></h3>
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<h3 id="Sk5aH2"><strong>The Manning/Miller Show</strong></h3>
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<h3 id="zVQgmf"><strong>Broncos’ Greatest Hits</strong></h3>
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<p id="n2PaLN">Now let us know the toughest and easiest choices you had to make (sorry in advance about Manning v. Von...totally unfair!)</p>
<h3 id="yaW3RH">Broncos/NFL News</h3>
<p id="93I9Ks"><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/bo-nix-broncos-espn-mock-prediction">Oregon QB Bo Nix Mocked Twice to Broncos at No. 12 - Sports Illustrated Mile High Huddle: Denver Broncos News, Analysis and More</a><br>The Denver Broncos could be fated to draft Oregon's Bo Nix.</p>
<p id="dKX8C7"><a href="https://heavy.com/sports/denver-broncos/former-all-pro-wr-slams-sean-payton-mark-schlereth/">Former WR Roddy White Slams Sean Payton, Mark Schlereth</a><br>Broncos head coach Sean Payton and Fox Sports analyst Mark Schlereth got a staunch critic in a wide receiver who played 11 seasons for 1 team</p>
<p id="XfaWPj"><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/jerry-jeudy-comments-broncos-browns-shade">Jerry Jeudy Throws Shade at Broncos After Browns Trade - Sports Illustrated Mile High Huddle: Denver Broncos News, Analysis and More</a><br>Jerry Jeudy had a message of sorts for the Denver Broncos, if you read between the lines.</p>
<p id="aqopMn"><a href="https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2024/03/18/nfl-rumors-russell-wilson-blames-injury-for-struggles-with-broncos/">NFL rumors: Russell Wilson blames injury for struggles with Broncos</a><br>Russell Wilson blamed his first-year struggles with the Broncos on a shoulder injury.</p>
<p id="wdlTHA"><a href="https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2024/03/18/michael-burton-contract-details-with-nfl-veteran-salary-benefit-rule/">Denver Broncos: Here are Michael Burton’s contract details for 2024</a><br>The Broncos utilized the NFL's Veteran Salary Benefit rule to lower Michael Burton's cap hit in 2024.</p>
<p id="DU0URa"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-ranking-rb-prospects-no-1-to-29">2024 NFL Draft: Ranking RB prospects, No. 1 to 29</a><br>With the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, Maurice Jones-Drew takes a look at this year's running back class, ranking the top 29 prospects at the position.</p>
<p id="3mfAj6"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5340744%2F2024%2F03%2F14%2Fbroncos-starting-qb-2024-draft%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F19%2F24105288%2Fhorse-tracks-ignoring-true-broncos-madness-to-focus-on-some-fun-bracket-madness" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kosmider: All signs point to Broncos grabbing QB in draft — but now or in 2025? - The Athletic</a><br>The Broncos need to draft an answer at quarterback to jumpstart the next chapter under Sean Payton, but it may not be easy to do in 2024.</p>
<p id="i2vZNh"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/39748725/2024-nfl-free-agency-deals-trades-judging-overreactions-takeaways">Judging overreactions to 2024 NFL free agency deals, trades - ESPN</a><br>Should we be all-in on the Falcons, Ravens and Texans? Are the Broncos set to bottom out? We sized up six free agency takes.</p>
<p id="uC5KSw"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/russell-wilson-can-get-back-on-hall-of-fame-track-in-pittsburgh-plus-five-underrated-free-agent-signings">Russell Wilson can get back on Hall of Fame track in Pittsburgh; plus, five underrated free-agent signings</a><br>In this edition of the Scout's Notebook, Bucky Brooks believes Russell Wilson's relocation to Pittsburgh could put the veteran QB back on a Hall of Fame track. Plus, five underrated free-agent signings that you should NOT overlook.</p>
<p id="7VtfWR"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5351869%2F2024%2F03%2F18%2F49ers-draft-position-accounting-error%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F19%2F24105288%2Fhorse-tracks-ignoring-true-broncos-madness-to-focus-on-some-fun-bracket-madness" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">49ers penalized draft position, will forfeit 2025 fifth-round pick after NFL discovers accounting error - The Athletic</a><br>The accounting errors in question were from the close of the 2022 league year.</p>
<p id="SE0KhB"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2024/insider/story/_/id/39716986/2024-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-free-agency-signings-first-round-field-yates">2024 NFL mock draft: Top-15 pick predictions off free agency - ESPN</a><br>How has NFL free agency impacted early-Round 1 draft plans? Will Minnesota trade up? Field Yates updated his predictions for pick Nos. 1-15.</p>
<p id="zOYrPV"></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/19/24105288/horse-tracks-ignoring-true-broncos-madness-to-focus-on-some-fun-bracket-madnessLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-03-14T06:00:00-06:002024-03-14T06:00:00-06:00Peyton Manning to help open the Olympic Games in Paris
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<img alt="2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sdG6_J0bKoEbjn4r4rGttDT56Zk=/591x424:4774x3213/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73206246/1995583414.0.jpg" />
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<p>The former Broncos’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback will join Mike Tirico and Kelly Clarkson to host Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Paris this July.</p> <p id="ysMXMp">The most popular guy in all of sports - AND former Denver Broncos quarterback - Peyton Manning will add another feather to his very crowded sports cap.</p>
<p id="sSEtno">The Olympic Games.</p>
<p id="6qsxkO">The Hall of Fame and two-time Super Bowl champion will join award-winning sports show host <strong>Mike Tirico </strong>alongside<strong> </strong>singer <strong>Kelly Clarkson</strong> to cover the Opening Ceremony of the XXXIII Olympic Games in Paris.</p>
<p id="8i0HQt">Manning and Clarkson joined Tirico on “The Tonight Show” Tuesday for the announcement. You can bet Manning will bring his sharp wit to the grand stage, much like he did in the “Olympictionary” segment on Tuesday night’s show.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Olympictionary w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/kellyclarkson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kellyclarkson</a>, Peyton Manning and <a href="https://twitter.com/miketirico?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@miketirico</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FallonTonight?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FallonTonight</a> <a href="https://t.co/E8w2prp19D">pic.twitter.com/E8w2prp19D</a></p>— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) <a href="https://twitter.com/FallonTonight/status/1767763539719074213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
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<p id="Zk2Apd">Manning, Tirico and Clarkson will also be part of one of the more creative opening ceremonies as Paris’ famed River Seine will be turned into the world’s biggest theatrical stage. </p>
<p id="K4l1kq">The hosts will be stationed together on a bridge along the route, as a four-mile-long flotilla of more than 90 boats will carry thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries along the Seine to finish at the Eiffel Tower.</p>
<p id="y66z3x">Manning should be a natural as the Super Bowl 50-winning Broncos quarterback has easily transitioned from the NFL to Hollywood.</p>
<p id="6U18YC">He hosts the “ManningCast” on ESPN2 with his brother Eli during Monday Night Football, and also owns Omaha Productions that produced the hit series “Quarterback” on Netflix.</p>
<p id="vQopvn">He has famously <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4iyPUcVing">hosted the ESPY’s in 2017 where he roasted Kevin Durant</a> as well as the Country Music Awards alongside Luke Bryan the last couple of years. Manning’s iconic hosting of Saturday Night Live in 2007 is still the thing of legends.</p>
<div id="vVKeuB"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uEEYbXVCoT0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="YgHPM0">Live coverage of the Opening Ceremony will begin at noon July 26 and primetime coverage will debut at 7:30 p.m. EST. The NBC broadcast network and its streaming service Peacock will be the primary platforms for coverage of the Paris Games, <a href="https://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2023/05/11/nbc-and-peacock-to-lead-nbcuniversals-coverage-of-the-olympic-games-paris-2024/">July 26-Aug. 11.</a> </p>
