Questions About QB Draft Class: Ryan Edwards

Questions About QB Draft Class

Ryan Edwards

The NFL Draft kicks off in less than two weeks on Thursday, April 28th in Chicago and a shakeup at the top of the first round could change a lot of what the Broncos had planned on doing at the 31st overall pick. On Thursday morning, the L.A. Rams sent shock-waves through the NFL community as they orchestrated a trade with the Tennessee Titans for the #1 overall pick. It was only the fifth time in NFL Draft history a trade had occurred for the first pick, the last was in 2001 between the Chargers and Falcons to acquire QB Michael Vick.

On Friday morning, Schlereth and Evans welcomed NFL Draft Expert Todd McShay on the show to discuss the shakeup at the top of the draft and what impact that may have on the Broncos plans to possibly select a quarterback in the first round.

“There’s so much buzz about whether Cleveland’s going to take a quarterback or not at [the 2nd overall pick],” said McShay. “It still doesn’t seem like L.A., despite the fact they moved up from 15 to 1, [have] decided as an organization whether they did it for Carson Wentz or Jared Goff.” McShay went on to speculate that the Eagles could try and position themselves to trade with the Browns to get up to the 2nd overall pick if Cleveland isn’t in love with either of the QBs at the top. The consensus, at least for now, is that the Rams will likely take Carson Wentz leaving an opportunity for teams like the Eagles, Cowboys and possibly the 49ers to position themselves for Jared Goff.

As far as the next tier of quarterbacks, specifically Memphis QB Paxton Lynch who’s considered a possible target for the Broncos, McShay is unclear about his abilities at the next level. “Honestly, I’m not a huge Paxton Lynch fan,” said McShay. “I think he has the physical tools but I think he needs a lot of work. I question how long it’s going to take him to be able to process things and understand what it takes at the quarterback position in the NFL. He played in a very simple offense, shotgun, no-huddle based. Decisions were made for him at the line of scrimmage and he’s inconsistent with his mechanics and with his accuracy throwing the football. He’s got a big time arm he’s a big guy and I could see him as a system fit.” Ideally, if the Broncos selected Lynch in this year’s draft, Denver would be in position to allow him to develop behind a veteran for at least his rookie year.

The consensus by several analysts is that Lynch is the 3rd best QB in this draft class, however, Todd would rather draft Michigan State’s Connor Cook ahead of him. “The ceiling is a lot lower on Connor Cook but he is a winner and is tough. He will hang in there.” Overall though, McShay isn’t sold on this quarterback class after you get past the projected top two guys. “There’s a lot of unknowns once you get past Wentz and Goff at the QB spot.”

The trade that took place on Thursday may or may not effect the Broncos plans at the 31st overall pick. If the Broncos are considering a quarterback on Day 1 of the draft, McShay hopes Denver will exercise caution. “I think all three of these guys (Lynch, Cook and Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg) are second day picks. With Cook you’re getting a guy who’s more NFL ready but his ceiling is just not that high.”

The Broncos may be better off taking a defensive player in the 1st round, like they have done every year since John Elway became Executive Vice President of Football Operations, rather than a quarterback if the next tier of players comes with so many question marks. If many NFL GM’s agree with McShay, the Broncos could position themselves on the second day of the draft to grab any of these quarterbacks since none of them are expected to be named the starter out of training camp.

Ryan Edwards

@ryanedwards1043

TOP PHOTO CREDIT: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports