What can the Denver Broncos give Hackett in 2022 NFL Draft?

The Denver Broncos have found their next head coach in Nathaniel Hackett. Now, it’s time to ensure that his tenure starts off on the right foot.

This upcoming offseason will be an important one for general manager George Paton, as he looks to give his new head coach all the tools he needs to succeed. Atop Paton’s to-do list is finding “the guy” at quarterback, and possibly adding a developmental piece or two to welcome Hackett to the Mile High City.

While speculation continues to rage about a potential Hackett-Aaron Rodgers reunion in Denver, I will look at draft fits for this article. However, a move for Aaron Rodgers would instantly put the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl contention, and I fully support an effort to obtain the veteran.

So, what positions on offense could George Paton look at in the draft?

Denver Broncos: Round 1

It has to be a quarterback with the ninth overall pick this year for George Paton. The Broncos drafted Patrick Surtain II with the ninth pick last year, and passed on Justin Fields and Mac Jones. Time will tell if the two quarterbacks end up becoming franchise players for their teams, but the early returns on Surtain are extremely positive for the Broncos.

This year, it’s time for Paton to get his guy.

Matt Corral, QB– Corral started 3 years at Ole Miss and improved each year. In 2021, he finished with 3,343 passing yards to go with 20 touchdowns to only five interceptions, per Sports Reference. Corral has impressive arm talent, but at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, size will be a concern for him at the next level.

Corral suffered an ankle injury during the team’s bowl game, but the injury isn’t expected to affect his draft stock.

Sam Howell, QB- Howell started three years at North Carolina and put up consistently solid numbers for the Tarheels. His best statistical season was his first year, but he finished the 2021 season with 3,056 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, per Sports Reference.

Howell’s production dipped after losing four of his primary playmakers to the NFL Draft in 2021, but still showed the impressive deep ball that makes him a coveted prospect. The offense at UNC was simplistic, and the transition to NFL passing concepts could be a concern for George Paton.

Kenny Pickett, QB- Pickett started four years at Pittsburgh, and broke out during the 2021 season with 4,319 passing yards, 42 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, per Sports Reference. Pickett finished third in Heisman voting for the 2021 College Football season and is a polarizing prospect around the league.

At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Pickett has good size and excellent arm strength for the NFL. Questions about his lack of production until his senior season, along with hand size that causes him to wear a glove on his throwing hand, will be concerns for NFL teams.