Denver Broncos: 5 2021 QB prospects if Drew Lock fails
By Noah Smith
4. Trey Lance, North Dakota State University
Trey Lance is another quarterback with all the physical tools you could want. Lance jumped onto the scene after a stellar 2019 College Football season that saw Lance throw 28 touchdowns with zero picks.
Lance is a true threat in the run game, with 1,100 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2019, per ESPN. He is excellent in space, and has the speed to take it the distance.
Trey Lance has excellent arm talent and good accuracy for the position. NDSU’s offense did not ask Lance to be a pure pocket passer, despite running a pro-styled offense. Lance will need to prove that he can consistently win from the pocket and win a game with his arm.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, NDSU only played one game during the 2020 College Football season. In his one game against Central Arkansas, Lance went 15/30 for 150 yards, 2 touchdowns and his first career interception.
Lance wasn’t as sharp with the football as he was in his 2019 season. This game will be something to watch, but shouldn’t be over scrutinized in Lance’s evaluation.
Trey Lance and Zach Wilson could be interchangeable for the Denver Broncos on draft night, and either would make an excellent pick if they are available. Wilson’s accuracy and passing ability give him the edge in this list, but Lance certainly has a case to be the third best quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft.
If Lance is available when the Broncos pick, Elway may swing for the fences on Trey Lance’s incredible athleticism and tools. He may take a year to be a star in the NFL, much like Carson Wentz. However, Lance has elite potential and is definitely worth a first round pick.