Much of the conversation around the Denver Broncos this winter has been the future of the quarterback position. Case Keenum has left most of the Mile High City feeling apathetic about the future of the offense, and with a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft, the time to find the quarterback of the future is now.
While the 2019 quarterback class is not as strong as some of the recent groups have been, one quarterback that appears to be an NFL caliber talent is Missouri’s Drew Lock. Lock, 22, was a four-year starter for the Tigers and threw for 99 touchdowns and over 12,000 yards in his collegiate career.
Throughout the week of the Senior Bowl, Lock impressed with his above-average arm strength and ability to consistently fit the football in tight windows. Of all the quarterbacks that traveled to Mobile, Ala., for the annual event, Lock was easily the most consistent of the group.
In Saturday’s game, Lock completed 9-of-14 attempts for 57 yards and finished with a 98.5 QBR. Duke’s Daniel Jones ended up being named the MVP of the game, after completing 8-of-11 attempts for 115 yards and throwing the North’s only touchdown, but it was still Lock that garnered the most attention from the media.
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports said of Lock’s performance: “While Jones gets the MVP hardware, those watching know that Lock was the real star.”
#OhioState receiver Terry McLaurin drops this pass in the end zone. Drew Lock placed it in the right area for him, McLaurin can't miss out on opportunities to make these type of plays. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/aeqze3DmdZ
— Steelers Black and Gold Nation (@B_GNation1) January 26, 2019
With the NFL Combine still to come, the draft conversations are only beginning to heat up. In a league that revolves around quarterbacks, finding one you can develop is paramount to a franchise’s long-term success. And after missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year, Broncos GM John Elway seems determined to find the next young superstar.
Whether it ends up being Lock or any of the other draft eligible quarterbacks, if the Broncos want to return to being a consistent threat in the AFC, Denver must successfully draft and develop a quarterback this time around.
Mr. Elway, you are officially on the clock.