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The Denver Broncos are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the quarterback position. The Broncos invested a second-round pick in Drew Lock in the 2019 NFL Draft and the results have been mixed.
After a strong start in five games in 2019, where he brought out the potential but also many problems, Lock earned the job for 2020. Denver had hoped he would show enough progress as a player to really prove himself. that he can be the quarterback of the future. .
This does not happen.
Instead, there was even greater variation in Lock’s play, not just from match to match but from quarter to quarter, than in those five starts in 2019. There was has a lot of bad habits in Lock’s game that need to be fixed, and when things start to go south it comes back to them, which isn’t what NFL teams want from a quarterback leaving.
The Broncos are in a kind of catch-22. Lock has shown a lot of potential, but the flip side is that he needs more time to grow as a player than Denver might be able to give him.
Between a “ lockdown ” and a tough spot, the Broncos can’t afford to be too patient with him, or ride with him as a guy in 2021 unless over the next eight games he regularly plays at the level of the fourth quarter in which it is displayed. the last two games. Consistency is needed in the future.
One of the reasons the Broncos can’t afford to sit still and give Lock 2021 carte blanche (barring a pickup in the overtime) is the strength of the 2021 Draft Class plans to be a quarterback. While some of the quarterbacks in 2021 may be out of reach, Denver looks set to bring new blood to the quarterback position no matter how Lock turns the game around this year.
A veteran bandage is always a possibility with names like Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford rumored to be released in their respective cities. However, this topic is for another time.
Today I’m giving Broncos Country a look at those 2021 quarterbacks Denver may have to hit if Lock doesn’t show the improvements needed. The Broncos’ priority level depends on how Lock ends the 2020 campaign.
Level 1
Trevor Lawrence | Clemson: He is the best player who is probably looking to be the first choice in the general classification. Denver may be out of reach for Lawrence, without having to give up the farm to go get him, but the Broncos are unlikely to end up with the top pick. Lawrence is outright billed as the best quarterback since at least Andrew Luck (2012), and to me that’s a fair assessment. Everything you want in a modern quarterback is there with Lawrence.
Zach Wilson | BYU: This is the season’s biggest quarterback rise, following the same path as Joe Burrow. Wilson has been dubbed by many as a Day 3 pick, but his game has seen him rise to generate a buzz in the first round and his stock is likely to rise even more. Playing for BYU, Wilson has played aloft, something Broncos general manager John Elway covets. Wilson has smooth mechanics and a strong arm to do all the throws. There is balance, leadership, and the ability to expand pieces when necessary.
Justin Fields | Ohio state: He’s a quarterback that I find it hard to see Denver taking much interest in his style of play. Looking at Fields you can see his tendency to lock in on first read and if not there, its performance decreases. He has a habit of often looking down and trying to move with his legs instead of continuing to scan the field. His style may work very well in the NFL, but that would depend a lot on the scheme around him.
Trey Lance | State of North Dakota: The big sporty and raw option on the table for Denver is Lance. There will be questions about his ability to read a defense until he receives an answer on the field in the NFL because in college, the ploy cuts the field in half for him. He has a living arm that can do all the throws needed for the NFL, but the placement and touch of the ball is ongoing.
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Level 2
Kyle Trask | Florida: Trask’s inexperience is going to scare some teams off, but now that he’s starting out for the Gators, he’s showing flashes of being a good quarterback. He is very effective when the pocket is stable and he can just sit and work, but if the game breaks down he seeks to move the ball with his legs. The arm is just strong for the NFL and sometimes that will create problems for his professional offense. Trask can be an effective NFL quarterback in the right pattern with a good O-line, but he’ll have to be tailored to his style.
Jamie Newman | Georgia: Last year Newman started for Wake Forest and really caught my eye watching them. He has a skill set that could see him last in the NFL as a substitute, but also be a strong starter in the right system. There is a concern as he transferred to Georgia and then retired from the season. There are still many questions that are unlikely to be answered before the project.
Mac Jones | Alabama: When working 20 yards or less, Jones can be extremely efficient throwing with smart readings and timing. However, his arm is just average and will see some issues during the deep attack, including a drop in speed. Jones needs to play to stay on time and on script as he doesn’t offer enough to extend games or work outside the pocket. He’s a limited quarterback, so a team will have to really work to keep that pocket clean for him.
Level 4
Kenny Pickett | Pitt: The best thing about Pickett is all the puns that can be derived from his last name. All kidding aside, Pickett has a limited arm that will lead to NFL interceptions. He’s a cerebral quarterback who can really attack up to 15 yards with good balance, precision and speed. He will have to follow a plan that will expand defenses and let him do the readings, but wants to watch out for narrow window shots.
Malik Willis | Freedom: It’s a favorite of my colleague Nick Kendell because of his playstyle. If you’re unfamiliar with Willis, just watch Lamar Jackson for a playstyle comparison. Willis is a threat with his legs, but he can throw big shots to attack deep in the passing game. The mechanics need work, as does the placement of the ball, but it’s a play threat that defenses will struggle to deal with.
Desmond Ridder | Cincinnati: He’s another quarterback who is a major threat with his legs but also has a living arm. There are placement issues with him as well as concerns about a shoulder injury suffered last year. You can really open the playbook with Ridder because of his big threat that he is with his legs. The run-pass option can be executed with huge success. Ridder will need to be more consistent for the NFL, but there is a lot to work on if you use the right system.
Last word
Listing the outlook for QB 2021 to Denver’s attention doesn’t mean Drew Lock is finished or can’t get better. The Broncos need to keep their options open as Lock is unfortunately not in the right direction for them.
His bad habits get in the way of offense and needs to be corrected if he is to be the guy. Lock has the rest of the season to turn it around, but if he doesn’t, Denver could consider other quarterbacks and they could include some on this list.
Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.
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