Clayton: Broncos draft options grew with Bridgewater trade
Apr 28, 2021, 3:36 PM | Updated: 3:42 pm
The Denver Broncos shook up the mock draft world on the eve of the draft by making the trade for Teddy Bridgewater.
No surprise. Bridgewater was a logical choice to come in and challenge Drew Lock for the starting job. Instead of using a second- or third-round choice to trade up with Detroit to be in a better position to draft Justin Fields or Trey Lance, the Broncos got great value for a low choice. They only had to give up a sixth-round choice.
Even better, the Broncos get him in a good financial price. He was willing to cut his salary from $17 million to $11.5 million. The Panthers only have to pay him $4.5 million this year. He could be the Broncos starting quarterback even though he’s making backup money from the Broncos.
General manager George Paton showed his patience in being able to get a quarterback he was part of drafting when he was with the Minnesota Vikings.
What is fascinating is how many more options the Broncos have in the draft, which starts on Thursday. It’s still possible they could take Fields or Lance if they fall to the No. 9 pick. If they don’t take a quarterback, they could stick at No. 9 and take linebacker Micah Parson, tackle Rashawn Slater or cornerback Patrick Surtain.
They could also get involved in several trade scenarios. If the Broncos don’t take a quarterback, Fields, Lance or both could drop past the 10th pick. That could activate trades with the New England Patriots, Washington or the Chicago Bears. Knowing there are growing chances of Jimmy Garoppolo being traded by the San Francisco 49ers, the Patriots have plenty of flexibility.
For the Broncos to trade from No. 9 to No. 19 or No. 20 takes Paton out of a good portion for the better players in this draft. But let’s say the Patriots are willing to trade down. The Broncos can work out something with the Patriots and go to 15. Some teams believe there are only 16 players with first-round grades. The Broncos could move down to 15 and look at offensive linemen Christian Darrishaw, Tevin Collins or Alijah Vera-Tucker, cornerback Jaycee Horn or linebacker Zaven Collins.
They also have maybe an extra second-round choice.
The options grew for the Broncos with the trade for Bridgewater.
