Broncos GM Says Team Likes '7-8 QBs' in NFL Draft amid J.J. McCarthy, Rattler Rumors

After releasing Russell Wilson earlier this year, the Denver Broncos are looking for a new quarterback in the draft.

Per ESPN's Jeff Legwold, general manager George Paton said there are "seven to eight" quarterbacks in this year's draft class that the team likes.

"I do think it is a good quarterback class. There is seven to eight quarterbacks that we like, who we think can play in the league someday," Paton said. "... But it is a good quarterback class. It's been fun getting to know them, seven or eight of them. We think we can get a quarterback early. We think we can get one mid-rounds. We think there's going to be quarterbacks throughout the draft who are interesting to us."

Denver, which holds the No. 12 pick in the draft, has been seen as a potential suitor for Michigan's J.J. McCarthy and South Carolina's Spencer Rattler. While either of those players could be solid options, it seems Paton hasn't narrowed his sights just yet.

Bleacher Report's Scouting Department considers McCarthy to be the No. 33 overall prospect and the No. 4 quarterback in this year's draft class. It considers Rattler to be the No. 66 player and the No. 6 quarterback.

Last season, McCarthy had 2,991 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions while leading the Wolverines to a national title. Rattler had 3,186 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Gamecocks.

If the Broncos pursue McCarthy, they would likely have to use their first pick on him or even trade up to get a higher pick. McCarthy is projected to go to the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 11 pick in Bleacher Report's latest mock draft.

With Rattler, Denver could likely pick him up with a later pick while using its top pick on a different talent. Rattler is projected to land with the Broncos with the No. 76 pick in B/R's mock draft.

But as Paton said, the Broncos are still keeping their options for a quarterback open. This year's draft class is loaded with quarterbacks, and they should be able to find a solid option.

Players like USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels likely won't be available for the Broncos, but with so much talent in the draft, Denver could certainly find its next franchise quarterback.