<p id="PREiSZ">Tirico will host his fourth Opening Ceremony this summer. This is the first time Clarkson and Manning are joining NBCU’s Olympic coverage, although Manning did star in a <a href="http://email.nbcuni.com/c/eJwkj1GK5iAQhE9j3nrQNpr4kIeFJfdotc3IJBrUf9j_9ktmKCiKoqD44qatRjnxphYltTZG2-lzw-i8TmENjiMtpKxiIzUpa1maFdcpbyhxllo9QmU-OBhlo2Krk3HJKTHL4sOr5I9Qr-ncPse4u9B_BO4C9-JDv2sb_Wj1dd-Ne_f13zMVuKNELXCX7rFF4H7ze9QCF5WSywEtR-5wZCoD0vl-Kk_Hi8dgGBW-cviCmhL8_n9z63R2SHSeEOi6KR8FUm2QR4dQv7nRwVAT1PN93TnAQRd3uKnlDg-lwH1q21_2PrOYZfwJfHF7_7CNLajkCBdJtCRc3cwYvNVOsp_drL2exjaTRBUxouElsg2zjwqTUbyYuGq3_g8AAP__Pgd7VA">promotional spot</a> to kick off NBCUniversal’s fall campaign for Paris 2024.</p>
<p id="BmGQqR">“Welcome to Paris. Home to French bread, wine, and now, the Olympics,” says Manning, while sky divers leap from the blimp to form Olympic rings over the city. Viewers are then abruptly transitioned from Paris to a board room, where it’s revealed that Manning is merely pitching this fanciful idea to a group of perplexed marketing executives.</p>
<p id="za1HVT">The pitch became reality and now we can watch our favorite Broncos QB since John Elway open the Olympics.</p>
<p id="HlbG8T">“I am excited for the Paris Olympics in 2024,” Manning said last fall. “I have always been a big fan of the Olympics and we root hard for Team USA competing against the best in the world.”</p>
<p id="3gdZv7"></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/14/24099942/peyton-manning-to-help-open-the-olympic-games-in-parisLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-03-12T04:00:00-06:002024-03-12T04:00:00-06:00Zach Wilson? Are you kidding me, Broncos?
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<img alt="New York Jets v Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sW8J5DKJd7V0QJNw0nHxLbxx788=/814x156:4652x2715/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73200293/1724962161.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Wake me up in 2025.</p> <h3 id="d3FN1O">Good morning, Broncos Country!</h3>
<p id="HNuQvd">Yesterday’s news that the Broncos were flirting with the idea of acquiring either Sam Darnold or Zach Wilson as free-agent stopgap QBs has me reeling.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FFS.<br><br>This franchise is no good at getting free agent QBs. <a href="https://t.co/erfnCNgp5p">https://t.co/erfnCNgp5p</a></p>— Doctor of Words (& tights & over/under guesses) (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/1767301209738912207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a>
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<p id="ECp1Jz">Have the Broncos not learned? </p>
<p id="WTYBXW">This has not gone well since Peyton Manning (who was obviously a slam dunk). </p>
<p id="MfAqZq">But since 2016, it’s been a hot mess:</p>
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<p id="rbv0tL">For a minute in 2016, <strong>Mark Sanchez</strong> was going to be the Broncos’ starter following Peyton Manning’s retirement. But after drafting Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian, the Broncos saw big things that did not include the Butt Fumbler, so he was cut before the regular season.</p>
<p id="U3w57g">The Siemian/Lynch era didn’t work out too well so the Broncos signed former Vikings quarterback <strong>Case Keenum</strong> in 2018, thinking his Minneapolis Miracle was as much him as it was Stefon Diggs. But Demaryius Thomas (RIP) and Broncos Country found out the hard way that it was never Keenum’s accuracy that made that miracle happen.</p>
<p id="KGqFhY">So Broncos moved on to signing free agent and former Ravens Super Bowl-winning QB <strong>Joe Flacco</strong> in 2019, the same year they drafted Drew Lock in the second round. Flacco went on IR and Lock ended up starting the remainder of the season, providing some false hope in Denver that he’d be a good starter with more time.</p>
<p id="2XBEPe">Predictably, the 2020 trio of Lock, Jeff Driskel and Brett Rypien was subpar, so the Broncos went searching among 2021 free agents and came away with their best attempt yet - <strong>Teddy Bridgewater.</strong></p>
<p id="8NTMgp">Injuries plagued Bridgewater, so Lock was called into service once again, and once again gave only mediocre performances.</p>
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<p id="gJ9Pnk">The rest is history as the Broncos overpaid Russell Wilson, assuming he would be the one to break the poor QB play cycle.</p>
<p id="smpGHY">That did not happen and here we are - playing the insanity game again.</p>
<p id="R0HqFM">To be fair, I am generally against <em>any</em> bridge QB option for all the history I just mentioned. There’s a reason these guys are not re-signed by their current teams, and it only seems to delay the inevitable. </p>
<p id="kkUy0m">But I get the argument for having a very short-term veteran in there while the rookie gets up to speed. And if the Broncos are definitely going this route, Darnold was by far the better choice — and now it looks as if that’s not even an option.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A new QB in Minnesota: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> are expected to sign <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> QB Sam Darnold, per me and <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomPelissero</a>. <br><br>Darnold gets a 1-year deal worth $10M, sources say, and joins former teammate Josh McCown, who is Minnesota’s new QB coach. <br><br>Kirk Cousins out, Darnold in. <a href="https://t.co/QzrZDJ1Sdq">pic.twitter.com/QzrZDJ1Sdq</a></p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1767416315935953277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a>
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<p id="MkQB5B">But Wilson? Good grief. Why would any team pay him money on Game Day other than to scan tickets? </p>
<p id="ix73CA">This is my <a href="https://www.profootballnetwork.com/zach-wilson-a-cautionary-tale-of-betting-on-the-wrong-traits/">favorite commentary </a>on Wilson’s ability as a quarterback:</p>
<blockquote><p id="PM7Av0">“Wilson is what happens when blindly seeing the highlights of quarterback play without taking a critical eye on more important factors regarding the position than the ability to create outside the structure of the offense. ...Wilson gets pressured and runs around in the backfield like he’s waiting for Apple maps to load without any cell towers in the area.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="bcmUiR">So who’s up next - Sam Howell? Paxton Lynch done with the XFL? Heck, let’s chat with Joe Flacco again just for fun.</p>
<p id="OBw069">Ugh.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">100%.<br><br>It's like we take the Stupid Pill every March <a href="https://t.co/2fMZQWgjTh">https://t.co/2fMZQWgjTh</a></p>— Doctor of Words (& tights & over/under guesses) (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/1767302019117941227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a>
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<p id="ef7R08">The Broncos are rebuilding, and 2024 is likely to be painful - especially after unloading Justin Simmons and Jerry Jeudy.</p>
<p id="MFaVlr">But the only way to survive it is to have confidence the team is building toward something long-term - and not just another short-term disaster at the most important position on the field.</p>
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<h3 id="71yQ9H">Broncos/NFL News</h3>
<p id="GWrGLr"><a href="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/broncos-quarterbacks-history-review/73-82fa1831-f85f-4122-8b7b-840fdae4fb62">What quarterbacks have the Broncos had since Peyton Manning? | 9news.com</a><br>Review of the 12 Denver Broncos quarterbacks QBs since Peyton Manning retired after Super Bowl 50 playoff drought. Keenum Flacco Lock Bridgewater Russell Wilson.</p>
<p id="0KKswN"><a href="https://deadspin.com/denver-broncos-nfl-paton-payton-wilson-trade-hackett-1851315844">Should Broncos fans have faith in Denver’s front office?</a><br>This is bigger than Russell Wilson. Costly bad decisions have become common the norm</p>
<p id="3OLycf"><a href="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/broncos-quarterbacks-history-review/73-82fa1831-f85f-4122-8b7b-840fdae4fb62">What quarterbacks have the Broncos had since Peyton Manning? | 9news.com</a><br>Review of the 12 Denver Broncos quarterbacks QBs since Peyton Manning retired after Super Bowl 50 playoff drought. Keenum Flacco Lock Bridgewater Russell Wilson.</p>
<p id="Snw61O"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5332693%2F2024%2F03%2F11%2Fbroncos-free-agency-tracker-2024%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F12%2F24097982%2Fzach-wilson-are-you-kidding-me-broncos" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Broncos free agency tracker: Brandon Jones fills safety void, Wil Lutz sticks around - The Athletic</a><br>Keep up with Denver's moves after a busy several days leading up to free agency.</p>
