Broncos Mock Draft: Denver trades up after releasing Russell Wilson

The Denver Broncos will release Russell Wilson ahead of the NFL free agency period, paving the way for a new quarterback in Mile High.

Russell Wilson arrived in Denver with championship aspirations. Having already won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, Wilson took over as the leader of this Broncos rebuild.

Alas, in only two seasons with the franchise, the 35-year-old was underwhelming relative to expectations, as Denver missed the postseason both years.

Head coach Sean Payton all but confirmed Wilson’s fate during the NFL Combine, but on Monday, the front office let Wilson know that his release will happen next week.

Wilson’s $85 million dead cap hit handcuffs the front office, as the Broncos will have little wiggle room in free agency, putting increased importance on the 2024 NFL Draft for Denver.

NFL Mock Draft: J.J. McCarthy joins the Broncos

In today’s Denver Broncos mock draft, the roster receives a younger, higher-upside option at quarterback while also getting some immediate contributors elsewhere on the depth chart.

Trade Details

Broncos acquire:-No. 7 overall (2024)

Titans acquire:-No. 12 overall (2024)-No. 76 overall (2024)-Future first-round pick (2025)

In this mock draft, Denver sends away its 12th and 76th picks in this year’s draft, along with a future first-round choice (2025) to the Tennessee Titans’ seventh overall selection.

Round 1, Pick 7 (via TEN) — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Broncos go all in on J.J. McCarthy, a raw and traitsy quarterback out of Michigan.

McCarthy boasts a career 27-1 record as a starter while flexing remarkable arm strength and supreme athleticism as a runner.

With Denver, Sean Payton gets a ball of clay behind center to mold. Given Payton’s track record with Drew Brees, McCarthy finds an exciting landing spot.

Round 4, Pick 122 (via MIA) — James Williams, Safety, Miami

Star safety Justin Simmons has been the subject of trade rumors this off-season, but even if the All-Pro sticks around, Denver needs more juice in the secondary.

James Williams is built like an Avatar from Pandora, possessing unprecedented length for a defensive back in the NFL.

Williams has enough range to stick as a centerfielder, but he’s at his best closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can use his size to disrupt offenses consistently.

Round 5, Pick 144 (via NYJ) — Roger Rosengarten, OL, Washington

The offensive line could use a couple of new starters. Roger Rosengarten is the ideal target on day three of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Washington alum can play tackle and guard at the next level but profiles best as an interior blocker. Rosengarten’s strength and athleticism will help him carve out a role early.

Round 5, Pick 146 — Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State

The pass-rushing group underwhelmed for Denver in 2023 due to a mix of injuries and lackluster play.

Mohamed Kamara, a local product from Colorado State, can provide a jolt to the unit as a rookie.

Kamara is a natural at getting to the quarterback, utilizing an impressive first step to blow by blockers on the edge.

Round 7, Pick 237 (via LAR) — Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross

McCarthy gets a weapon at the end of the mock draft as Jalen Coker makes his way to Mile High.

Coker can outjump any defender, as is evident by his ridiculous 42.5-inch vertical. He’s also shifty with the ball in his hands.

Coker doesn’t have much tape against NFL-caliber prospects, but his traits are worth betting on at the tail end of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Check back for a seven-round New York Giants mock draft later this week. In the mean time, check out our previous mock drafts for the Bears, Commanders, Patriots, Cardinals, Chargers, and Falcons.