George Paton and Vic Fangio are hopeful about Drew Lock, but Deshaun Watson and a first-round QB are on the table

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — After nearly two months on the job, new general manager George Paton’s evaluation on Drew Lock is in. On Thursday, he made it public.

“Did a deep dive with Drew and, obviously, like I said at my press conference, very talented. Was inconsistent at times. Has a lot to work on,” Paton said, laying out a fair assessment of the 24-year-old quarterback. “I’ve spoken with Drew. I see him everyday. He’s here early. He’s working. He really wants to be great.”

After heading down south for a beach getaway following the conclusion of the team’s 5-11 season, Lock has been back in Denver, frequenting the Broncos’ facility. Although NFL rules prohibit in-depth coaching during this part of the year, Lock has been working out at the facility.

“I’m confident that Drew’s going to continue to improve,” Vic Fangio stated on Thursday, showing confidence in the third-year quarterback. “Drew’s had a great offseason up to this point. There’s not a lot he can do, but he’s working hard on his own, coming over here, getting workouts. I know he’s doing a lot at home by himself, watching video by himself. He’s got a good setup over there. He’s doing anything and everything he can to improve even in February and now in March. I feel like he’ll continue to improve.”

However, Lock’s work ethic has never been in question. And this year is no different. But after Lock lead the NFL in interceptions (15), had the worst completion percentage (57.3) and was bottom-five in passer rating (75.4), the Broncos aren’t going to stand pat this offseason at the most important position in sports.

“We’re always going to try to bring in competition at every position and quarterback as well,” Paton added on Thursday. “I like the track that Drew’s on… He does have all the traits you look for in a quarterback.”

Although John Elway’s successor wants to evaluate Lock in person, he’ll have to make his decision on Denver’s quarterback position before Drew steps on the field again. With free agency beginning in less than two weeks and the NFL Draft in less than two months, Paton and Fangio will have to use the evaluation they have now on their young quarterback.

“Obviously, we’re always looking to bring in players at all positions that can raise the level of competition. The quarterback is no different in that regard,” Fangio stated, giving no indication on the team’s future moves at quarterback. “Until Drew proves to be the next great quarterback — like the ones the Denver franchise has been used to in years past or certain teams around the league, you guys know who they are, are used to — we’re going to always bring in competition. But I have confidence that Drew can continue to improve.”

In January, the Broncos discussed acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford with the Detroit Lions via a potential trade. However, after the Los Angeles Rams put two first-round picks on the table for the franchise quarterback, Denver was out.

When Paton was asked if the team would be interested in Deshaun Watson — a much better and significantly more appealing quarterback than Stafford — the general manager declined to comment, but he couldn’t hold back a large smile when asked.

“I can’t discuss other players that are under contract. I appreciate the question,” Paton said, acknowledging the NFL’s tampering rules. “I’ve said before, we’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to be in every deal. Doesn’t mean we’re going to make that deal, but we’re going to look into everything — whether it’s a quarterback, whether it’s a defensive lineman, anything to help our football team, we’re going to pursue.”

The three-time Pro Bowler is unquestionably the crème de la crème of potential available quarterbacks this offseason. However, if a blockbuster trade isn’t in store for Denver, the draft is very much a possibility for Paton to take a swing on a quarterback.

“We’re open to any position with that first pick,” Denver’s general manager stated. “We’re going to take the best player that can help this football team — quarterback, safety, it doesn’t matter what position, if it’s the best player on the board, we’re going to take him.”

While Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson aren’t expected to be available to anyone outside of Jacksonville and New York, the door is open for Denver to draft the likes of Mac Jones, Justin Fields or Trey Lance.