At the NFL combine, I don’t see a huge gap from quarterback No. 1 through quarterback No. 5. Not as big as some think, at least. If it is possible for the Broncos to trade down for extra picks and still nab Bo Nix out of Oregon, I would be OK with it.

– Jason, Billings, Mont.

Kiz: If the knuckleheads here at Kickin’ It Headquarters have learned anything about this crazy sports biz, it’s to think independently and fearlessly. While sheep feel safer in the flock, the view is much better for a lone wolf unafraid to roam above and beyond the pack mentality. The current consensus among NFL draftniks is the quarterback for Denver is J.J. McCarthy of Michigan, but he feels like a reach with the 12th pick in the opening round. Can the Broncos find a top-notch QB by trading back and adding desperately needed draft capital? I’m crazy enough to think it’s possible. I’d roll the dice on Michael Penix Jr., whose medical history might scare away teams from a QB with first-round talent.

I am most impressed with McCarthy. But it feels as if the Broncos would have to trade up in the first round to get him.

– Rick, Orange County Broncomaniac

Kiz: I’m less than a true believer in McCarthy. Maybe he’s the next Tom Brady, but I tend to avoid quarterbacks from established, powerhouse college programs where talent is so abundant the QB doesn’t have to do heavy lifting to make his team a national championship contender. The skill set of McCarthy seems rock-solid, but he certainly wasn’t the straw that stirred drinks being raised to celebrate victories by the Wolverines.

It doesn’t matter if the Broncos want to draft a quarterback. They won’t have a chance at any of the good ones.

– Jeremy, Gilbert, Ariz.

Kiz: OK, I can’t guarantee you Penix will be a good one. He will be 24 years old before his first NFL game, while established Houston Texans star C.J. Stroud won’t celebrate his 23rd birthday until October. But Washington finished with a 4-8 record in the season before Penix joined the Huskies, then went 25-3 in two years with him as their starter. Perhaps even more impressive: During his education in the Big Ten School of Hard Knocks at Indiana, Penix was 12-5 when he could stay on the field for the Hoosiers. It’s fair to be skeptical about his body’s ability to withstand the rigors of pro football’s violence, but there’s no doubt Penix is a winner.

Why did you leave The Denver Post? We miss you!

Kiz: I joined a team committed to giving the USA’s best sports fans the sports coverage they deserve. Come join me at The Denver Gazette. I’ll save a seat on the bandwagon for you.

And today’s parting shot is a declaration that any disillusionment with Sean Payton’s underwhelming debut season with the Broncos only proves what a knucklehead I am.

I am with the Broncos owners in the belief Payton is here to do a job and will get it done.

– Larry, Colorado Springs