Vic Fangio says Broncos will add competition for QB Drew Lock

Denver Broncos NFL Draft

Are the Denver Broncos sneaking into the first-round quarterback conversation for the 2021 NFL Draft? While it seems unlikely they’d use the ninth overall pick on a signal-caller just one season into Drew Lock’s tenure as the unquestioned starter, coach Vic Fangio said this week that Denver will look to bring in competition.

“Obviously we’re always looking to bring in players at all positions that can raise the level of competition, and the quarterback is no different in that regard,” Fangio said, via the team’s website. “Until we get or until Drew proves to be the next great quarterback, like the ones that the Denver franchise has been used to in years past or certain teams around the league . . . are used to. We’re going to always try and bring in competition. But I have confidence that Drew can continue to improve.”

Lock’s started a total of 18 games for Denver over his first two seasons in the league with 2020 being his first year as the club’s unquestioned QB1. It was a forgettable campaign for the former Missouri Tiger, who finished 32nd in passer rating (75.4) after throwing for 2,933 yards, 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. It was bad timing for a bad year considering the number of quality quarterbacks who are available in April’s draft.

The 2021 quarterback class includes first-round prospects Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Mac Jones, and Trey Lance.

Lawrence, Fields, and Wilson will be off the board by the time the Broncos are on the clock, but there’s a chance one or both of Jones and Lance could still be there. And if Denver has a high enough grade on either of them, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that new GM George Paton pulls the trigger. Remember: He didn’t draft Lock and he has no loyalty to him. And most general managers want ‘their’ guy at the game’s most important position.

If there’s a quarterback with a big grade sitting there at No. 9? Don’t be surprised if the Broncos move on from Lock.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

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