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Quarterbacks the Denver Broncos should consider in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Sayre Bedinger

Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before the start of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before the start of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

For C.J. Beathard, you really have to go back to his 2015 tape. Despite not posting crazy numbers, Beathard was one of the top playmakers in the entire Big Ten.

He took a step back in 2016 with injuries and inconsistency, but he wasn’t helped any by Iowa’s terrible crew of wide receivers.

As a prospect,  I still think there’s a lot to like about Beathard. At his best, he reminded me of a healthy Tony Romo. He’s got a lot of playmaking ability but also knows how to manage a game from the quarterback position. He is capable of taking shots downfield and making throws outside of the pocket.

Beathard had Iowa in position to win a tough Big Ten championship game two years ago against Michigan State before a drive by the Spartan offense that lasted seemingly a lifetime, and Iowa ended up losing a heartbreaker.

The accuracy wasn’t always there with Beathard, but he’s got a strong arm and the ability to fit the ball into tight windows. He ran a pro-style offense at Iowa the last three seasons, and showed he’s capable of making big plays in clutch situations.

He struggled at times locking into one side of the field, and sometimes would take frustrating sacks because of how long he took to process a play after the snap. That said, in the later portion of the draft, I think Beathard has the tools to be a successful NFL backup and spot-starter.

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