With Russell Wilson expected to be released in March and Jarrett Stidham underwhelming in the final two games of 2023, Denver Broncos fans are already looking ahead to future quarterback options for the franchise.
Two quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL draft faced off on Monday evening when the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13 in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) went 10-of-18 passing for 140 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed four times for 31 yards. Not exactly lighting up the box score.
Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) went 27-of-51 for 255 yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions. A performance that perhaps looked worse live than it does in the stat book.
Neither QB turned in an impressive performance.
So, how do Broncos fans feel about the two QBs after Monday night? Here are some kneejerk reactions from Twitter/X during the CFP title game.
I'm taking Penix over JJ any day of the week
— Nuggets Dynasty ⏳ (@Broncos_Burnner) January 9, 2024
Penix jr in a Broncos jersey is all I need
— Jeremy (@J_sutton6) January 9, 2024
Penix future @Broncos QB
— (8-8)🏁 (@SkottAB) January 9, 2024
Michael Penix Jr is the #Broncos answer. His mechanics are top notch
— Ramiro Rome Martinez (@romebadooshki) January 9, 2024
This is great for the Broncos. Penix plays his way to a draft fall, Denver scoops him up. Chess not checkers.
— Nick Rothschild (@nick_rothschild) January 9, 2024
This is the Michael Penix performance the Denver Broncos need
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) January 9, 2024
I don’t think Penix is making it to the Broncos at 12.
— itsBradBro (@HeyBroItsBrad) January 9, 2024
McCarthy to the broncos pic.twitter.com/Ulxlz6edxi
— 🦅 (@Acidi_) January 9, 2024
👀👀👀
JJ McCarthy …
— Denver Broncos MX 🇲🇽 (Draft Pick 12) (@DenverBroncosMx) January 9, 2024
As I said on @MHBroncosPods, I wouldn't have a problem with the #Broncos taking J.J. McCarthy at #12. Fine by me.
— Christopher Hart (@topherhart) January 9, 2024
Broncos are about to draft JJ McCarthy at 12😭
— Beerly Janda🧃🍻 (@janda_juice) January 9, 2024
i would love to see jj mccarthy on the broncos by next season
— peyton ➫ (@MimsMania) January 9, 2024
I’ll be so sick if the Broncos draft McCarthy
— Duke Valenti (@Dvalenti721) January 9, 2024
If y’all legit think we should trust JJ McCarthy with the keys to the Denver Broncos I just simply don’t know what to tell you anymore. I’m tired
— World’s Most Down Bad Football Fan (@Noe_Magdaleno) January 9, 2024
Good news is Penix will definitely fall to the broncos. Bad news is idk if I want him anymore lol
— Alex Ungerman (@AlexRUngerman) January 9, 2024
I really hope the Broncos don't touch Penix
— Joshua🇺🇸🦅 (@MuscleBearTTV) January 9, 2024
Sorry, but the Broncos should not consider Penix. Bad throwing motion and injury concerns. Seems like a Day 3 type of pick not a 1st Round pick
— Jon (@X4Runner) January 9, 2024
Lol wow my Broncos better not take Penix. Better grab Bo Nix if we grabbing any QB at 12. I don’t want no QB that ain’t mobile unless his name Peyton Manning
— Flukey Stokes (@CraftyNino) January 9, 2024
@Broncos stay away from JJ McCarthy
— AJ (@AndJohn00) January 9, 2024
McCarthy hasn’t done one thing over been impressed with tbh.. I’ll cheer for him if he becomes a bronco but no thanks
— BroncosBinge (@BroncosBinge) January 9, 2024
The Penix agenda pushing may be over after tonight
— Evan (@BroncosChuck) January 9, 2024
Penix to the broncos🤞
— Yodie G (@yodie_g) January 9, 2024
I liked seeing Penix take charge of this group and lead this. Good stuff for the next Broncos QB pic.twitter.com/2ztvkk02fS
— Joshua (@J_Pauselius) January 9, 2024
Penix isn’t having the best game tonight, but he’s still the QB I’d love the Broncos to draft. Love that left handed spin…it looks so different. Worked well for Steve Young. #BroncosCountry
— Bethany Reed (@Beth0362) January 9, 2024
Went from "trade it all to go get Penix" for the Broncos to "fine with him if he falls to us"
— DirtandWater (@Dirt_and_Water) January 9, 2024
The Broncos are going to draft McCarthy and it’s gonna be Zach Wilson all over again.
— Real Football Jinx (@drvinnyboombats) January 9, 2024
I don’t know what anyone sees in JJ McCarthy as an NFL prospect. So the Broncos will certainly end up with him.
— Ryan Severance (@RyanSevvy) January 9, 2024
Yeah, Penix seems like a perfect fit for the Broncos. Keep the stretch of bad QBs rolling.
— Ramaloeco (@LunarMissile) January 9, 2024
There’s been a lot of love on #Broncos Twitter for Penix. I see a QB who doesn’t do well on the move or under pressure. Not typically a winning formula in the NFL. #NFLDraft
— Mike Harvey (@mharv_paddler) January 9, 2024
Yeah. I’ll pass on moving up for Penix. #Broncos
— I am the Soupman. Coo Coo Ca-Choo. (@JamesCHuff68) January 9, 2024
Wow. Penix is not having a night in terms of increasing his NFL draft stock.
He would not do well behind the Broncos O-line.
— TKeck44 (@TKeck44) January 9, 2024
Yeah… Penix is not the guy I want the Broncos taking.
— Phil 🍌🦇🔊 (@phibacka31) January 9, 2024
I really hope the Broncos don’t take a shot on Penix
— Nathan (@Buckeye_1st) January 9, 2024
JJ McCarthy = Winner = Broncos QB
— austin † (@austincoash) January 9, 2024
McCarthy has a face of a Broncos QB. It’s destiny.
— 🅼🅲 (@TheStoicRaider) January 9, 2024
Keep McCarthy and Penix FAR away from the Broncos
— Khizar Malik (@khizarmaIik) January 9, 2024
My fellow Broncos fans, neither Penix nor McCarthy move me. Not sure that’s where the Broncos should go in the first round. 🤷🏻♂️
— Mark Martinez (@2Nez3) January 9, 2024
Dog help me if the Broncos draft Michael Penix or JJ McCarthy at 12.
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) January 9, 2024
Can broncos fans finally agree that neither Penix nor McCarthy are the solution in Denver
— DB (@DBfan116) January 9, 2024
Ranking the top 5 QB prospects for the Broncos (my opinion, subjective as always).
1. Caleb Williams
2. Drake Maye
3. Bo Nix
4. Michael Penix Jr.
5. JJ McCarthy— Kadidy (@LordKadidy) January 9, 2024
The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.
