Denver Broncos: 3 key stories to watch leading up to the NFL Draft

Where Does George Paton stand on players with Character Concerns?

Entering the final years of John Elway‘s tenure as general manager, he had “a type” for first-round draft picks. Elway prioritized production and physical tools just as much as everyone else in the NFL, but he also looked for captains and leaders on the team, as well as high character players.

Elway had success finding players in that mold, with players like Bradley Chubb, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, and Dalton Risner to name a few. Will Paton adopt the same strategy concerning a prospect’s background in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Many prospects have had red flags coming out of college ranging from minor offenses to potential criminal activity. While none of their actions are justifiable, some prospects are able to learn from their past and grow from it, while some are unable to stay in the league due to their off-field struggles.

One of the more polarizing players in this year’s draft class is linebacker Micah Parsons from Penn State. Parsons has ridiculous size and athleticism and could be a natural fit in Vic Fangio’s scheme.

However, Parsons has had his share of off-field issues during his time at Penn State. Parsons has addressed his past and has seemingly grown and matured. Some teams may still see Parsons as a gamble though, and take him off their draft board completely.

If the Broncos decide to stay pat with Lock at quarterback, Micah Parsons is a player the Broncos could consider with the ninth overall pick, or later on in the first round. Paton will have to make the call on where he stands with potential character concerns.

The interview process will be massive for Parsons, and if he truly shows that he has moved on from his past, the Broncos could be a great landing spot for him.