Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Update: Drew Lock, QB DEN

Jonathon Chapman Posted On June 16, 2019

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Name: Drew Lock

Position: Quarterback

Pro Team: Denver Broncos

College Team: Missouri

Draft Status: Round two, 42nd overall

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

COMBINE REVIEW

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 228 pounds
Arms: 32 1/2”
Hands: 9”
40-Yard Dash: 4.69
Vertical: 31”
Broad Jump: 112”
3-Cone Drill: 7.03

STRENGTHS

Experience as a four-year starter in the SEC
NFL-ready body and arm
Quick release
Can throw from different arm angles
Exceptional deep ball thrower

WEAKNESSES

Inconsistent accuracy
Footwork is absent at times
Best games were against worst teams

OPPORTUNITIES

The rumors of the Denver Broncos’ fascination with Drew Lock started early in the draft process. Many experts had the Broncos selecting Lock with the tenth overall pick in the first round. However, the Broncos were able to jump around in the first and second rounds and still land their coveted play-caller at 42nd overall.

Denver’s skill positions are decent with depth but lack any real elite players. Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton look to be the top wide receivers and are both coming off good rookie campaigns. The backfield also features two solid sophomores in Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. Add first-round rookie tight end Noah Fant and every starting skill position player will be in their first or second year. The young Broncos offense could grow together and become something special with Lock, but 34-year-old starter Joe Flacco is the only thing standing in their way.

The offensive line is also poised to take a giant step forward this year after Denver drafted Dalton Risner 41st overall, who can start at all five offensive line positions. They also signed Ja’Wuan James to play right tackle opposite of Garett Bolles. So even though they allowed 220 quarterback pressures in 2018 and finished as the 29th-ranked pass rush unit according to Pro Football Focus, look for dramatic improvement for whoever is under center in 2019.

THREATS

The Broncos traded a 2019 fourth-round pick for Flacco before the NFL Draft. But general manager John Elway – who has received a lot of criticism for the horrible quarterback play in Denver – had to have a long-term plan in place as well. So, look for Lock to be the backup to start the season, which will be the first time he has been a backup since early on in high school.

SHORT-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Expectations should be very low in Lock’s rookie year. Superflex and 2QB leagues are the only acceptable formats to roster him. Even if the Broncos go 0-4 to start the season, don’t expect Lock to get into the lineup until the team is completely out of playoff contention.

LONG-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Unless Joe Flacco can get the Broncos to the postseason, look for Lock to be the starter in 2020. Flacco’s contract is through the 2021 season but there is zero dead money so the Broncos can walk away at any point without a financial penalty.

Defensive-focused head coach Vic Fangio brought over new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello from San Francisco to implement Kyle Shanahan’s offense which will be very pass-heavy. So, the ceiling for Lock is higher than most would assume. With the eventual retirements of Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, and Drew Brees, there is a possibility that Lock could be fighting for a place in the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks in three to four years.

NFL PLAYER COMPARISON

Lock’s athleticism and arm strength are second to none in this league. He was a top-tier college basketball recruit who chose football over the hardcourt. So my player comparison is a mix between Jay Cutler’s arm and personality with Matthew Stafford‘s throwing motion and athleticism.

PROJECTED ROOKIE DRAFT RANGE

Lock is currently the third rookie quarterback off the board behind only Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins. However, he is still going in the fourth round of one-quarterback leagues and offers very little value in that format.

Projected Startup Draft Range

Even though Lock isn’t a starting NFL quarterback, he is still being taken over one in Eli Manning. He is the 32nd QB off the board and is going around round 19.