George Paton blasted the Drew Lock supporters out of their orbit
Mar 4, 2022, 6:55 AM
The Denver Broncos traveled to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine this week. It was the first time general manager George Paton spoke to the media in his current role at the Combine. Yes, he was the general manager of the Broncos last year, but there was no Combine in 2021 due to COVID.
When he stepped up to the podium, Paton seemed cool, calm and collected as he answered questions from the media in attendance. Paton was almost immediately asked about his process when approaching the draft.
“I think you know, just in a year. We’re always going to be aggressive. We’re going to be disciplined. We’re always willing to move up, willing to move back. We do have 11 picks total, five in the first three rounds—so we do have that flexibility. We always like that flexibility,” Paton said.
Paton sent several messages this week. Some were right in your face, while others take a little reading between the lines but it’s clear that messages were sent by the GM.
Let’s break it down.
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They Don’t Have Their QB
Drew Lock supporters are a rabid bunch. After three seasons of mostly average-to-bad football, there are many in Broncos Country who want him to get one more year to start. Too bad the Broncos don’t feel that way.
Paton talked about his plan for quarterback – and it doesn’t sound like he thinks Lock can be the guy, or at least he’s not the guy right now.
“I think it’s always a priority. It’s the most important position in sports, so we’re always looking. We do have Drew Lock under contract, we have ‘Ryp’ [Brett Rypien]. But we’re always looking. No stone unturned to find that guy. We know we need better play out of the quarterback position. So we’re going to be aggressive,” Paton said.
We’ll see what the future holds for Lock. There’s a chance the team trades him away, although the teams I’ve talked to around the league have no interest. There’s a chance he could just get released if the Broncos are able to trade for a superstar quarterback. There’s also a chance Lock gets to compete with a rookie for the starting job in training camp. Nobody knows what his future holds, but the message was clear – the Broncos don’t think they have their quarterback.
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Better Than Advertised
This quarterback class is not great, but the overall class in the 2022 NFL Draft is stronger than some think and Paton was quick to point that out in his press conference. I agree with him about the overall strength of this class. The quarterbacks may not work out to be superstars of tomorrow, but there are plenty of quality players who could be regulars at the Pro Bowl in the near future.
Paton was asked about his initial thoughts on this class, and once again he was honest in his assessment.
“Still working through it, but I think there’s some strong edge players, pass rushers, which everyone needs. I think there’s some strong tackles, offensive linemen, and there’s some corners we like. I like the draft. I know people are kind of knocking it. But I think it’s a good draft from top to bottom,” Paton said.
Paton did a great job drafting last year for the Broncos. With this strong overall draft, I think Paton can make it back-to-back great drafts. The Broncos have loaded up on picks with multiple second-round picks and multiple third-round picks. Those five selections in the first 100 picks could end up playing big roles for the Broncos – not just in the future but in 2022.
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Running Back on the Radar
Paton was quick to praise Javonte Williams and say that he’s ready for whatever in 2022 – featured role, shared carries, etc. Williams, my no.1 running back in the 2021 NFL draft, did a fine job as a rookie with over 1,200 all-purpose yards even though he was splitting time. He’s got fresh legs because of the timeshare he had in 2021 and the split duties he had in college at North Carolina. I think it’s time to give Williams the rock as much as possible.
Paton was asked about impending free agent Melvin Gordon, the veteran who split time with Williams in 2021, and whether the Broncos want to sign him back with a new deal.
“Melvin (Gordon III) and Javonte (Williams) really complemented each other well. They helped each other. Melvin was a total pro with Javonte, and I know Javonte appreciated that relationship. I’ve had really good discussions with Melvin. We’d like to have him back. We still think he’s a really good back. I think you need two or three runners in this league. They’re going to get nicked. It’s a tough position. But I couldn’t be more happy with Javonte in his first year,” Paton said.
Even though I don’t have any of these backs with a first-round grade, I do think the Broncos can find a talented runner in the mid-to-late rounds. That means they can move on from Gordon. He’s said in interviews earlier this year that he doesn’t want to be in a timeshare. Williams is a better back than Gordon, and he will most certainly have to split snaps again if the Broncos bring him back. It’s best for both sides to move on.
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Expectations High for Chubb
Bradley Chubb is not a bust. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has been held back in his pro career by injuries. Outside of his rookie season, Chubb has not played up to his potential and certainly has drawn the ire of Broncos fans – especially because he was selected ahead of (and instead of) Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Chubb is a hard worker, and he certainly wants to prove his doubters wrong. He was supposed to be the EDGE player to eventually take over for Von Miller. Instead, Miller left the Broncos, played at a high level and won a Super Bowl while Chubb tried to play with and through an injury he had no business playing with.
Paton had some strong words about Chubb – positive words but perhaps a bit shocking.
“I’m very confident (in Chubb). He had two minor—they weren’t minor to him—but he had two minor surgeries on the foot. That held him back this year. He was never healthy. Going into the offseason, this is the first time Bradley is going to be healthy in, I believe, three years. When he’s healthy, we all know he can play at a Pro Bowl level. I’m really excited. I think I said this before, but I really respect Bradley fighting through the injuries and finishing strong. We play Kansas City, it doesn’t mean anything, really for anyone except our team, and you saw how Bradley played that game. I’m really encouraged. I think he’s going to get back to that Pro Bowl level,” Paton said.
Paton didn’t hesitate to put it out there when it comes to the expectations for Chubb. We all know he can be a Pro Bowl caliber player, but in four seasons we’ve only seen Chubb do that one time. It sounds like Paton believes Chubb can do it again.
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Obvious Needs
Paton was refreshingly honest in his press conference on Tuesday. He didn’t really pull any punches when it came to the talent upgrades needed for the Broncos on both sides of the ball. Not only do the Broncos have to think about 2022, but they have to think beyond that – something the quality players at the top of this draft could help them do.
When asked about the makeup of his roster, Paton highlighted two spots – right tackle and pass-rusher – which need to be addressed.
“Then the offensive line, we have some pieces there. Obviously, we need to get a right tackle. Then defensively, we need to get more pressure on the quarterback. That’s what it’s all about. We plan on doing that and just more depth on defense—which every team needs,” Paton said.
Good thing for the Broncos, this draft class is full of offensive tackle and edge talent. If they keep the No. 9 overall pick, I think the Broncos could draft one of the top tackles. Ikem Ekwonu (NC State) and Evan Neal (Alabama) may be off the board by the time the Broncos pick. However, Charles Cross (Mississippi State) could be there and would be an interesting target for Denver. He fits the zone-blocking system and projects as a starting left tackle. He could spend 2022 on the right side and then perhaps slide over to the left tackle spot if the Broncos want to move on from Garett Bolles after this upcoming season.
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