<p id="CUc9hY"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-re-sign-s-p-j-locke-to-two-year-contract">Broncos re-sign S P.J. Locke to two-year contract</a><br>Locke appeared in 12 of Denver’s final 13 games in 2023 and started eight contests as he notched 53 tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and an interception.</p>
<p id="mQ3Qoh"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2Flive-blogs%2Fnfl-free-agency-live-signings-deals-news-2024%2FU69UTjqPuE7d%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F12%2F24097982%2Fzach-wilson-are-you-kidding-me-broncos" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NFL free agency 2024 live updates: Kirk Cousins to Falcons, Saquon Barkley to Eagles, Brian Burns to Giants and latest rumors - The Athletic</a><br>The free-agency negotiating period is open. Stay here for the latest news from The Athletic's staff.</p>
<p id="uFHxkB"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5321418%2F2024%2F03%2F10%2Frussell-wilson-signing-free-agency-2024-steelers%2F%3Fcampaign%3D5888993%26source%3Ddailyemail%26userId%3D626311&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F12%2F24097982%2Fzach-wilson-are-you-kidding-me-broncos" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Russell Wilson is joining the Steelers: Here’s what to expect - The Athletic</a><br>Mike Tomlin promised competition for Kenny Pickett. Wilson won't be anointed, but he's the clear odds-on favorite for the job.</p>
<p id="CcW0Qn"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5330551%2F2024%2F03%2F10%2Fpatriots-mac-jones-jaguars-trade%2F%3Fsource%3Dpulsenewsletter%26campaign%3D9224066%26userId%3D626311&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F12%2F24097982%2Fzach-wilson-are-you-kidding-me-broncos" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">How did the Mac Jones era with the New England Patriots go so horribly wrong? - The Athletic</a><br>We might learn someday who was mostly to blame, but until that day comes let’s call this what it is: A total team effort.</p>
<p id="GkClP5"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/jacoby-brissett-patriots-agree-to-one-year-8m-contract">Jacoby Brissett, Patriots agree to one-year, $8M contract</a><br>Jacoby Brissett and the New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year, $8 million deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.</p>
<p id="O6P5wR"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39711359/saquon-barkley-fires-back-tiki-barber-dead-jab-following-giants-departure">Saquon Barkley, Tiki Barber trade barbs over Giants departure - ESPN</a><br>"You're dead to us, Saquon." "You been a hater since I got to New York." Former Giants running backs Tiki Barber and Saquon Barkley traded barbs Monday over the latter's impending signing with the rival Eagles.</p>
<p id="BYR9Vp"></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/12/24097982/zach-wilson-are-you-kidding-me-broncosLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-03-07T04:00:00-07:002024-03-07T04:00:00-07:00Horse Tracks: Can you handle a rebuild, Broncos Country?
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Las Vegas Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mssUoX9f9F8yryOXEfalVrJYl0Q=/358x88:2480x1503/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73188328/1919980128.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Guess what, Broncos Country? This franchise <em>is </em>broken - and it <em>is </em>rebuilding. </p> <h3 id="e9dUdI">Good morning, Broncos Country!</h3>
<p id="M12YF4">ESPN’s Jeff Legwold <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39638991/denver-broncos-tried-failed-russell-wilson-quarterback-next">summarized very neatly</a> just how quickly and repeatedly the Broncos have screwed themselves year after year in search of an answer at quarterback since Peyton Manning:</p>
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<p id="c0qCJm">They’ve used a first-round pick — <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2977881/paxton-lynch">Paxton Lynch</a> — they’ve used Day 2 picks (Brock Osweiler and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3924327/drew-lock">Drew Lock</a>) and they’ve used a late-round pick (<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2511109/trevor-siemian">Trevor Siemian</a>). They’ve signed veteran free agents in the hope to squeeze out a little more, such as <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/15168/case-keenum">Case Keenum</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/11252/joe-flacco">Joe Flacco</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16728/teddy-bridgewater">Teddy Bridgewater</a>.</p>
<p id="9M3HLL">They’ve had injury replacements in <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2574511/brandon-allen">Brandon Allen</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2574630/jeff-driskel">Jeff Driskel</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3722362/brett-rypien">Brett Rypien</a>.</p>
<p id="N4j0Ob">And they made the all-in, this-time-we-really-mean-it move to trade for Russell Wilson. The Broncos bet draft picks — five in all, including two first-round and two second-round picks — and they bet cash in the five-year, $242.6 million contract.</p>
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<p id="QW6jMk">Remember when Vance Joseph was hired as head coach and the branding was created around not doing a rebuild?</p>
<blockquote><p id="73IW4P">“This job won’t be a rebuild - again most jobs you take as a first-time head coach or most jobs that are open - are a rebuild,” Joseph said over and over his first week in the building. “This job is not broken; it’s a reboot.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="APNed6">If the last year, last two years even - <em>heck, the last eight years </em>- have shown us anything, it’s that this team was never just a quarterback away from going back to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>. </p>
<p id="J0Iz0D">It’s been a quarterback, a running game, an offensive line and a run defense away <em>at best. </em>Arguably, it’s also been all those things <em>plus a coach away</em> many seasons too.</p>
<p id="vJOVAm">Guess what, Broncos Country?</p>
<p id="KLKwDP">This franchise <em>is </em>broken - and it <em>is </em>rebuilding.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dane Brugler on Denver:<br><br>“If you poll 10 different people in the league who will be Denver’s QB in week 6 this year, I bet you’d get wildly different answers. I have no clue what their plan is.” <a href="https://t.co/djhSeTH6hT">https://t.co/djhSeTH6hT</a></p>— Jason Bishop (@JasonBishopBI) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonBishopBI/status/1765411829679817067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a>
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<p id="MsFch8">So fasten your seatbelts because rebuilding isn’t for sissy fanbases - and yet here we are. </p>
<p id="qi6qWc">As one of the whiniest, most reality-challenged fanbases in the NFL (and I fully include myself and my orange-and-blue-tinted glasses in this group), we may not have what it takes to withstand a true rebuild.</p>
<p id="15faue">That takes money, draft capital, elite scouting, time and mostly patience.</p>
<p id="znstUl">The Broncos have very few of the above; Broncos Country has none of the last one.</p>
<p id="yALx3R">The franchise has money, but a chunk of it is already allocated to past mistakes.</p>
<p id="7GA7et">The Broncos don’t have draft capital - just six picks in 2024 only two of which are in the first two days.</p>
<p id="kPjZPb">They may be adding elite scouting with the addition of former Saints’ assistant scouting director Cody Rager, but recent drafts haven’t elicited overwhelming confidence here.</p>
<p id="EyAsqs">Time? This may be the only thing the Broncos have, and even at that, it’s not much. </p>
<p id="DDHKUz">Patience? No one has that.</p>
<p id="ntluEY">No doubt it’s been a bumpy ride since 2015, but if this team starts over with a rookie QB, gets rid of some current elite players and locker room leaders in favor of young-and-hungry but also cheap-and-inexperieced talent, a successful program is still a year or three away.</p>
<p id="DPWow5">The Broncos won’t be as fortunate as the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>, who got the best quarterback in the draft while also having a slew of picks to grab other top talent for their rebuild year. </p>
<p id="AtYA3o">If the Texans are the blueprint for how to pull off a successful rebuild, the Broncos have been the blueprint for how to remain in irrelevance purgatory.</p>
