1. Drafting Drew Lock (2019)
It’s still pretty early to say this is the definitive best move of the last three years for the Broncos, especially considering Lock still has so much to prove, but I’m going to project a bit and say that it is the best move of the last three years and perhaps since the Peyton Manning era ended.
Lock helped lead the Broncos to a 4-1 finish to close out the 2019 season after injuring his thumb in preseason play, his only loss coming on the road in a blizzard against the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Lock was a key factor in the Broncos playing well down the stretch, including one of the most impressive performances you will see from a rookie in his start on the road against the Houston Texans.
In fact, it was an unprecedented start.
No rookie QB before Lock had a road start with 300 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
Lock was dealing in that game.
The Broncos saw enough from Lock in five games and in practices to mold their entire 2019 offseason around him. They brought in firepower offensively as well as some key pieces on defense, but every move this offseason had Drew Lock in mind, including the hiring of Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator.
Lock has become a key leader for this Broncos team in a short time and he appears more than poised to seize the opportunity he has earned.
Lock exudes confidence while also maintaining a level of humility that is admirable of a young star quarterback.
Looking back on the 2019 NFL Draft, it makes no sense why a quarterback with Lock’s physical talent, intangibles, work habits, and experience against SEC competition was not selected in the first round.
The Broncos were very fortunate he was still there with the 42nd overall pick.
That selection and move up to get Lock will hopefully go down as one of the biggest NFL Draft steals in Denver Broncos history.