DROP THE MIKE

Drew Lock is proof that the “khaki pants” theory is the way to go

Dec 11, 2019, 6:34 AM | Updated: 10:41 am

I have to admit, I feel invested in the success or failure of Drew Lock. I’m the creator of the Khaki Pants Theory, which states that NFL teams don’t need to reach and over-draft quarterbacks high up in the first round. I believe quality, starting quarterbacks can be found in rounds two through four, which frees teams to instead draft potentially great players in the first round.

I look at the last 10 years of drafted quarterbacks. The top-10 QBs in terms of wins is led by Russell Wilson. There is an even split, five and five, of first round quarterbacks and khaki pants QBs in the top 10 in wins. Khaki pants QBs have a better playoff record, more Super Bowl appearances and more championships.

Why go back 10 years? I believe any good research project that is based on a solid decade of data is revealing. Plus, it covers a time in the NFL that has seen radical changes in the way the game is played and officiated. Also, it covers an even more revolutionary period in college football, which has seen an unprecedented explosion in offense.

What that tells me is there are more offensive systems and philosophies in play than ever before. That means there is a much deeper pool of quarterbacks to choose from that are capable of excelling in the NFL.

Look around the NFL. The list of likely playoff teams include khaki pants QBs like Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garappolo, Drew Brees and Dak Prescott. Add in undrafted Devlin Hodges from the Steelers and you see my point.

Now, yes, I find myself rooting for Lock. And while two games isn’t enough to convince me he’s “the answer,” I have seen enough to be convinced he’s the guy to build around and give him every opportunity to be the guy.

Further making my point is when you look at Lock and do the eye test. Imagine him out there with all the first round QBs drafted lately, guys like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Mitchell Trubisky, Josh Rosen, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz. If you didn’t know where the guys were drafted and just watched all of them, I bet you wouldn’t think Lock was the second rounder. In fact, I bet you’d put Lock as a higher first-round pick than most of the aforementioned bonus babies.

So, let’s add this all up. By not reaching and over-drafting a quarterback two years ago, the Broncos have come away with Bradley Chubb, Noah Fant, Dalton Risner and Lock. There’s no reason Lock can’t be “The Guy.” And there’s no reason why you can’t find your QB of the future in the khaki pants zone.

Drop the Mike

Jared Bednar...

Mike Evans

Do back-to-back wins mean the Avs have escaped the doldrums?

An 8-2 loss to the Blues still stings, but wins over the Kraken and Ducks show that the Avalanche know how to respond to adversity

4 months ago

Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets...

Mike Evans

Championship swagger, a costly gamble and Nuggets nuggets

The Nuggets have come out of the gates looking like a team on a mission, Jamal Murray's injury is costly in more ways than one, and more

5 months ago

Russell Wilson...

Mike Evans

The Broncos can’t move forward with Russell Wilson after this season

When experts watch the Broncos game film, they come to the conclusion that Denver's quarterback isn't doing the things he needs to do

5 months ago

Caleb Williams Broncos QB...

Mike Evans

Explaining why the Broncos should go all in on tanking this season

While it might seem like a path for those with a loser's mentality, being bad now is the fastest way to be really good in the future

5 months ago

Artturi Lehkonen #62, Ryan Johansen #12, Jonathan Drouin #27 and Cale Makar #8...

Mike Evans

Hungry Avs ready to reclaim Cup after last season’s disappointment

After getting bounced in the first round a season ago, the Avalanche made some roster tweaks they hope will get them back to title form

6 months ago

Davante Adams, Denver...

Mike Evans

Broncos facing a must-win in season opener against the Raiders

In his debut as the Broncos head coach, Sean Payton knows the importance of getting off to a good start and building some momentum

7 months ago

Drew Lock is proof that the “khaki pants” theory is the way to go