It’s draft a QB or face the wrath of Broncos Country for Paton

Broncos GM George Paton must endure the criticism from fans if he doesn’t want to draft a QB this offseason

Apr 2, 2021, 12:00 AM

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George Paton has a six-year contract as the Denver Broncos general manager. And speculation is his deal affords him the ability to be patient as he builds the Broncos back into playoff contenders.

While making some splashy moves, Paton has remained supremely patient when it comes to the quarterback position. As it sits today, Drew Lock, despite a very underwhelming and ineffective 2020 campaign, is still the Broncos starting quarterback.

As far as Broncos Country is concerned, there is patience left. When Paton mapped out his play for 2021, he probably did not anticipate his reputation would be on the line in his very first draft. If he doesn’t make a move for a quarterback, his credibility could take a massive hit with fans.

The 2018 NFL Draft have five projected first-round quarterbacks. Denver selected fifth overall and needed a franchise quarterback. But instead of drafting one, then-general manager John Elway selected edge rusher Bradley Chubb with Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson still on the board.

In the eyes of Broncos Country, Elway has never recovered from that decision. Allen has changed the fortunes of the lowly Buffalo Bills, turning them into legitimate Super Bowl contenders. And Lamar Jackson has already been league MVP, leading the Baltimore Ravens into the playoffs his first three seasons.

It’s not that Chubb was a bad pick. Far from it. I think everybody agrees while Chubb hasn’t been the dominant, “can’t miss” pass rusher we had hoped for, he has been a solid player when healthy. The issue most have with the Chubb pick is Denver did not need an edge rusher in 2018, and they did need a quarterback.

Now, had Elway drafted Josh Rosen at No. 5, he would have received heavy criticism for selecting the wrong quarterback — like what he received after drafting Paxton Lynch. Drafting a QB is a big gamble, and in many ways it’s what GMs are judge on the most.

Denver needs a quarterback, but they can’t just draft any QB. Paton can’t draft a quarterback just to draft one. It has to be a quarterback he believes in.

Not drafting a quarterback might make sense to Paton and his vision, but that won’t allow him to escape the wrath of the Broncos fanbase. If he passes on an opportunity to draft Justin Fields, and Fields becomes a quality NFL starter, Paton will never live that down.

Paton will be haunted by the decision until he finds himself a quarterback.

Save for a few die-hard Drew Lock supporters, Broncos Country will be disappointed if Denver doesn’t draft a quarterback. Any other player will be looked at as lackluster. Taking a position player rather than being bold and pursuing a quarterback will immediately spark outrage from Broncos Country.

At this point, it’s accepted that Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are not options for Denver, The Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets are understood to be set at those selections, so there is no need in discussing either player.

The recent trade for the No. 3-overal pick by the San Francisco 49ers has put Paton in a tough spot. If Trey Lance, Justin Fields or Mac Jones end up being an elite quarterback, Paton will receive backlash for not being aggressive and moving up like the Niners.

On the flip side, if Lance, Fields or Jones all fall flat, Paton will be a genius for properly scouting the quarterbacks and not getting desperate and mortgaging the future.

The reality is Paton can pass on drafting a quarterback in the 2021 draft and still find a franchise QB in the coming years. He just has to be willing to deal with the backlash if he doesn’t select one this season.

If Paton passes on draft a quarterback in 2021, it will be the second time in the past four draft Denver selected in the top 10 with five projected first-round QBs and opted not to draft one.

Until the Broncos have that franchise quarterback, none of Paton’s moves will truly re-energize the fanbase. As good as his moves this offseason have been, Paton won’t be looked at as a success until he does what Elway couldn’t: find a quarterback.