<p id="MlrIxO">The long-needed rebuild could be finally happening (I’ll hold final judgment until we see what the Broncos do at QB) - but it’s going to take a few years to get this team steamrolling down the right track.</p>
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<h3 id="gYQgDY">Broncos/NFL News</h3>
<p id="iDjAak"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39638991/denver-broncos-tried-failed-russell-wilson-quarterback-next">The Denver Broncos failed with Russell Wilson at quarterback. What's next? - ESPN</a><br>The Broncos need a plan and some patience. Denver must dig in, pick a lane and stay in it -- at quarterback, in the draft and in free agency.</p>
<p id="2f0eeF"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5317637%2F2024%2F03%2F06%2Fbroncos-2024-offseason-cuts-contracts%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F7%2F24092862%2Fcan-you-handle-rebuild-broncos-country" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">After cutting Russell Wilson, the Broncos face more difficult offseason choices - The Athletic</a><br>The Broncos could be trying to clear $35 million or more in cap space in the coming days, putting key veterans under the microscope.</p>
<p id="JJTLgZ"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5312307%2F2024%2F03%2F05%2Frussell-wilson-broncos-seahawks-hall-of-fame-legacy%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F7%2F24092862%2Fcan-you-handle-rebuild-broncos-country" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Is Russell Wilson a Hall of Famer? Assessing his future, legacy after Broncos flameout - The Athletic</a><br>Will another team want Wilson as its starting QB? Is he willing to be a backup? Did his flop in Denver spoil his Hall of Fame hopes?</p>
<p id="FsYMi7"><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2024/03/04/russell-wilson-broncos-lets-ride-desperation-dangers/">Renck: Russell Wilson went from "Let's Ride" to "Last Ride" with Broncos, revealing dangers of desperation</a><br>From "Let’s Ride" to "Last Ride" in two years. Broncos coach Sean Payton filed for divorce from quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday. The only thing to figure out now is who gets custody of Thunder.</p>
<p id="gZGuMQ"><a href="https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2024/03/06/nfl-news-broncos-do-russell-wilson-a-solid-before-free-agency/">NFL news: Broncos do Russell Wilson a solid ahead of free agency</a><br>Russell Wilson's release is not yet official, but the Broncos won't stop him from negotiating a contract with his next club early.</p>
<p id="0sQuh9"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39564678/the-cost-nfl-invincibility">The cost of the NFL's invincibility - ESPN</a><br>For a sport that captivates America, the NFL does nothing to distance itself from the anger and grievance that has become part of our identity.</p>
<p id="cxVO3K"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39660387/ravens-free-agency-jadeveon-clowney-tyler-huntley-stay-go">Ravens free agency projections: Clowney stays, Huntley goes - ESPN</a><br>With 23 free agents, here are some key players who could return to or leave Baltimore.</p>
<p id="1BT95C"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39665413/what-dead-money-largest-nfl-salary-cap-hits-ever-player-team">What is dead money? Largest NFL hits ever by player, team - ESPN</a><br>Broncos are now faced with the biggest dead money charge in league history. In fact, the $85 million hit is larger than the next two closest combined, according to Roster Management System.</p>
<p id="WNhFEv"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39658910/texans-know-piecing-together-roster-vital-continue-success">Texans know piecing together roster vital to continue success - ESPN</a><br>Houston has a league-leading 29 free agents with the new league year set to kick off next week.</p>
<p id="iyxiVJ"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/joe-flacco-browns-return-wants-chance-to-play-2024-free-agency">Joe Flacco admits he'd love to return to Browns, but still wants 'chance to play' in 2024</a><br>Joe Flacco, 39, is coming off a Comeback Player of the Year campaign with Cleveland. Could he return to the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> in free agency this offseason?</p>
<p id="QzuzkM"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/commanders-signing-te-zach-ertz-to-one-year-deal">Washington Commanders signing TE Zach Ertz to one-year deal</a><br>Zach Ertz is signing with the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a> on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.</p>
<p id="BxnGIQ"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-releasing-all-pro-safety-jordan-poyer-after-seven-seasons">Former All-Pros Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer lead Bills' cap-cutting roster moves</a><br>The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> are releasing veteran safety Jordan Poyer in an effort to get under the salary cap ahead of free agency, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/7/24092862/can-you-handle-rebuild-broncos-countryLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-03-05T04:00:00-07:002024-03-05T04:00:00-07:00Sean Payton’s clock begins for real
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<p>Beginning the second year of his five-year contract, the head coach is now solely responsible for getting ‘his team’ turned around.</p> <p id="wcdHOY">The Broncos made two big moves in 2022 in hopes of resurrecting the franchise - hiring a brand new head coach and bringing in a heavy hitter at QB.</p>
<p id="VdJ4h2">Enter Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson.</p>
<p id="fvmz1R">But there was no resurrection. Only a crucifixion. Almost two, in fact, but Wilson’s gigantic contract (probably the biggest sin in all these deeds) provided another chance at life for the former Super Bowl MVP.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">in a nutshell, Broncos GM George Patton gave up a...<br><br>1st<br>1st<br>2nd<br>2nd<br>5th + 3 players - a 4th<br><br>to get Russell Wilson<br><br>he then gave Wilson a new $242M contract<br><br>in return, he received:<br><br>► 2 years of Russell Wilson<br>► back-to-back losing seasons<br>► $85M in dead cap<br><br>GM George…</p>— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1764783349321605414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a>
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<p id="ARf9FV">So a third big move in 2023 was required.</p>
<p id="QNQC33">Enter Sean Payton - hired to fix the quarterback and complete the long-sought-after but ever-elusive turnaround.</p>
<p id="jnPL5L">But Payton had other ideas. Needing a hand-picked solution at QB, the head coach benched Wilson to send a message that this team was his to handle.</p>
<p id="mikknl">Payton has two ways to go - bridge QB or rookie - to get this team to the Promise Land, and no doubt that signals an aggressive NFL Draft to engineer the kind of team he wants.</p>
<blockquote><p id="panp5y">“As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency,” Sean Payton and George Paton said in a statement following the announcement of the release.</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you're looking for a "glass half full" angle to Russell Wilson's release...<br><br>1) Denver doesn't lose any cap space in 2024<br>2) Denver frees up $6M of cap space in 2025<br>3) Denver doesn't need to pay Wilson $37M in 2025<br>3) A roster spot has been freed up</p>— Spotrac (@spotrac) <a href="https://twitter.com/spotrac/status/1764772490159555023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a>
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<p id="1Sone2">At the Combine last week, Payton met with all the top rookie QB prospects except the assumed No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.</p>
<p id="Q7lBWa">LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. met with Payton and all had interesting things to say about meeting the Broncos’ head coach, according to <a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-combine-roundup-top-quarterback-prospects-reflect-on-meetings-with-broncos">denverbroncos.com</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="ksyXEx"><strong>Daniels:</strong> ”Sean Payton, obviously what he did in New Orleans, I was just down the road and people still talk about those days. To be able to see the offensive mind that he is, the guru, and just be able sit there and talk football with everybody [was good].”</p>
