Don’t be surprised in the coming weeks as Denver Broncos GM George Paton makes the rounds at the pro days of top 2021 quarterback prospects.
Paton — along with director of college scouting Brian Stark and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula — already attended North Dakota State’s pro day in Fargo to watch top prospect Trey Lance‘s throwing session.
While the team was introducing its newest free agent acquisitions in cornerback Ronald Darby and running back Mike Boone, Paton was asked about the quarterback situation. He reiterated that the team wants to bring in competition, and also confirmed that quarterback is on the table and he will be making the rounds at pro days upcoming.
"It is in play for quarterback (9th overall pick). Yes, I’ll be out a lot looking at all positions, but definitely quarterback.Broncos GM George Paton (via team PR)"
The more needs the Broncos address in free agency, frankly the more likely it seems they could take a quarterback with that 9th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
So, who is up next on the circuit? There are generally five players considered as first-round players at the QB position in the 2021 draft right now.
Trevor Lawrence of Clemson, the presumptive number one pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars at this point, has already had his pro day.
Trey Lance, a projected top-10 pick, has already had his pro day. That leaves three more potential pro days for Paton to attend.
- Mac Jones, Alabama – Tuesday, March 23
- Zach Wilson, BYU – Friday, March 26
- Justin Fields, Ohio State – Tuesday, March 30
The team plane is going to be getting some good work in the coming weeks to close out the month of March as George Paton should be expected to be at all of these pro days in case he sees any of these guys as a possible franchise QB.
Regardless of whether the plan is for the Broncos to sign a quarterback, trade for someone, or draft someone, Paton should be attending these pro days and gathering as much information as possible in order to make the most educated decision he can.
Paton spoke previously that he best evaluates quarterbacks by seeing them work in person, and pro days are his only chance to do that for draft prospects this year.
The Broncos should be considered serious candidates to draft a quarterback if the right situation presents itself. Who knows if that is “Plan A” or something else, but for the time being, it is the wisest investment of Paton’s time evaluating draft prospects.
Not to mention, all of those schools should have other players the Broncos will have interest in drafting in the top two or three rounds on both sides of the ball.
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Paton should be giving himself every opportunity to fall in love with one of these guys, even if getting one would likely require him moving up in the draft order.