Broncos GM discusses team's future: 'We all want the franchise quarterback'

In his first press conference as Denver Broncos general manager, George Paton wasn’t ready to endorse quarterback Drew Lock as a franchise cornerstone.

Paton stated he would need more time before delivering his thoughts on Denver's second-year passer.

"I liked Drew coming out of the draft. A big arm, athletic, a playmaker," said Paton, according to Kyle Fredrickson of the Denver Post.

"I haven't studied him. I haven't gotten into a lot of tape. I've only been here four days. I've watched enough tape to know that he's talented. He can develop."

Paton wasn't ready to name Lock the unquestioned starter, but did highlight the importance of having a leader.

"The quarterback is the most important position in sports. If you don’t have stability at quarterback, you're going to have a hard time sustaining winning. I think we all want the franchise quarterback, and that's the No. 1 goal is trying to draft and develop or acquire any way you can."

The 24-year-old was selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and started five games as a rookie. The Broncos won four of their final five contests, leading to plenty of optimism entering 2020.

Ultimately, Lock passed for 2,933 yards and 16 touchdowns last season while tossing a league-high 15 interceptions. He also added 160 rushing yards for three touchdowns.

"I still think that Drew is a young guy," president of football operations John Elway said. "He showed flashes this year, but he made mistakes. Young quarterbacks always make mistakes. I made a million mistakes my first two or three years, but it’s how you can learn from those. Drew did a nice job this year, but George will continue to look to fill that spot if we don’t think that Drew is that guy."