<p id="muPzYd"><strong>Maye:</strong> ”It was awesome meeting with Coach Payton. I think any time you have one of the great offensive minds in there — … meeting with him was pretty cool, and [Quarterbacks Coach] Davis Webb, he seemed right off the bat … like one of the great quarterback coaches you could play for. It was just fun being in there with those guys, getting that experience.”</p>
<p id="wv4QZ0"><strong>McCarthy:</strong> ”It was awesome. Coach Payton’s energy, Coach Webb, [Offensive Coordinator Joe] Lombardi, it was just really great to be in that room with them and go through tape. It was honestly a really fun time. … [It] absolutely would be an honor to play for [Payton]. Everything about this process has been so great, and any team who selects me, it’d be an honor.”</p>
<p id="RLgPlD"><strong>Nix:</strong> ”[I’m] not going to get into specifics of the meeting. Along with many other special coaches, [Payton is] one of them in the game.To be able to learn from him or anyone on that level would be fun. It would be a unique time and process.”</p>
<p id="StuRVO"><strong>Penix: </strong>“… They were tough. They were tough. … They pulled up a lot of bad plays, but it’s good, because at the next level it’s hard. It’s hard to win. I understand that. I feel like, in a way, they’re probably just trying to see how I’d react to those bad plays, if I could take accountability. … I’m always going to do that. I’m always going to put others before me and I’m going to be honest.”</p>
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<p id="fi6BXk">Assuming Payton sees at least one of these prospects as the guy to get him and the Broncos to the Promised Land, it would be shocking if he wasn’t aggressive at trading up.</p>
<p id="eVo6YB">Greg Penner and Broncos Country will then find out just what kind of “fixer” Sean Payton is.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">J.J. McCarthy “really enjoyed” his meeting with the Broncos at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLCombine?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLCombine</a>: <a href="https://t.co/EZxZU6JJZp">pic.twitter.com/EZxZU6JJZp</a></p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1763634934772629802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="q38w6E">Broncos/NFL News</h3>
<p id="OY6jvs"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5282096%2F2024%2F03%2F04%2Frussell-wilson-broncos-release%2F%3Fredirected%3D1%26access_token%3D626311&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F3%2F5%2F24090722%2Fsean-paytons-clock-begins-for-real" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Broncos to release Russell Wilson 2 years after blockbuster trade - The Athletic</a><br>The Denver Broncos notified quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday he will be released March 14 at the start of the new league year, ending his tenure with the team only two years after a blockbuster trade to acquire the veteran.</p>
<p id="7VqzYe"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/russell-wilsons-best-team-fits-now-that-broncos-are-moving-on-221645334.html">Russell Wilson's best team fits now that Broncos are moving on - Yahoo Sports</a><br>Where might he land?</p>
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<p id="pboh76"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/lance-zierlein-2024-nfl-mock-draft-2-0-broncos-move-up-for-j-j-mccarthy-chiefs-add-xavier-worthy">Zierlein 2024 NFL mock draft 2.0: Broncos move up for J.J. McCarthy</a><br>After gathering more info at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Lance Zierlein provides an updated projection of how Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft will shake out -- with the Broncos pulling off a swap to land quarterback J.J. McCarthy.</p>
<p id="Ft38U2"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-use-franchise-tag-on-cb-l-jarius-sneed">Chiefs place franchise tag on CB L'Jarius Sneed</a><br>The Kansas City Chiefs have franchise-tagged cornerback L'Jarius Sneed ahead of Tuesday's deadline, the team announced Monday.</p>
<p id="iS2gKw"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/dak-prescott-definitely-confident-he-ll-get-extension-done-with-cowboys">Dak Prescott 'definitely confident' he'll get extension done with Cowboys</a><br>A new dad brimming with optimism, Dak Prescott is assured that he’ll get a new deal done with the Dallas Cowboys.</p>
<p id="S2Dah5"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-will-not-franchise-tag-dt-christian-wilkins">Dolphins will not franchise tag DT Christian Wilkins</a><br>The Miami Dolphins will not use the franchise tag on defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, per sources.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/3/5/24090722/sean-paytons-clock-begins-for-realLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-02-27T04:00:00-07:002024-02-27T04:00:00-07:00Russell Wilson may want to ‘win 2 more Super Bowls’ - but it won’t be with Denver
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<figcaption>Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>He knows it, and we know it, but modern-day sports PR dictates that he has to say that.</p> <h3 id="MHsLPa">Good morning, Broncos Country!</h3>
<p id="BDepdy">By now you’ve read multiple headlines all reacting to Russell Wilson’s comments on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxvcglIWjVY">“I Am Athlete”</a> podcast that dropped Sunday night.</p>
<p id="Mm7x0O">The Sean Payton-benched quarterback wants to stay in Denver and win championships. Two to be exact.</p>
<blockquote><p id="7nGdX1">“I’ve got more fire than ever, honestly, especially over the past two years of what I’ve gone through,’’ Wilson told podcast host Brandon Marshall. “Whether it’s in Denver or somewhere else, I hope it’s in Denver, I hope I get to finish there. I committed there, I wanted to be there. I want to be there.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="lCPK79">But he also wants to be wanted.</p>
<blockquote><p id="9TSSB2">“For me, it’s about winning,” Wilson said, adding he loves the city and wants to stay there. “But you also want to be in a place that wants you, too. The thing I want to do is to win, that’s all I care about.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="dNLTFc">Though Payton has not officially stated his plans with Wilson, his desires have been more than made clear.</p>
<p id="nmiqBO">By benching Wilson the final two games of the season and then saying he is looking for a quarterback who is a quick processor, Wilson’s time in Denver has come and gone.</p>
<p id="ErBIsW">And Wilson certainly knows that. The podcast appearance was his PR team getting out in front of his looming cut before March 17 when Wilson’s $37 million salary in 2025 becomes guaranteed.</p>
<p id="GagaVA">Of course he’s going to say he wants to stay in Denver. And he probably genuinely does. But he also knows - just as we know - how unlikely that is. </p>
<p id="emIFUD">And more than Wilson wants to remain a Bronco, he wants to win and get paid. So he better keep that 12-bathroom house on the market because he’s not likely to remain in Colorado.</p>
<p id="JHCCwE">As<a href="https://www.nfl.com/videos/brooks-broncos-are-team-with-most-potential-to-trade-up-for-qb-in-24-draft-nfl-total-access"> Bucky Brooks said in so many words</a> on the NFL Network, that ain’t happening.</p>
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<p id="jPmKc1">“Russell, it won’t be there. It won’t be there because the Denver Broncos are likely to move into the top 10 to go get the quarterback of their choice,” Brooks said. “I’m sorry, Russell, but they’re moving on.</p>
<p id="UosIAn">“Payton wants to get his guy, a young guy he can groom and take the offense to the next level,” Brooks added.</p>
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<p id="7X7Lsm">Now that the NFL has increased the salary cap by $30 million for 2024, the dead cap damage for Wilson’s contract is “slightly more palatable” as <em>Denver Post’s</em> Parker Gabriel notes. </p>
<p id="Ysn111">And Gabriel adds that the Broncos will have three options for absorbing that hit - incurring the full $85 million on the 2024 books or splitting it between 2024 and 2025. If splitting, Denver could choose which year takes the bigger hit - either $53 million (2024) and $32 million (2025) or $35.4 million in 2024 and $49.6 million the following year.</p>
<p id="QAZxOa">The betting odds for Denver’s quarterback next year are rather interesting too. <a href="https://www.betcolorado.com/news/starting-qb-for-denver-broncos-2024-odds-of-denver-s-week-1-starter">According to BetColorado</a>, the greatest odds belong to current backup Jarrett Stidham who started the final two games last season over Wilson.</p>
<p id="h8J5Rc">Those odds are considerably better than for Wilson to be the starter.</p>
