Training camp debut a success for Drew Lock

All eyes were focused on rookie quarterback Drew Lock during the first day of Broncos’ training camp as the second-round draft pick practiced for the first time in front of Broncos Country.

And he did not disappoint.

In quarterback warmup drills, Lock showcased his arm strength and quick release of the football. His throwing motion allows receivers to catch the ball on target and at the highest point. In each drill Lock carried himself with confidence, as he appeared eager to work and learn.

During team reps, Lock worked with the third team offense and showed dramatic improvement with his footwork. He took snaps from under center (three-step and five-step drops), demonstrating agility and precision compared to a slower and choppier drag that he played with at Missouri.

Lock also implemented quick decision-making, as he read through his receiving progressions, highlighting his immense field vision. His biggest play came in the form of a 50 yard touchdown pass to Brendan Langley.

Lock’s biggest strength also has the ability to make him vulnerable in the NFL. When pressured, he relies on raw athleticism, maneuvering both in and outside of the pocket as he continues to read receivers downfield. Literally “armed” with power and velocity, Lock has a chance of delivering a strike downfield on every play. However, he has the tendency to throw sidearm when a defender closes in, overcompensating the throw with his big arm. Sidearm throws are widely viewed as a bad habit because they are wildly inconsistent and can lead to turnovers.

Throughout the day, Lock was right on the hip of quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney, asking questions and showing the ability to be coached. When he was not actively involved during team reps, Lock practiced snaps from under center with back up offensive lineman, and studied starting quarterback Joe Flacco’s reps.

“I feel a lot more comfortable with the play calling and playbook today compared to OTA’s and mini camp,” Lock said after practice, saying that during the five-week vacation period he worked specifically on his footwork and dedicated time to knowing the playbook inside and out.

“First off, Coach Scangarello is 100 percent the man,” Lock said. “I love that guy. He teaches in such an awesome way. He’ll let you go out there and make a mistake and not rip you for that mistake unless you go back out there and do it again. Coming from a quarterback standpoint, at least me, I like that kind of coaching.

“Let us go out there and fail a little bit, throw everything at us. Once we come back, dial it in, get into the meeting room and really teach on the board and teach on the film,” Lock added. “It’s something he’s really good at as well as being able to explain things on the board. A lot of guys need to come out here and run through everything in real life but he’s super good at teaching you and getting you ready in the quarterback room rather than having to take a full live rep.”

When head coach Vic Fangio was asked about what improvements he is looking to see from Lock, he noted “improvement in all areas.”

“Command of the offense, command of the line of scrimmage, decisions on where to throw the ball—how quickly he can make those decisions. Everything. Just become a quarterback,” Fangio said.

With day one of training camp in the books, the clock has officially started ticking for Lock and his development as the quarterback of the future for the Denver Broncos.