Last Sunday, Drew Lock and the Broncos shocked the NFL by blowing out the Houston Texans (38-24) to earn their fifth win of the season. In his first road start, Lock had a historic performance as he went 22-27 for 309 yards and threw 3 touchdowns with 1 interception.
Lock can frequently be seen embracing his Buzz Lightyear nickname (given to him by the offensive line), by celebrating touchdowns and big plays with his teammates. His confidence, and production have rejuvenated the Broncos in the final stretch of their season.
When asked about Lock’s performance following the win against Houston, teammate Von Miller said, “He’s a f***ing rock star.”
In 2 games, Lock has gone 40-55 for 443 yards, throwing 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions while only being sacked once.
The Broncos are carrying a 2-game winning streak as Lock prepares for his homecoming against the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. Lock is on pace to have an exceptional 5 game sample size revealing leadership, arm talent, and charisma.
After the game Head Coach Vic Fangio spoke on Lock’s performance stating, “Ah, it was just okay (laughter). No, he played obviously very well. Made a great jump from week one to week two, which is what you’re hoping for. Thought he threw the ball much, much better than he did last week. Thought last week he missed at least four or five throws that he could have made. I don’t think he missed many today. And to do that on his first road start against a team that’s going to be in the playoffs, probably win their division, makes it even better.”
Now that Lock is spearheading the Broncos offense, General Manager John Elway shouldn’t draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Instead of reaching for collegiate quarterbacks the likes of Joe Burrow (LSU), Justin Herbert (Oregon) or Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), the Broncos must draft offensive players that support Drew Lock.
The offensive line has been the most problematic unit for the Broncos. The team isn’t expected to exercise the 5th year option on left tackle Garett Bolles, and there doesn’t seem to be definitive plans for guard Ron Leary, swing tackle Elijah Wilkinson, and center Connor McGovern. Tackle Ja’Wuan James’ availability has also been a major concern for the Broncos, as they hope to increase his snap count in the upcoming weeks.
After seeing the immediate impact of rookie 2nd round draft pick Dalton Risner on the offensive line, the Broncos could be inclined to find another starter in the trenches. Andrew Thomas (Tackle / Georgia), Austin Jackson (Tackle / USC), and Mekhi Becton (Tackle / Louisville) are all projected to be 1st round draft picks in April.
While some in Broncos Country worry that winning this late in the season compromises draft selection, Denver has the draft capital to move up in the draft.
Broncos 2020 draft capital is now:
— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) October 22, 2019
•1st
•2nd
•3rd
•3rd (PIT)
•3rd (SF-Sanders)
•4th
•4th (SF-Sanders)
•5th/6th (comp-Turner/Barrett, round depends on how much Bryce Callahan plays)
•6th (WAS-Keenum)
•7th (NE-Dawson)
•7th (comp-Garcia)
•7th (comp-Brock)
The fact of the matter is John Elway traded up in the 2019 NFL Draft to select Drew Lock for a reason. Lock isn’t perfect, but he’s a special talent that’s making a losing football team competitive and dangerous.
Perhaps John Elway got a steal in the 2019 NFL Draft: a franchise quarterback.