The 2021 draft could help the Broncos land Deshaun Watson

Like few before it, the 2021 off-season will be driven by quarterback movement. Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff have already swapped locales and now Carson Wentz will succeed Philip Rivers, Andrew Luck, and Peyton Manning. And we’ve only just begun.

Driven by Trevor Lawrence at the top, the 2021 quarterback class easily looks like the best since 2017. There’s even the possibility teams 1-4 could go QB back-to-back-to-back-to-back. Or maybe the league isn’t as hot on this rookie class as fans and the media are. It seems a remote possibility, but as I toyed around with the PFF Mock Draft machine, a situation occurred that’s worth exploring.

It all begins on April 29th. Urban Meyer confirms that the only reason he left his cushy job with ESPN is to coach Trevor Lawrence. Joe Douglas trades Sam Darnold to the Panthers and drafts Justin Fields. All the talk about early trades amounts to nothing as the six teams before George Paton pass on Zach Wilson and Trey Lance.

Jack Easterby calls.

The Texans’ president offers what no sane man can refuse. Rodger Goodwell tells the world Zach Wilson is going to Houston while social media is abuzz about what it really means. No one outside Jerry world bats an eye when Parsons lands in big D or Gruden’s gamble on Gregory Rousseau. Only Boston cares that Bill Belichick grabbed Jaycee Horn over Trey Lance and Mac Jones. When the dust settles on the first night, everyone wants to talk about how the Broncos stole Deshaun Watson.

3.77 James Hudson - Tackle - Cincinnati

With just 11 starts under his belt, this Bearcat could use some seasoning. With Ja’Wuan James back from his opt out and Elijah Wilkinson back in the fold, he gets just that. With James’ 2022 cap number looming large, Paton adds a toolsy youngster to learn under Mike Munchak.

4.114 Tylan Wallace - Wide Receiver - Oklahoma State

Due to his injury and expiring rookie contract, Courtland Sutton’s 2022 status is a pressing unknown while Tim Patrick’s playing on a 1-year RFA tag. With both looming as long-term questions, it doesn’t hurt to add another receiver who can win at the catch point. Paton figures Deshaun Watson can set the league on fire if he never runs out of weapons.

5.153 Israel Mukuamu - Cornerback - South Carolina

Bryce Callahan and Patrick Peterson promise to be a pair of talented 30-something corners while Michael Ojemudia is fighting for base snaps. The depth behind them is equal parts callow and battle-tested, with many coming off of injuries. While Mukuamu may have some trouble with speed freaks like the Cheetah, he could be a valuable role player against Travis Kelce in the battles ahead.

6.193 Garrett Wallow - Linebacker - TCU

Somewhere in the States, the Broncos’ 2019 fifth rounder breathes a sigh of relief as Paton sticks with an old Viking tendency. Vic Fangio’s grinning because he finally has a safety backer to pair with Alexander Johnson after missing on Patrick Queen. Justin Strnad gets his overdue shot in an open competition with Wallow, Josh Watson, and Josey Jewell for the starting job.

7.235 Jermar Jefferson - Running back - Oregon State

With three backs playing on expiring contracts, Paton takes a swing on an explosive Beaver. Paton’s hope is that Jefferson eventually becomes a reliable third down outlet. With Gordon’s potential suspension looming, he has an early opportunity to prove himself.

Your Broncos’ News

Denver Broncos now favored to land Deshaun Watson - Mile High Report

Day 342 of Deshaun Watson watch continues on Mile High Report. The Denver Broncos are now odds on favorite to land the quarterback before season starts.

Denver Broncos have options with Von Miller - Mile High Report

Paton’s decision with the future Hall of Famer will give us a hint on his plans for QB this offseason.

George Paton has a ‘Plan A, B, C and D’ for this team - and that includes Watson - Mile High Report

Andrew Mason joined Broncos Country Tonight to discuss the new GM, the pursuit of Deshaun Watson plus the still growing potential of Drew Lock.

2021 AFC cut candidates: Viable releases and potential surprises

Strong candidates for release 1) Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos

NFL free agent profile: Cornerback Patrick Peterson - Mile High Report

Should the Broncos chase a veteran All Pro corner?

NFL free agent profile: Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie - Mile High Report

Could the Colorado product return and play for the Broncos?

Packers release OL Rick Wagner, LB Christian Kirksey after one season with team

Both could make sense for the Broncos.

NFL News

Will someone make Jaguars an offer they can’t refuse? - ProFootballTalk

This year, someone likely will make the Jaguars an offer for the first pick in the draft, in order to take Trevor Lawrence. The first question becomes whether it will be an offer the Jaguars can’t refuse. The next question becomes whether the Jaguars actually will refuse it.

The Jared Goff, Carson Wentz contracts become a cautionary tale - ProFootballTalk

The deterioration of Goff and Wentz after getting their second contracts should prompt other teams with first-round quarterbacks on rookie deals to reassess their plans for offering second contracts.

Hunter Henry ‘open to whatever’ as TE approaches free agency

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, so I’m not going to ever rule that out, you know, with a young quarterback, me and Justin (Herbert) have formed a relationship,” Henry explained in an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “But I think I’m open to whatever, and I think I kind of have to, in a way, but I really enjoyed my time and if that continues, I’ll be excited. If that doesn’t, then that would be a new step and a new place to kind of start again.”

Eagles announce DeSean Jackson’s release - ProFootballTalk

The move comes a day after the Eagles agreed to trade quarterback Carson Wentz to the Colts and further roster changes are expected in Philly after they finished 4-11-1 during the 2020 season. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and defensive tackle Malik Jackson are others believed to be on the chopping block as the team puts together its 2021 squad.

How Frank Reich can fix Carson Wentz

Fixing Carson Wentz requires rebuilding his confidence more than anything else.

Jerry Jones’ Company Hits ‘Jackpot’ As Storms Send Gas Prices Surging : Live Updates: Winter Storms 2021 : NPR

The storm has reduced natural gas output at the same time that demand — for both home heating and power generation — has skyrocketed. That’s resulted in catastrophic shortages, as well as some truly eye-popping prices for natural gas in the affected regions.