Broncos general manager is searching for the next great franchise quarterback.
Will that cornerstone arrive in Denver through the draft this spring? The Broncos signed quarterback to a two-year, $36-million contract last year. Elway, in a recent interview with NBC Sports’ Peter King, called Keenum “probably a short-term fix.” Here’s a look at six potential long-term solutions from the college ranks. (Draft stock will move up and down after the NFL combine and individual workouts).
Dwayne Haskins
School: Ohio State (R-So.)
Size: 6-foot-3, 220 pounds
Experience: 14 career starts (13-1)
2018 statistics: 373-of-533 passing (.700) for 4,831 yards, 50 touchdowns and eight interceptions; 79 carries for 106 yards and four touchdowns.
Draft projection: Round 1
What they’re saying: “He has a big arm, shows great anticipation on his throws, takes care of the ball and has solid athleticism.” — ESPN’s Mel Kiper
Notable: Widely considered the top available quarterback in the class. … 2018 Heisman Trophy finalist. … Set 28 OSU records last season. … Small sample size as a starting college quarterback is a potential concern. … Led Buckeyes to conference championship and Rose Bowl victory.
Kyler Murray
School: Oklahoma (Jr.)
Size: 5-10, 195
Experience: 17 career starts (14-3)
2018 statistics: 260-of-377 passing for 4,361 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions; 140 carries for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Draft projection: Rounds 1-2
What they’re saying: “I’ve never seen him have a poor outing. Not one. Which at quarterback is impossible to do, but he’s done it. I’d take him with the first pick of the draft if I could.” — Former Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury, in October. Kingsbury is now the head coach.
Notable: 2018 Heisman Trophy winner. … Picked No.9 overall in the 2018 MLB draft by the Athletics and received a $4.66-million signing bonus. … Declared for the NFL Draft on Monday. … Undersized (he’s likely not his listed 5-10) but the most dynamic playmaker at quarterback in this class.
Daniel Jones
School: Duke (R-Jr.)
Size: 6-5, 200
Experience: 36 starts (17-19)
2018 statistics: 237-of-392 passing (60.5) for 2,674 yards, 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions; 104 carries for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
Draft projection: Rounds 1-3
What they’re saying: “It would be a surprise in NFL circles if he doesn’t end up in the first round.” — Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel
Notable: A three-year starter for Duke coach and quarterback guru David Cutcliffe. … Broke his collarbone in September and missed only two games. … Dual-threat capability with elite NFL size. … Accuracy has been questioned after 29 career interceptions and a 59-percent career completion rate.
Will Grier
School: West Virginia (R-Sr.)
Size: 6-2, 221
Experience: 27 career starts (20-7)
2018 statistics: 266-of-397 passing (.67) for 3,864 yards, 37 touchdowns and eight interceptions; 48 carries for minus-90 yards and three touchdowns.
Draft projection: Rounds 1-3
What they’re saying: “(Grier) has average zip on intermediate throws but can drive the ball vertically, although it requires full-body effort.” — ESPN’s Todd McShay
Notable: Threw for 300 or more yards in 19 WVU games to set a school record. … Suspended from Florida in 2015 for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. … Skipped WVU’s bowl game this season for NFL prep.
Drew Lock
School: Missouri (Sr.)
Size: 6-3, 228
Experience: 46 career starts (21-25)
2018 statistics: 275-of-437 passing (.62) for 3,498 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions; 55 carries for 175 yards and six touchdowns.
Draft projection: Rounds 1-3
What they’re saying: “Lock has an intriguing skill set. He’s big, athletic and possesses plenty of arm strength. I love the urgency of his footwork in the pocket and he does a nice job of getting the ball out quickly. He can easily drive the ball outside the numbers and throws a beautiful dig route over the middle.” — NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah
Notable: Was considered a top NFL quarterback prospect after 44 passing touchdowns in 2017, but elected to return for his senior year. … Inconsistent accuracy and decision-making this season has dropped his draft stock. … Elway has scouted Lock in person.
Ryan Finley
School: North Carolina State (R-Sr.)
Size: 6-4, 208
Experience: 41 starts (27-14)
2018 statistics: 326-of-484 passing (.67) for 3,928 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions; 43 carries for 21 yards and one touchdown.
Draft projection: Rounds 2-4
What they’re saying: “He gets through progressions quickly and shows good poise and feel inside the pocket.” — ESPN’s Todd McShay
Notable: A graduate transfer from Boise State who led the Wolfpack to consecutive nine-win seasons. … Went 339 pass attempts without an interception in 2017. … Second in NC State history behind with 10,366 career passing yards. … Critics question whether he has enough arm strength to play in the NFL.