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<p id="C18W8j">Perhaps the most likely scenario for Wilson is to go to a QB-needy team (like the Patriots) for the league minimum while still raking in Denver’s cash because all signs are pointing to the Broncos aiming to draft a young QB to lead the team in 2024 and beyond. </p>
<p id="YX7dHv">Brooks certainly doesn’t know which one that might be, but like so many projections last week, he likes Michigan’s former quarterback as a fit in Denver.</p>
<p id="OVbePD">“Maybe J.J. McCarthy puts on a show; he could go there,” Brooks said. “He could be QB No. 4 [in the draft]. I kinda like that.”</p>
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<h3 id="I5rnyf">Broncos/NFL News</h3>
<p id="CszTmq"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/photos/from-the-archive-broncos-draft-picks-at-the-nfl-scouting-combine-over-the-years#b0b96253-a8ab-4797-b6fd-cfce8bcc5ebb">From the archive: Broncos draft picks at the NFL Scouting Combine over the years</a><br>Look back through Broncos history with these photos of Denver draft picks during their visits to the NFL Scouting Combine prior to the draft.</p>
<p id="vD5zPw"><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2024/02/25/todd-helton-peyton-manning-1994-tennessee-football-qbs-hall-of-fame/">Todd Helton, Peyton Manning and a Hall of Fame Tennessee QB room</a><br>Clouds hardly ever dare enter the Rose Bowl’s airspace, but a gloomy afternoon was closing in fast Sept. 3, 1994, by the time Todd Helton decided he needed to find a headset.</p>
<p id="XfD5L5"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-quarterback-russell-wilson-wants-to-win-two-more-super-bowls-hopes-it-s-in-denver">Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson wants to win two more Super Bowls, hopes 'it's in Denver'</a><br>Russell Wilson wants to stay with the Denver Broncos. He would also prefer to play for a team that wants him under center. Those might well be conflicting desires. Above all else, though, Wilson wants to hoist a Lombardi Trophy again.</p>
<p id="FMGDOA"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39584856/denver-broncos-russell-wilson-qb-question-future">Five quarterback solutions for the Denver Broncos - ESPN</a><br>From keeping Russell Wilson around to trading up in the draft, we sift through every option Sean Payton and the Broncos have at QB.</p>
<p id="sATpF3"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxvcglIWjVY">RUSSELL WILSON: The Climb To Winning | I AM ATHLETE - YouTube</a><br>SUBSCRIBE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/c/IAMATHLETE?sub_confirmation=1Russell Wilson, who is an acclaimed professional football quarterback, hails from Cincinn...</p>
<p id="7a3Piz"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/videos/brooks-broncos-are-team-with-most-potential-to-trade-up-for-qb-in-24-draft-nfl-total-access">Bucky Brooks :Denver Broncos are team with most potential to trade up for quarterback in ‘24 draft | ‘NFL Total Access’</a><br>NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks says the Denver Broncos are team with most potential to trade up for a. quarterback in the 2024 draft on “NFL Total Access”.</p>
<p id="8xoC0n"><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2024/02/23/broncos-russell-wilson-salary-cap-nfl/">Cutting Russell Wilson easier for Broncos after NFL salary cap rise</a><br>Inflation stings unless you’re an NFL team looking at the new 2024 salary cap.</p>
<p id="NqD4f8"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/bears-dj-moore-on-qb-prospects-in-draft-i-still-don-t-think-they-compare-to-justin-fields-right-now">Bears' DJ Moore on QB prospects in draft: 'I still don't think they compare' to Justin Fields right now</a><br>As the Bears prepare to take in the pool of quarterback prospects available at the NFL Scouting Combine, wide receiver DJ Moore is steadfast in his belief that Fields remains Chicago's best option.</p>
<p id="1nssqM"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-s-top-50-2024-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-2-0">Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings 2.0</a><br>With Combine Week underway, Daniel Jeremiah updates his prospect rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft. Three new players make his list, including a pair of receivers. Check out the full rundown, 1-50.</p>
<p id="daGJgM"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFArYN3xEZc">Wide receivers and quarterbacks to watch at 2024 NFL Combine | Chris Simms Unbuttoned | NFL on NBC - YouTube</a><br>Chris Simms and Connor Rogers discuss the 2024 NFL Draft's depth at wide receiver, what they want to see from the quarterbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine an...</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/2/27/24084293/russell-wilson-super-bowls-denver-broncosLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-02-20T04:00:00-07:002024-02-20T04:00:00-07:00Horse Tracks: Finding a college QB who can excel at the next level is an impossible guessing game
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 18 North Carolina at Clemson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3DpUublv2jHhLcttVRAVnaVujaQ=/0x478:3642x2906/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73151101/1812719105.0.jpg" />
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<p><strong>Cognition tests? Combine scores? Game tape? Just how do you find the next NFL MVP among the college QB ranks?</strong></p> <h3 id="2leT4R">Good morning, Broncos Country!</h3>
<p id="qPvv7d">A recent article in <em>The Athletic </em>reported that one of the biggest sports agencies for NFL players and draft prospects is recommending their college clients not take the S2 cognition test that replaced the Wonderlic two years ago.</p>
<p id="q92apL">Leaked scores last spring revealed that Bryce Young scored a near-perfect 98% while CJ Stroud hit a “red alert” low at 18% - yet their rookie NFL seasons in 2023 were just the opposite as Young finished 2-14 as the starter and Stroud took his team to the playoffs.</p>
<blockquote><p id="SDeeMW">“We understand that many of your teams use these tests or protocols as part of your prospect evaluation process, however our recent experience with these exams has been less than positive,” read an email from Athletes First sports agency to coaches, per <em>The Athletic</em>. “Specifically, the fact that certain results and performance were leaked publicly last year demonstrates that there truly is no confidentiality with these tests. It is not right for a player’s intelligence, aptitude or mental processing to be subject to public discussion and ridicule — no other job interview carries the same scrutiny.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="PhNWfI">Currently, 15 teams use the S2 test, which was first applied in 2016 to measure the processing of split-second information and the speed of response time. Unlike the Wonderlic, which measures reasoning and problem-solving in everyday life, or the Athletic Intelligence Quotient test, which measures decision-making and spatial awareness, the S2 evaluation is meant to gauge how players think on the field. </p>
<p id="utp5fv">It was co-founded in 2014 by two neuroscientists and former college athletes, and is famously a test in which Patrick Mahomes was one of the top two performers in 2017.</p>
<p id="BSCjeX"><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> owner and hedge fund billionaire David Tepper is a big believer in the science, hence his controversial move to take Young as the No. 1 overall pick last year rather than Stroud.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The S2 Cognition test measures the ability to quickly and accurately process information.<br><br>A source confirmed Bryce Young secured a near-perfect score.<br><br>How much will that impact the Panthers' decision at the top of the draft?<br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/josephperson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@josephperson</a><a href="https://t.co/aD6tFXVJCr">https://t.co/aD6tFXVJCr</a></p>— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthletic/status/1649042986037293058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a>
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<p id="rBAwDk">Whatever one’s opinion on the test’s accuracy, it is at least a quantifiable measure. And if a team sticks only to “the eye test” and/or “gut feelings,” evaluations can be equally unreliable as a predictor of success.</p>
<p id="rWUmBX">During <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> week, Broncos head coach Sean Payton made an interesting comment while being asked his plans at QB for Denver next year (which, in true Payton fashion, he spoke long enough with an unrelated story to virtually ignore the question). </p>
