The way the 2019 season has gone in Denver, the Broncos are in line for a top 10 pick in next year's NFL draft. With the team in a state of flux since their 2016 Super Bowl win, many have been waiting for the Broncos' next franchise quarterback to walk through those Denver doors but under John Elway, they haven't seen much hope.
This past draft, the team selected Drew Lock with the 42 overall pick out of Missouri but the rookie has yet to play a single second of NFL action as many fear that Lock is just the next highly touted quarterback to fail in Denver. For that reason, people see next year's draft that will include names like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Jake Fromm and Justin Herbert as the Broncos' shot at drafting its can't miss franchise quarterback.
Drafting a quarterback in the first round has been seemingly against the Broncos' MO for the past decade as Denver has not drafted a quarterback in the first round since Jay Culter in 2006. However, with the immense talent that will be available Denver would be foolish not to consider acquiring a signal-caller.
University of Oregon product Justin Herbert should be at the top of Denver's wish list. The 21-year-old is in line with that Elway has been attracted to before when analyzing quarterbacks as he measures in at 6'6 and can throw a spiral as tight as anyone. Denver must look at their quarterbacks a bit differently than teams like the Rams or 49ers as he will most likely be playing many games in sub 40-degree weather.
Herbert has seen his fair share of games in less than favorable conditions playing in Oregon and has the same structure and raw talent that made general managers gawk over Josh Allen just a couple years prior. Herbert features the same type of athleticism as Allen, who has become a serious rushing threat since entering the league.
While Herbert's sealing is astronomical, many still have questions about the quarterback, mainly his decision making. Herbert's stock took a hit on Saturday in Oregon's loss to Arizona State that most likely knocks them out of contention for the college football playoff. Herbert threw two interceptions and struggled throughout, unable to find his rhythm in order to make plays.
This should not deter Denver from taking Herbert if he's available, as there are questions behind every player in this draft. Herbert still offers the ability to excel in the play-action, which has become more and more popular in the league. Last season Oregon used the play-action 122 times and completed 78 of those throws as Herbert threw 13 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions.
Herbert's physical attributes make it so he can play the traditional form of the quarterback position by standing tall in the pocket and delivering while also being athletic enough to move around, make throws on the run or just take the ball himself.
To put it simply, if Denver has a chance to select Herbert, they should not pass it up.
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