Hasselbeck: Broncos in “tricky spot” regarding QB position

If the Broncos draft a QB in the top 10, it’s likely not to bring in competition to push Drew Lock, says ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck

BY JOHNNY HART

Apr 27, 2021, 2:54 PM

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It’s no secret the Denver Broncos want to bring in competition for Drew Lock at the quarterback position. General manager George Paton emphasized as much in his pre-draft press conference last week.

“I’ve said since I’ve gotten here that we want to bring in competition. That’s the goal, and we plan on doing that,” Paton said.

But if Paton and company opt for a quarterback in the top 10 of this week’s NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck said it’s no longer about competition for Lock.

“I find this kind of a tricky spot for Denver. It’s like, yes, you want the competition, but drafting somebody in the top 10, they’re not competing,” Hasselbeck told “Schlereth & Evans” on Tuesday. “At that point, you’ve just made a decision.”

Hasselbeck — who called Lock “super talented” and said he really liked him coming out of college — questioned whether drafting competition so high in the draft would help, or hinder, the Broncos young quarterback.

“I just don’t know that drafting a quarterback in the top 10 ever pulls the best out of them,” Hasselbeck said.

But if Denver does desire a quarterback with its top pick, Hasselbeck said it would be “incredible” if its Ohio State prospect Justin Fields falls to them at No. 9.

“I think he’s a really good passer, and I think he’s an incredible runner,” Hasselbeck said. “I think in some ways he kind of has this like Cam Newton skill set.”

“I think Justin Fields has got that type of talent and knows how to play the position,” Hasselbeck added.