The Denver Broncos are making headlines as they emerge as one of the most quarterback-desperate teams in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft. With less than two weeks to go before the event, speculation is running rampant about the Broncos' intentions in the first round.

Head coach Sean Payton, in his second year, holds the No.12 overall pick, and there's a strong belief among the fan base and national media that he is eyeing a first-round quarterback. The Broncos have been deemed desperate for a new signal caller after parting ways with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, resulting in a record-breaking dead cap hit for the team.

According to Pro Football Focus analyst Sam Monson, who recently revealed his predictions for the draft, the Broncos are a team to watch. Monson highlighted their desperation for a quarterback and the pressure on Payton to find a better option than Wilson.

The Broncos plan to absorb a staggering $85 million in dead-money hits on the salary cap over the next two seasons due to Wilson's release. This indicates Payton's determination to handpick the team's next quarterback for his offense. While there have been murmurs of potentially trading down, Payton's immediate need for a quarterback has thrust the team into a race against other equally desperate teams like the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite not having as much ammunition as the Vikings, Monson suggests that the Broncos may still find a way to trade up to the No. 3 overall pick to secure the quarterback Payton covets. Payton's history of draft trades, particularly in the first round, adds weight to this possibility.

In Monson's mock scenario, the Broncos trade their No. 12 pick, a third-round pick (No. 76), and a 2024 first-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, is highly coveted and has impressed scouts with his dual-threat abilities. At LSU, he had a remarkable senior season, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, while adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores.

Daniels has already met with Payton at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the play-caller left a lasting impression on the young quarterback. Daniels referred to Payton as a football guru and admired his offensive mind.

While the scenario presented by Monson is generous concerning the trade with the Patriots, the Broncos would be ecstatic to land a quarterback like Daniels. However, it is unlikely that a pair of first-round picks would be sufficient to jump nine spots in the draft.

Alternatively, the Broncos could be involved in a potential blockbuster deal, involving Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain and wide receiver Courtland Sutton, further sweetening the deal.

Overall, the possibility of Daniels landing in Denver has generated excitement among fans and experts alike. However, the Broncos will undoubtedly need all the Mile High Magic they can muster come draft night to secure their quarterback of the future.