<p id="o73XtZ">But in doing so, he used Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes as examples of guys who “get in their car and use the 50 buttons that are available” compared to guys like himself who just turn on the power button, see that the temp is set to 72 degrees and then drive off.</p>
<p id="8Tb3kw">The keen processing a quarterback has to do at the line means breaking down the defense and choosing a play in just “six or seven seconds.”</p>
<p id="OGliAt">“It’s the hardest thing for us to evaluate,” Payton admitted. </p>
<p id="gmqZsM">So how do you evaluate a college quarterback with any kind of confidence that he will transition to the pro level with success? </p>
<p id="7wNv4y">Asking Google reveals a plethora of articles all trying to answer the question that eludes so many teams - including the Broncos. </p>
<p id="1mtqyO">And all with about as much chance at accuracy - or inaccuracy - as the next. </p>
<p id="viVM1V">Suggestions include:</p>
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<p id="dVCxBt">• Isolate a QB’s individual statistics, such as a quarterback’s adjusted completion percentage (measured by PFF)</p>
<p id="00EVSd">• Consider sack avoidance, particularly the pressure-to-sack rate, which measures the percentage of a quarterback’s pressured dropbacks that result in a sack. </p>
<p id="JZWRJ7">• Pay attention to the system a QB plays in, noting whether it’s a system designed for easy success (such as a lot of play action) and ignore the throwing session at the Combine. As one scout wrote: “The media makes a big deal about the throwing session, but it’s useless. The player makes three throws to players he never has worked with then goes to the back of the line and waits five or six minutes to throw again. It’s ridiculous, in my opinion. We get NOTHING out of it.”</p>
<p id="DXAM0q">• <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/49ers/news/how-brock-purdy-changed-how-teams-draft-quarterbacks">Go with the “Brock Purdy model” over the “Trey Lance model.”</a> While Lance was big, strong, fast and smart, he had very little experience starting at QB. Purdy, on the other hand, was not particularly athletic or talented but he had four years of college starting experience at <a href="https://www.widerightnattylite.com">Iowa State</a>. It’s the old-school Bill Parcels model - get a guy “who has started 30 games and won 70 percent of them.”</p>
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<p id="3q2hZl">FInding the next Patrick Mahomes or even Brock Purdy in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> is about as much luck as skill for an evaluator, and Payton will need a little bit of both heading into April as the Broncos desperately need to hit on a QB sooner rather than later. </p>
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<h3 id="n7QikJ">Broncos/NFL News</h3>
<p id="VQNS2N"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-eight-players-to-watch-at-hbcu-legacy-bowl">2024 NFL Draft: Eight players to watch at HBCU Legacy Bowl</a><br>The third annual HBCU Legacy Bowl takes place Saturday in New Orleans. Scott Pioli highlights eight prospects to keep an eye on, including North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard.</p>
<p id="nCn3iG"><a href="https://thednvr.com/ranking-the-denver-broncos-and-sean-paytons-top-franchise-tag-candidates/">Ranking the Denver Broncos and Sean Payton's top franchise tag candidates - DNVR Sports</a><br>The franchise tag window opens on Tuesday. There is only one Bronco that Sean Payton and the team could realistically tag.</p>
<p id="NLgFlP"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/video/the-knock-inside-the-moment-when-randy-gradishar-learned-of-his-hall-of-fame-election">'The Knock': Inside the moment Randy Gradishar learned of his Hall of Fame election</a><br>Watch as Randy Gradishar is surprised with the news that he has been chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.</p>
<p id="wFXCKG"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/video/broncos-build-bikes-give-away-to-local-school-students-during-random-acts-of-kindness-week">Broncos build bikes, give away to local school students during Random Acts of Kindness Week</a><br>Broncos alumni, staff and members of the Broncos Family Network helped build bikes on Tuesday as part of Random Acts of Kindness Week. Later in the day, Zach Allen, Marvin Mims Jr., Jaleel McLaughlin and Thomas Incoom joined <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> Cheerleaders, M</p>
<p id="YfSPIu"><a href="https://denversports.com/2110931/the-broncos-have-to-take-a-quarterback-in-the-2024-nfl-draft/">The Broncos have to take a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft - Denver Sports</a><br>After eight years of trying to find a quick fix, Denver needs to make a long-term investment, go big and take a franchise QB in round one</p>
<p id="BNNKIm"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-antonio-pierce-motivated-to-run-it-back-against-chiefs-we-ve-already-given-the-recipe-of-how-to-do-it">Raiders' Antonio Pierce motivated to ‘run it back’ against Chiefs: ‘We’ve already given the recipe of how to do it’</a><br>The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a> used the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a>' locker room at Allegiant Stadium for the Super Bowl, adding a dash of red and yellow to the walls and celebrating a second straight Lombardi Trophy there. For head coach Antonio Pierce, it's fuel moving f</p>
<p id="Wzg7j6"><a href="https://deadspin.com/chiefs-nick-bolton-fined-for-super-bowl-horse-collar-ta-1851268902">Chiefs' Nick Bolton fined for Super Bowl horse-collar tackle</a><br>The NFL fined Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton $8,238 for his horse-collar tackle of <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> quarterback Brock Purdy in Super Bowl LVIII.</p>
<p id="YEGFw7"><a href="https://deadspin.com/cj-stroud-bryce-young-nfl-draft-exams-s2-wonderlic-1851265057">Sports agency telling NFL draft prospects to skip cognition exams</a><br>Carolina Panthers took Bryce Young No. 1 overall in part due to his high S2 exam score</p>
<p id="YOS5qH"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/03/21/nfl-s2-cognition-quarterbacks/">S2 Cognition brings science to the art of drafting a future NFL star - The Washington Post</a><br>Unlike the Wonderlic, which measures reasoning and problem-solving in everyday life, or the Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ) test, which is geared toward quick decision-making and spatial awareness, the S2 evaluation was created to gauge how players think on the field.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/2/20/24077892/finding-a-quarterback-is-an-impossible-guessing-gameLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2024-02-13T04:00:00-07:002024-02-13T04:00:00-07:00Horse Tracks: Payton says figuring out QB situation starts now
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jUmewI1f-UB_MaBFseqK51RIi3Y=/0x0:5529x3686/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73135332/1702714482.0.jpg" />
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<p>While making the rounds at Radio Row, Payton shot down rumors of trading up for a QB but also hinted at reasons why we know Wilson will not be starting QB in Denver in 2024.</p> <p id="zhJxLh">While the Chiefs were off winning the Super Bowl, every other NFL head coach in Vegas was getting his talking points down for “moving on to next season.”</p>
<p id="iQcokW">Sean Payton was particularly adept at it, as he seemed highly motivated to shoot down rumors that he’s planning to “trade up” in the draft and get a top college QB.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Give Sean Payton credit, his messaging was on point at the Super Bowl:<br><br>"I can't even tell you the jersey numbers on these college quarterbacks," was a phrase used on at least 3 national shows by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BroncosCountry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BroncosCountry</a> head coach <a href="https://t.co/VseHKt0m2K">pic.twitter.com/VseHKt0m2K</a></p>— Dave Althouse (@davealthouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/davealthouse/status/1757145355441852745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a>
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<p id="VBC2XD">But he did hint that the offseason would be very important for Denver answering some key questions - particularly at quarterback.</p>
<p id="84W7uR">“This offseason is going to be important for us - the draft, free agency, the questions around Russell obviously, what we’re doing at quarterback,” Payton told Jim Rome on CBS Sports. “All of those things are going to be vital to our success, not only in 2024 but our success in the next three or four years.”</p>
