Drew Lock’s debut in Denver has most of Broncos Country excited about football again. While some remain skeptical of Lock’s skills, and many want to remain cautiously optimistic, it is hard not to look into the blue and orange crystal ball to see what the future might hold.
On the MHR Radio Podcast (Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify), Ian St. Clair and I explored the potential of Lock and his future in Denver. It’s hard not to think about Lock’s future and not envision Courtland Sutton coming down with that incredible one-handed catch for Lock’s first career touchdown pass.
Sutton, in his second year, has already moved into the WR1 role. Both of Lock’s first two touchdowns went to Sutton. Even with all the screen passes, Sutton was tied for the lead in targets with 5, and pulled down 4 grabs for 74 yards, and those two huge touchdowns. Lock, should he prove to be the QB that the Broncos hope he is, will seek out Sutton often.
Along with Sutton being important to Lock’s development, a solid running attack can alleviate the pressure on a young QB. Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, who are also growing into their roles on the team, will have an important impact on Lock’s becoming comfortable as the Broncos starter.
Sutton is not the only potential security blanket for Lock. While some might not be convinced of Noah Fant’s ability to be more than just a guy in the NFL, he and Lock came into the league together, and could be extremely important to each other’s growth. While they did not have an obvious connection against the Chargers, it is feasible that Fant will figure prominently moving forward.
On the offensive side of the ball there is a youth movement going on in Denver. Dalton Risner looks like he will be the anchor of the offensive line for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, DaeSean Hamilton or Tim Patrick can step into the WR2 spot and be productive opposite of Sutton. The Broncos continue to look like a team trending in the right direction.
The last piece of the puzzle is potentially the most important. Rich Scangarello, a first time offensive coordinator, will also be able to grow in his role with Lock at the helm. He has struggled this season with play calling beyond the second quarter of games. The learning curve is steep, but he and Lock could become a solid tandem in the NFL.
Obviously, the Broncos are no longer playing for the postseason in 2019. However, the Broncos are working toward success in 2020. Drew Lock could figure prominently in that. The offense is young, but this could be a solid corp of players for several years to come.