Denver Broncos mock draft: Finding a franchise quarterback

First Round: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

The last mock draft we put together, we had the Broncos taking Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield in the first round. That possibility should still remain, but we’re going to keep taking a look at alternative options before making official predictions.

The former Heisman trophy winning quarterback Lamar Jackson is certainly among the first round options at the quarterback position, if that’s the route the Broncos choose.

Jackson is the best dual-threat quarterback in the country, drawing comparisons to Mike Vick for his ability to easily flick the ball from one end of the field to the other, and his track-star speed.

The great thing about Jackson is, his ability as a dual threat player has evolved in the past two seasons, to the point that he’s become a legitimate threat from the pocket as well as on the move.

The only thing that’s concerning about Jackson at this point is the way his body takes hits when he runs, because when he takes off, he does so with the mentality of a running back or receiver. He fights for extra yardage, and takes on contact a little too willingly.

Jackson’s arm talent is incredible. He can fit the ball into the tightest windows, and he can make any throw to any level of the field.

I’ve watched every game from Jackson’s 2017 season thus far, and he has the look of a future NFL stud. With Mike McCoy as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator, I think a plan could be put into place to make Jackson successful at the NFL level right away, similar to what we saw from Cam Newton in his rookie season.

The Broncos have scouted Jackson this season, and if he were to fall to their first round pick, it would be really hard for them to pass on such a dynamic talent, a player that can create in so many different ways and make a big play at any point in time.