The Denver Broncos quarterback competition motivates Drew Lock. That is clear amidst talk of bringing in veterans and one NFL analyst predicting the Denver Broncos will use their first Draft pick on Ohio State’s Justin Fields.
Broncos Quarterback Competition Motivates Drew Lock
There were excuses for poor performance in his first two years of professional play. To give the man credit, none were made by Lock himself. 2020 was challenging. Lock had to learn an entirely new offensive system and lead an extraordinarily young receiver group. The pandemic meant missing OTAs and the preseason, plus he suffered a shoulder injury early in the season.
As Nick Kendall of Mile High Huddle said, the 2021 Broncos can only improve as much as the quarterback does. Denver’s search for a franchise quarterback is far from over.
Could Justin Field Really Be An Option?
It’s that time of the year where we’re waist-deep in mock drafts. In a bizarre move, NFL Network analyst Cynthia Frelund predicted Denver selecting one of the top three quarterbacks, Justin Fields (Ohio State), with the ninth pick. She based her formula on adding players who could help a team win the most games in 2021.
Her reasoning? Fields’ athleticism and ability to run the ball. With the skilled receivers Denver already has, he will have the opportunity to develop behind a nice offensive line and running situation. Running, figuring out zone reads, and using his legs optimally will follow.
Suffice it to say, there aren’t many fans, players, coaches, or personnel who aren’t thinking about a shiny new quarterback. General manager George Paton is keeping the door wide open. “We’re open to any position with that first pick… going to take the best player that can help this football team… quarterback, safety…if it’s the best player on the board, we’re going to take him.”
What About Veteran Quarterbacks?
The probability of bringing in a veteran quarterback is high. Among the possible candidates are Alex Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick. The best scenario would be if Lock improves vastly in the preseason, securing his role as a starter, with a veteran serving as backup.
Reality is much different. Paton was frank. “We’re always going to try and bring in competition to every position, the quarterback as well.”
Head coach Vic Fangio echoed this. “We’re always looking to bring in players at all positions that can raise the level of competition, and the quarterback is no different.” Until Lock proves himself, the franchise will continue bringing in competition.
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Lock Is More Motivated Than Ever
Tim Patrick was Denver’s leader in touchdown receptions in 2020. Being close to Lock, he knows Lock is determined to change.
Almost every available signal-caller has been linked to the Broncos. That has lit a fire under Lock, as Patrick revealed. “His approach to the game has been 100 percent different than it was during the season. He’s one of the first guys in the building and one of the last guys to leave. He’s doing the small things to be a great player in this league. I think he understands it. I think this talk about bringing in other quarterbacks has motivated him.”
Lock is running out of time to prove he can cut it in this league and bring success to his team. Whether a veteran or rookie is brought in, Lock will work hard. We’ll soon see if that hard work pays off.
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