Broncos trade up for Drew Lock in 2nd round
The Denver Broncos traded up with the Cincinnati Bengals to select quarterback Drew Lock out of Missouri in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 42nd overall.
The Broncos surrendered pick No. 52 along with fourth- and sixth-round selections to move up 10 spots to secure the signal-caller.
Lock was thought to be a potential first-round pick, but slid to the second round where he became the fourth pivot taken in the 2019 draft. He'll head to Mile High City looking to eventually cement himself as the franchise quarterback that has eluded Denver since the days of Peyton Manning.
The Broncos have rolled through quarterbacks under general manager John Elway. Since 2012, he's drafted five pivots - Chad Kelly, Paxton Lynch, Trevor Siemian, Zac Dysert, and Brock Osweiler - and none of them are still on the roster.
The Broncos signed Case Keenum in free agency last year but traded him after one mediocre campaign. They acquired Joe Flacco earlier this offseason, hoping a change of scenery can reignite the former Baltimore Ravens passer's career.
Lock threw for 3,498 yards with 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Missouri as a senior in 2018.
Prospect profile
School: Missouri
Height: 6-4
Weight: 228 lbs
Strengths
- Has the arm talent to make every throw on the field
- Quick release
- Willingness and ability to challenge tight windows
- Generally accurate from a clean pocket
- Good deep ball
- Climbs the pocket while maintaining eye level
- Athleticism to take off and run when a play breaks down
Weaknesses
- Poor decision-making in general and gets worse under pressure
- Accuracy and ball placement suffer when facing pressure and on the run
- Seems to lock in on one receiver rather than go through his progressions
- Doesn't deal well with pressure in his face
- Too many fadeaways
Bottom line
Lock is an incredibly talented quarterback prospect dripping with upside. He's got the ability to make every throw on the field, he's a fearless passer, and he has the athleticism to make plays with his legs when necessary. Unfortunately, he's unable to consistently make the most of those abilities, as his decision-making and play against pressure lead to some frustrating issues. Lock could be a productive starter if he lands with the right system and coaching staff, but his weaknesses also give him a lower floor than you'd like for an early-round quarterback prospect.