It doesn’t feel like an NFL draft without speculation that the Broncos will select a quarterback in the first round.
In ESPN’s , he has Denver selecting Liberty quarterback Malik Willis with the No. 14 overall pick.
“The term ‘boom or bust’ will be attached to Willis’ name frequently throughout the draft process, but the Broncos must address the one position that is holding its roster back from being a consistent AFC contender,” Reid writes. “Built like a tank in a 6-foot-1 frame, Willis has plenty of arm strength. He oozes athletic traits that evaluators love to see at the position. While the Auburn transfer has the ability to become an NFL starter, his consistency this season has been a roller-coaster experience, as he has thrown three picks in three different games.
“If placed within the right infrastructure — and given patience — he could become worthy of this draft slot.”
Willis, 22, has completed 66.4% of his passes this season for 2,159 yards, 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He’s also carried the ball 153 times for 755 yards rushing and 10 more touchdowns.
ESPN’s Todd McShay lists him as the : “His off-platform throws have plenty of “wow” factor, as he gets the ball out from various release points with velocity and hits tight windows.”
Denver has selected just four quarterbacks in the first round in their history: Tommy Maddox (1992), Jay Cutler (2006), Tim Tebow (2010) and Paxton Lynch (2016).
