Broncos at the NFL Combine: Scouting the Offensive Skill Positions
The Denver Broncos are well known to be in the quarterback market, and the options in the draft are set to hit the field on March 2nd for the on-field portion of the NFL Scouting Combine. Along with them, the wide receivers and running backs will hit the field, and the Broncos have been linked with wanting help at both positions.
So, on the third day of the on-field portion, the Broncos will get to look at 14 quarterbacks, 29 running backs, and 39 wide receivers. There will be plenty to look at, even without some top players not doing certain elements. So, out of the 82 total prospects that will go through the drills between the three positions, ten stand out for the Broncos.
Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy | Michigan
There is a wide range of opinions about McCarthy as a prospect, mainly stemming from how talented his team at Michigan was and how little pressure there was on him to be the guy. He has many of the tools and traits you look for in a quarterback and checks many of the intangible boxes you want to be checked. Over the recent weeks, he has been a favorite for the Broncos as 12 overall in mock drafts.
Michael Pratt | Tulane
If the Broncos don't land one of the top quarterbacks, then Michael Pratt is one they have been linked with. Sean Payton is likely familiar with Pratt, and Dan Roushar provides a link between the two. Roushar was a coach on Payton's coaching staff in New Orleans from 2013 until Payton stepped away after the 2021 season, though Roushar remained with the Saints for 2022. While Pratt isn't the most athletic or strongest-armed quarterback, he can work the middle of the field and make reads quickly, which Payton is looking for.
Running Backs
Michael Wiley | Arizona
While he didn't get as many opportunities in 2023, Wiley did well. He scored a touchdown 16 times on 335 total carries, and while fumbling was an issue in 2021, he had no fumbles in the last two seasons. With the run system Payton uses, Wiley would be a solid addition for additional depth with good vision between the tackle to pick up yards reliably.
Cody Schrader | Missouri
Schrader is a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense runner with good vision and enough burst to pick up yards quickly. While he doesn't have that extra homerun speed, there is enough to be a decent enough homerun threat. His ability as a receiver and blocker makes him a three-down threat who can fit in quite well with the Broncso's current makeup in the running back room.
Isaiah Davis | South Dakota State
The small school running back has a massive build and brings unquestionable power. He is 6-foot and 220 pounds, with a good build on his frame. While he doesn't have elite speed, his speed and burst are deceptive and can catch defenders sleeping. His technique and footwork are well-developed, and there isn't a concern about ball security with three fumbles in his career. He has 677 carries for 4,552 yards with 50 touchdowns and three fumbles, and over the last two seasons, he has shown solid receiving ability, but the hands are not the most reliable.
Wide Receivers
Xavier Weaver | Colorado
After transferring from South Florida, Weaver spent the 2023 season with the Colorado Buffaloes. He had three games over 100 yards receiving, with 908 total yards on the season. His route running is solid, and he can be slippery with them in his hands. As the Broncos look to rebuild their wide receiver room, Weaver has a complementary skill set that Payton could use and develop.
Ricky Pearsall | Florida
With a solid size for the slot, Pearsall can make an immediate impact on where he is at with his development. He can work in any offense and provide that reliable outlet. His athleticism is good enough, and he has a bigger catch radius than you expect when you see him. There is no question about his toughness or competitive nature, and he also can be a leader in the position.
Luke McCaffrey | Rice
Every Broncos fan knows the McCaffrey name. Luke McCaffrey is a former quarterback still learning to be a wide receiver. McCaffrey is a tough slot option who is unafraid to work in the middle of the field and has soft and reliable hands. There is enough to add an element to the Bronco's offense as a rookie, but he still has room to grow and improve.
Javon Baker | UCF
With 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023, Baker averaged 21.9 yards per catch. He has good size and can challenge defenses on the intermediate and deep portions of the field. His ability to vary his speed through his routes helps him create moments for instant separation. His hands have some inconsistencies, but they are not a terrible concern.
Ja'Lynn Polk | Washington
Playing with Rome Odunze, Polk often goes unmentioned when discussing the Washington offense. He can go up and get the ball and has the skill set to work in the slot or on the boundary. The offense doesn't matter, as you can plug him in and play him to where he has an impact practically from day one. There will need to be some development with the nuances of his route running, but he is a quality option to boost a potentially revamped receiver room for the Broncos.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
