The Denver Broncos found their new head coach in Vic Fangio, and now they’re looking for the quarterback of the future.
Could it be Drew Lock?
Among the Broncos fanbase and media alike, Lock is a name which is becoming more and more realistic for the team as their No. 10 overall pick. Those watching at the Senior Bowl this week down in Mobile, AL are agreeing Lock has separated himself from the other gun-slingers there, including Duke’s Daniel Jones.
Last year, with the Broncos former coaching staff leading the North team at the Senior Bowl, Denver fell in love with Baker Mayfield and asked he be on their team, which was granted. Mayfield went No. 1 overall in 2018, and although Lock’s not in the same category as the former Oklahoma star in terms of his play this week, the former Missouri QB has put himself in a class of his own.
And, we can see why from these videos at the Senior Bowl.
This first one has become the throw of the entire week of practice, a beautifully tossed, 40-yard bomb which drops in perfectly to Terry McLaurin.
Drew Lock to Terry McLaurin. Absolute perfection. pic.twitter.com/B5CsuTItrc
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) January 22, 2019
That pass shows Lock’s ability to throw with anticipation and accuracy on a go route, leading his receiver to a touchdown. That’s a next-level throw.
Speaking of throwing with anticipation, Lock does just that right here, letting go of the football when he couldn’t even see his receiver, trusting the pass-catcher to continue his route and come open.
#GeorgiaState WR Penny Hart with a solid route/catch from Drew Lock. Hart’s let a couple slip through fingertips but what a grab. pic.twitter.com/hKRz84uezZ
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) January 24, 2019
This second view by Cecil Lammey shows just how sensational a pass it was. Lock layers the ball in over the top of the roaming linebacker, just out of his reach, but not too high for the receiver Penny Hart to come down with it. In the world of complex defenses in the NFL, this is the type of throw needed to earn first downs.
My favorite pass of the day from Drew Lock. #Broncos @1043TheFan pic.twitter.com/muNuahpQiK
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) January 25, 2019
And on this one, the four-year starter at Missouri shows his intelligence, not forcing the ball into coverage but instead checking it down to the running back in the flat. He progresses through his reads quickly and effortlessly before leading the back forward, toward the end zone.
.@MizzouFootball’s Drew Lock to @NDFootball’s Dexter Williams for the TD. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/89cXX6pSgL
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) January 24, 2019
Those three passes — the bomb on a go route, the intermediate and layered pass over the linebacker and the check-down to the back in the flat — are all much-needed throws to be able to utilize at a moment’s notice in the NFL.
These next two plays showcase Lock’s mobility, which is an underrated quality of his.
On the first play below, he has a wide open receiver on the slant but doesn’t go to him, rolling out to his right before throwing it to the back, who mimicked his movement outside.
Drew Lock does not like the slant, apparently pic.twitter.com/v4UhRMfHn1
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 22, 2019
On this final play, Lock steps up very well into the pocket, avoiding pressure while keeping his eyes down field and then completes the pass. He keeps the play alive and then turns a could-be loss into a first down gain.
Drew Lock (QB, Missouri) does a nice job of climbing the pocket and using good touch on his throw. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/sWzCJ3R0YL
— Austin Silvey (@reelsilvey) January 24, 2019
Over the last four years at Missouri, Lock’s improved every aspect of his game. His junior numbers (44 TD, 13 INT) were incredible, and while his senior numbers (28 TD, 8 INT) aren’t as eye-popping, he’s seemed to refined his game over the last year. Not only did he limit the turnovers as a senior, but Lock’s 62.9 completion percentage was easily the best of his career. His mobility also led to career-highs in rushing yards (175) and touchdowns (6) in 2018; Lock is looking more and more like the complete package at quarterback.
Don’t be surprised if the Broncos — who have John Elway, Matt Russell and others in attendance this week — select Lock at No. 10 overall. That is, if the quarterback lasts that long. With all the notoriety he’s receiving this week, the lock as a first-round pick could move up in the draft even higher.
Get more information on the QB here as NFL expert Benjamin Allbright talked to our Ronnie Kohrt about Lock from Mobile, AL on the Broncos Blitz Podcast.