Denver Broncos 2013 Pre-Draft Position Breakdown: Quarterbacks

I will present information on each player as it relates to their:

1) Contract
2) 2012 Production
3) Likely place on 2013 Depth Chart/Roles

The goal will be to determine what potential holes the Broncos need to fill on the current roster and whether or not that position group has a low, moderate, or high need heading into the 2013 NFL Draft. Let's begin with Quarterbacks.

- Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler are the only two quarterbacks currently on the Broncos 2013 roster.

Contracts

With Peyton Manning, the next two years will cost the Broncos 40 million as long as he doesn't re-injure his neck. If Peyton does injure his neck in 2013, the Broncos can void the rest of the contract. 2015 and 2016 don't come into play unless he is on the Broncos roster at the end of the previous league year. For example, in order for his guarantee to kick in for the 2015 season, he must still be on the roster at the end of the 2014 league year. These are basically injury protections for the team.

Brock is earning a very modest salary to be the current #2 and the future of the franchise. He isn't scheduled to enter UFA until 2016. His cap hits the next two years are a mere pittance. However, if for some far fetched reason the Broncos decided to cut ties with him after next season, it will cost them nothing in dead money in 2014.

2012 Production

Oz came in and kneeled down. They even let him throw a few passes against Kansas City in the finale. Beyond that, he was on the bench which is where I want to see him in 2013.

Amazing production from Manning considering he was playing for the first time in almost two calendar years in new surroundings with new teammates.

Depth Chart/Roles for 2013

1) Manning: Unquestioned starter

2) Osweiler: Firm backup

3) UDFA*

*The Broncos have traditionally gone to camp with 4 guys in the rotation. If they follow true to form I expect them to sign an UDFA similar to Adam Weber and some cheap vet to a minimum contract with no dead money. After camp, I would expect them to shuffle the UDFA to the practice squad and possibly carry 3 QB's on the 53-man roster.

Honestly though, I would only sign an UDFA and bypass the idea of a vet. Last year Caleb Hanie was signed because Brock was a very green prospect even as a 2nd round draft pick. The Broncos needed some sort of fall back--plan "B" if you will, in case of a Manning injury.

A year removed, they are confident in Manning's recovery and Brock's development. From my perspective, it would be preferable for the Broncos to take three QB's to camp and maximize the reps that both Manning and Brock get in this offense. We already know Peyton to be a workaholic, it will do him and the offense good to be hitting on all cylinders early. Moreover, I really don't want any scrub vet siphoning precious reps away from young Oz. Let him make as much progress as he can since all signs indicate he will be the man to receive the mantle from Manning.

When we get to the regular season, don't be surprised if the Broncos carry only two QB's on the active roster during the 2013 season. It will free up a valuable roster spot in another area with more pressing competition.

2013 Draft Need: LOW

In the next article I will take a look at the RB's.

GO BRONCOS!!!

EDIT: Contract numbers are presented as listed on Spotrac