In the swirling world of NFL trade rumors, the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos have emerged as key players in a potential draft day deal. With the draft approaching, the speculation around the Cardinals trading out of the No. 4 overall pick continues to grow, and the Broncos appear to be interested in making a move.

During the owners' meeting on Monday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton added fuel to the fire by expressing his admiration for Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and the interest surrounding the No. 4 pick. ESPN analyst Matt Miller's latest seven-round mock draft pushed the rumors further, suggesting that the Broncos could be eyeing Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy as their top pick.

According to Miller, if the Broncos want to secure McCarthy, they would have to pay a hefty price. The potential trade package could include their pick at No. 12, along with first-rounders in 2025 and 2026. The deal would mirror the trade the San Francisco 49ers made in 2021 to move up and acquire Trey Lance, demonstrating the expensive nature of the trade.

While the trade would be costly for the Broncos, Coach Payton believes that landing their desired quarterback would justify the expense. The Cardinals, on the other hand, would gain multiple first-round picks in 2024, 2025, and 2026, providing General Manager Monti Ossenfort with additional draft capital to work with in his second year on the job.

However, trading out of the top pick would mean an end to the Cardinals' hopes of adding Marvin Harrison Jr. Instead, Miller envisions the Los Angeles Chargers selecting him at No. 5 overall. To address their need for a No. 1 wide receiver, Miller suggests the Cardinals could target LSU's Brian Thomas with their new pick at No. 12.

Thomas, who led the nation in receiving touchdowns last season, would bring speed and a large catch radius to the Cardinals' offense. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 198 pounds, he would provide quarterback Kyler Murray with a big target downfield. With Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch currently slated as starters, Thomas could seamlessly fit into the Cardinals' receiving corps.

Miller's mock draft also sees the Cardinals bolstering their offensive line with Duke interior offensive lineman Graham Barton at No. 27. Barton's versatility in playing center and left tackle would be highly valued by the Cardinals, as they look to solidify their line for the upcoming season.

The Cardinals' focus then shifts to the defensive side of the ball, with their next three picks addressing various positions of need. Miller predicts the selection of Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton at No. 35, giving the Cardinals a formidable presence on the defensive line.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the anticipation grows regarding potential trades and roster changes. While the Cardinals contemplate trading out of the No. 4 pick, the Broncos eagerly explore the possibility of acquiring their desired quarterback. Only time will tell how these draft day maneuvers will unfold and shape the destiny of these two teams.