Broncos free agency: 5 quarterbacks the team could still target
QB. Jaguars. 52. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. GardnerMinshew. 15. player
The Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to use the first selection in the 2021 NFL Draft on quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson.
Although he could possibly look for starting opportunities elsewhere, it’s possible that Alex Smith will re-join his college coach Urban Meyer in Jacksonville as Lawrence’s backup.
If Smith joins the crew down in Duval County, Minshew would be the odd man out.
If that’s the case, he should have some decent trade value for the Jaguars, possibly netting them as high as a fifth- or sixth-round pick in return for his multiple years under contract.
Minshew has actually posted some pretty exceptional numbers through his first two NFL seasons, but obviously the numbers can be a bit misleading at times.
He has thrown for over 5,500 yards with a completion rate of 62.9 percent (including 66.1 percent in 2020) including 37 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. He also has proven he can make some plays with his legs and get out of the pocket.
Early in the 2019 season, Minshew came to Denver and showed incredible poise in a Jaguars victory.
The Broncos probably couldn’t ask for a better high-upside option for a low price than Minshew if he’s actually avaialble. He is not yet 25 years of age and he’s already proven that he can play at a starter level in the NFL.
It isn’t out of the question he could win a camp battle with Drew Lock given what we’ve seen from both guys so far, though Lock’s physical talent is beyond Minshew’s.
Still, Minshew would be an intriguing option for the Broncos given his starting experience, youth, and likely cost to acquire.