5 quarterbacks Denver Broncos could get outside first round of draft

Dec 30, 2021; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell (7) on the field in the third quarter during the 2021 Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell (7) on the field in the third quarter during the 2021 Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos mock draft – Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe scrambles during the first quarter against Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.Syndication Lansing State Journal /

Bailey Zappe

Games Played: 14

Passing Yards: 5,967

Touchdowns: 62

Completion Percentage: 69.3

Bailey Zappe is an exciting prospect who could range anywhere from a serviceable starter in the league to a good career backup, but the upside is absolutely there.

After transferring from Houston Baptist, Zappe played just one year with the Hilltoppers but no matter how you slice it, his numbers are impressive.

He was able to break the all-time FBS record for passing yards and passing touchdowns in a single season, but it will be his lack of arm strength that knocks him down draft boards.

While he doesn’t have the strongest arm, he might possess the best anticipation of any player on this list. His anticipatory throws are terrific and show a high level of knowledge for the position and the game in general. He is also able to change arm angles to make tough throws and his accuracy on short to intermediate routes is right there.

If he could come into a situation where there was a great, established option in front of him and soak up that player’s knowledge, Zappe could be a great option for NFL teams.

If the Broncos were able to trade for Rodgers or Wilson and then draft Zappe in the fourth round, I don’t see how anyone could argue that decision.

That would be the kind of pick that earns an ‘A’ letter grade in post-draft report cards.