Paton, Fangio maintain confidence in Drew Lock but don't rule out adding extra competition

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In the months since the 2020 season ended, a seemingly endless flurry of rumors and reported trades involving several veteran quarterbacks has supercharged the normally quiet period before free agency.


The Broncos have at times been the subject of such speculation as they hope to find stability at the position, but in conversations with local media on Thursday, General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Vic Fangio said they remain believers in Drew Lock.


Paton, who delved into the team's film on Lock since becoming GM in January, said that though the evaluation isn't quite complete, Lock has the tools required to be successful in the NFL.


"There's so much that goes into it, into evaluating a quarterback," Paton said. "I like to see him live, you like to see him in critical situations, you like to see the accuracy. How is he with his teammates? What's the leadership like? I can't give you three things; there's so much involved on evaluating a quarterback, so I look forward to evaluating Drew further in person.


"But he does have all the traits you look for in a quarterback."


But though Paton noted that he can see the promise the young quarterback holds, it won't preclude the team from making a move to bring in competition at the position, should they decide to.


"[He's] very talented, was inconsistent at times, has a lot to work on," Paton said. "But I've spoken with Drew, I see him every day, he's here early, he's working. He really wants to be great. We're always going to try to bring in competition at every position, and quarterback as well, but I like the track that Drew's on."