<p id="Wk5gPy">Rome asked Peyton if Wilson could be starting for the Broncos next year and Payton quickly replied, “that’s a possibility” before diverting to his “I don’t even know their jersey numbers” routine (and for the record, no way that’s true, lol)</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="jyHs2n"><q>“This offseason is going to be important for us - the draft, free agency, the questions around Russell obviously, what we’re doing at quarterback...all of those things are going to be vital to our success, not only in 2024 but in the next three or four years.” = Sean Payton</q></aside></div>
<p id="VPuEa0">“Here’s what I know, ok...we don’t start looking at the college players until Monday, so I couldn’t tell you the jersey number of some of these top quarterbacks,” Payton said, adding that quarterback is a position that’s a “must” to figure out. “And that’s to include is Russell a part of that or not?”</p>
<p id="MGfoDD">When Rome pushed back on what QB traits Payton certainly knows he must want, the type of QB Payton described was easily a Mahomes-style signal caller, not a Wilson-style one.</p>
<p id="69qs2N">“I think it’s important that they’re quick processors,” Payton said, naming Mahomes and Drew Brees as good examples. “During any given play in seven seconds, he’s going to point out the Mike ID, he’s going to send the receiver in motion, he’s going to alert the back here for a checkdown and alert Kelce it’s cover 0...these guys gotta be able to operate quickly in six or seven seconds.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SeanPayton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SeanPayton</a> on the QB situation in Denver. <a href="https://t.co/oMGWSjZpmC">pic.twitter.com/oMGWSjZpmC</a></p>— Jim Rome (@jimrome) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimrome/status/1756074996793757809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="Ka4WG2">For fun I decided to go back and listen more closely to what Payton was saying last year about Wilson when he was just coming on board and was asked about getting Wilson back into elite form.</p>
<p id="b0S84d">I remembered Payton being optimistic about working with Wilson, but with the benefit of hindsight and some healhty skepticism, it’s easy to listen now and see that there was always going to be discontent in that coach-QB relationship.</p>
<p id="HzLjfj">On the Pat McAfee Show during Super Bowl 57, McAfee tried to pin down Payton on how he’s going to turn Wilson around, and Payton found a way to talk for 10 minutes about his conversation with Joe Montana.</p>
<p id="v2v25H">Then he deflected again when asked what the main priority was for choosing a team to get back into coaching - good QB/bad team or bad QB/good team?</p>
<p id="lKXZ1n">Payton went with Door No. 3 - strong ownership.</p>
<p id="pamprZ">“The No. 1 thing was ownership and front office. That gives you the ability to fix, change, move, all of the above,” Payton said (in what now seems like a serious foreshadowing of his early plans for Wilson).</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="6jiNiP"><q>“I think it’s important that they’re quick processors...during any given play in seven seconds, he’s going to point out the Mike ID, send the receiver in motion, alert the back here for a checkdown and alert Kelce it’s cover 0...these guys gotta be able to operate quickly in six or seven seconds.” - Sean Payton </q></aside></div>
<p id="zyqKVj">When McAfee pushed to find out whether “a good QB” was part of his equation for choosing the Broncos, Payton reframed it, stating that going to a team with just a good quarterback (but not good ownership) would mostly likely end with a good QB, a bad team “and you’re probably going to get fired.”</p>
<p id="4qgi2k">Because there are no coaching vacancies where there’s a good team, a good QB and a good owner already in place.</p>
<p id="MZI557">“That’s Andy Reid coaching the Chiefs,” Payton joked.</p>
<p id="TizCCh">So now it’ll be up to Payton and whoever he brings in at quarterback to continue building on the culture change he started.</p>
<p id="mKxYqf">“When you preach a new message and there is early success, that’s easy,” he said. “When you bring in a new message and man, you’re not having that success, it can be challenging.”</p>
<p id="xIsekq">But when a team can come back from a deficit - the way the Broncos rallied from a 1-5 season start to a 5-0 run - the culture shift has a chance.</p>
<p id="xL3LMU">“Before you learn how to win some of these tight games, you have to learn how not to lose them,” Payton said, adding that when a team is able to get back above water after nearly drowning it brings tremendous self-confidence - even when the odds are against you. “When you dig yourself in a hole in this league, it’s hard.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former NFL player and longtime broadcaster Mike Golic tells me, “Sean (Payton) wants to win now, so you find whether it’s a trade or a free agent, you find somebody who you feel can be that guy … I think you still want to hit the ground running with the team you have.” <a href="https://t.co/5tTasatXUu">pic.twitter.com/5tTasatXUu</a></p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1756517239308853656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="E8FNVN">NFL/Broncos News</h3>
<p id="5YDp9h"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-head-coach-sean-payton-final-decision-hasn-t-been-made-on-russell-wilson?icampaign=npl-ros-adv&affiliateId=21181&affiliateCustomId=93051X1547088X8435bb17e29beb3a839a6c89071203c0&clickId=4659406109">Broncos head coach Sean Payton: 'Final decision hasn't been made' on Russell Wilson</a><br>Russell Wilson 's benching for the season's final two weeks was viewed as the precursor to a divorce, but on Tuesday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton insisted the door isn't closed on a possible return, saying that no decision has been made.</p>
<p id="L2QOtV"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5263743%2F2024%2F02%2F09%2Fsean-payton-broncos-russell-wilson-decision%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F2%2F13%2F24071549%2Fpayton-figuring-out-qb-situation-starts-now" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sean Payton: Broncos’ decision on QB Russell Wilson coming ‘sooner than later’ - The Athletic</a><br>Payton weighs in possibility of drafting QB: "If we like one of these guys a lot, I'm unconcerned where people think we should draft them."</p>
<p id="EREWQP"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/10/upshot/taylor-swift-nfl-ratings.html">Is Taylor Swift Actually Increasing N.F.L. Ratings? - The New York Times</a><br>We looked into whether such a claim was merely a romantic notion.</p>
<div id="BIIJRL"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8XvJHvdE7jc?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Gil56D"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641777&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fdraft-post-super-bowl-2024-nfl-mock-draft-five-quarterbacks-first-round&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milehighreport.com%2F2024%2F2%2F13%2F24071549%2Fpayton-figuring-out-qb-situation-starts-now" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Post-Super Bowl 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Five quarterbacks go in the first round, Denver Broncos trade up to No. 2 for Drake Maye | NFL Draft | PFF</a><br>Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels go with No.s 1, 2 and 3 in Trevor Sikkema's post-Super Bowl mock draft.</p>
<p id="E5gvAm"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-expected-to-finalize-deal-with-49ers-passing-game-coordinator-klint-kubiak-to-be-their-next-offensive-coordinator">Saints expected to finalize deal with 49ers passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak to be their next offensive coordinator</a><br>The Saints are expected to finalize a deal to hire San Francisco's passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next offensive coordinator, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday.</p>
<p id="uRKXrF"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-releasing-qb-mitchell-trubisky-after-two-seasons">Steelers releasing QB Mitchell Trubisky after two seasons</a><br>Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and the Pittsburgh Steelers are parting ways. The Steelers are releasing the seven-year pro after two seasons, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Monday. The team later announced the move.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2024/2/13/24071549/payton-figuring-out-qb-situation-starts-nowLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann