Drew Lock preparing to play in Denver altitude

By selecting Drew Lock with the 42nd pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos feel they’ve found their franchise quarterback of the future. But for now, Lock is considered a developmental player.

Broncos General Manager John Elway voiced his expectations of his rookie quarterback in his post draft press conference.

“I think the bottom line is he’s coming to compete as a backup. Joe’s the starter. When we look at it, we’re hoping Drew is the future. We tend to look at it as the Brett Favre - Aaron Rodgers type situation [with the Packers]. He’s going to have time to sit and watch Joe and take his time and learn and continue to get better. We feel we’re in a good situation there. Plus, we had guys compete for backup positions and he’ll be thrown in that bunch.”

Photo by Kathryn Scott / Special to The Denver Post

Being the projected quarterback of the future, and in the mix for backup quarterback this year has not stopped Lock from training.

Lock recently posted a video of himself on social media, working out with an elevation training mask on a stationary workout bike.

Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level, which is the highest elevation of any major city in the United States. The altitude has always been a challenging element for opposing teams. Broncos Country knows there’s a competitive edge that comes to playing in the Mile High City.

Dr. Inigo San Millan of the University of Colorado’s Sports Medicine and Performance Center in Boulder, was featured in an article researching the correlation between athletic performance and altitude. It was concluded that, “altitude directly affects an athlete’s performance. Teams who practice at sea level tire 20 percent faster and transport 10 percent less oxygen in their bodies when they compete in Denver.”

Photo by Zach Bland / Mizzou Athletics

Although the video doesn’t showcase Lock’s big arm or charming personality, it shows a young quarterback preparing for practice as a Bronco.

All eyes will be, “locked,” in on the rookie quarterback as rookie mini camp starts May 10th.