George Paton’s latest comments should worry Broncos Country
Aug 10, 2021, 1:57 PM
On draft night, many in Broncos Country wanted Denver to take a quarterback in the first round. And with the No. 9 overall pick, it was certainly doable.
As the night unfolded, things went the Broncos way. When their time on the clock arrived, there were two potential franchise quarterbacks available.
Denver didn’t have to trade to move up. If they wanted Justin Field or Mac Jones, they could simply use their pick to land a promising young QB.
Instead, the Broncos selected Pat Surtain. Footage inside the team’s war room explained why, as George Paton called the cornerback out of Alabama the “safe” pick.
This left many dismayed. After five-straight seasons without a playoff berth and four-consecutive years with a losing record, all of which have come since Peyton Manning retired and a carousel of stopgap quarterbacks have tried to fill the gap, Broncos Country was ready for the team to roll the dice, swing for the fences and/or push their chips into the middle of the table.
They didn’t. And it left many confused.
Yesterday’s edition of “Football Morning in America” provided some answers, however. Peter King took a trip around the AFC West in the article, including a deep dive on the Broncos. While there are a lot of interesting nuggets in the piece, the way Denver’s general manager assesses the quarterback position was the most telling.
“Quarterbacks are available more than franchise corners every year, at least the last couple of years,” Paton told King during the reporter’s visit to Dove Valley last week.
For a fan base that has endured Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, Brock Osweiler, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Brandon Allen, Drew Lock and, potentially, Teddy Bridgewater, that comment comes as a surprise. As the search for a franchise QB hits year six in Denver, hearing that they’re more readily available that a franchise cornerback raises some eyebrows.
Of course, there’s a difference between “available” and “attainable.” This past offseason, the Broncos could’ve made a run at Matthew Stafford, Deshaun Watson or Aaron Rodgers. Heck, they could’ve dabble in the race of Carson Wentz. All could be considered franchise quarterbacks.
Denver also could’ve drafted Fields or Jones. Both were technically available.
It’s also worth noting that Paton didn’t say anything about a “franchise” quarterback. That could be telling.
During the general manager’s tenure with the Vikings (2007-20), he was part of a front office that tried to win with pedestrian, journeyman and/or over-the-hill quarterbacks.
He comes from an organization that drafted Bridgewater and Christian Ponder. They also acquired Sam Bradford, Case Keenum and Kirk Cousins. And they tried to squeeze a few final ounces out of Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb.
Those kinds of guys are always available, as Paton knows. But given that Vikings haven’t appeared in a Super Bowl for 45 years, he should also be aware of the fact that those kinds of quarterbacks don’t ultimately get the job done.
In addition, a “franchise cornerback” also isn’t a difference maker. They’re nice to have, but they don’t put a franchise over the top.
Case in point: Here’s a list of the 10 highest-paid cornerbacks in the league heading into the 2021 season:
1. Jalen Ramsey (LAR)
2. Marlon Humphrey (BAL)
3. Tre’Davious White (BUF)
4. Darius Slay (PHI)
5. Byron Jones (MIA)
6. Xavien Howard (MIA)
7. James Bradberry (NYG)
8. Trae Waynes (CIN)
9. Marcus Peters (BAL)
10. William Jackson (WAS)
What do all of these players have in common? None of them have won a Super Bowl. Only Ramsey has ever played in one.
So if Surtain turns into a franchise cornerback, what will it really mean for the Broncos? Well, not much, unless they eventually find a quarterback.
No matter how dominant a defensive back might be, they can’t carry a team. Great players at that position don’t turn around a franchise.
That’s why George Paton’s latest comments should raise red flags. It makes one wonder if the Broncos general manager is aware of that fact.
