DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos calls an audible to change the play against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Drew Lock is worth the excitement, and he gives the Broncos hope for 2020.
John Elway and the Denver Broncos had cycled through quite a few names under center since Peyton manning. However, Elway may have found his future quarterback with Drew Lock.
Elway used the 42nd-overall pick to select Lock out of Missouri in the 2019 NFL Draft. In the preseason, Lock did not show much, as many rookies do in their first action.
Although, Lock played well after his stint on the injured reserve list. He suited up as the starter in Week 13, playing each remaining game of the season. The Broncos went 4-1, and he threw for 1,020 yards with seven touchdowns and three picks. Very solid work.
The Broncos have hope this season because of Drew Lock
Now, 2020 looms, and so does a rather large campaign for Lock. Optimistic fans, and a front office hungry for an answer at quarterback, have begun to hope that Lock is the guy. And, he brings a real hope for this season.
With such a small sample size, it’s difficult to truly evaluate Lock’s body of work from 2019. His traditional stats look decent, and they are. But he did not throw the deep ball well, with just 6.5 yards gained per attempt.
According to Pro Football Focus, Lock was an above-average passer when it came to throws up to nine yards. However, he struggled when it came to throwing the ball 10 or more. When you look at his next gen numbers, you will see how well he did within that 9-10 yard range. He just needs to be more effective with the chunk plays downfield.
Lock not completing a lot of passes downfield should not kill those hopes of him being a good quarterback in the NFL. Not by any means. In fact, it should heighten those aspirations. Considering he was injured and missed a significant chunk of developmental time, this is a fixable issue.
Also, Lock will have a handful of play makers at his disposal in 2020. Jerry Jeudy was drafted in the first round, and he joins Courtland Sutton, Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay, Noah Fant, and fellow draftee KJ Hamler.
With more targets, reps, and experience, Lock provides substantial, real hope. As his arm develops at the top level and he familiarizes himself with the playbook and league more, he can take a massive step forward in 2020.
Do not let those negatives outweigh the positives and tarnish that hope. Lock can become the real deal this season.