Speaking at the NFL combine on Tuesday, Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said he’s looking for three main traits in a quarterback: toughness (mentally and physically), intelligence and accuracy.
“Those are kind of the three top ones, and then if you’re lucky, you get an athletic guy, too,” Hackett said. “Those are the four things that we look for in a quarterback with a lot of other things that kind of go into it.”
This year’s quarterback class is underwhelming, according to draft pundits. Broncos general manager George Paton wasn’t that harsh, calling it an “interesting” class.
Denver seems unlikely to draft a QB at No. 9, but if one of the prospects has those three (or four) traits, the Broncos might add a QB in April.
“They have to be tough mentally and physically,” Hackett said. “The stresses they go through just being able to stand in front of so many different people. Then you look at the physical aspect of it and to be able to take hits. Even if it’s perfect, you’re going to be hit.
“It’s a long season. It’s that form of toughness and intelligence, and the ability to be able to call a play. We have long play calls. Then to be able to understand the different defenses you’re going to get [in order to get] yourself in a perfect play. Then, accuracy.”
Drew Lock is under contract for the 2022 season and Denver hasn’t ruled out the possibility of re-signing Teddy Bridgewater. The Broncos seem likely to add at least one more QB to the roster this offseason, either via trade, free agency or the draft (or some combination of those three options).
The draft will be held in Las Vegas from April 28-30. Denver owns 11 picks this year, including five selections in the first three rounds.
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