The mock drafts continue to pour in for next year’s class despite being just days removed from the 2021 NFL draft.
Todd McShay of ESPN put together his first mock draft with one Sooner making the cut (subscription required). Oklahoma’s quarterback and Heisman trophy favorite, Spencer Rattler landed on the list of first-round prospects. With his arm-talent, confidence in the pocket, and tight window accuracy- Rattler will be a future franchise quarterback in the NFL. According to McShay, that team is the Denver Broncos in 2022.
“The Broncos didn’t take a quarterback at No. 9 this year, despite Justin Fields and Mac Jones still being on the board. I was really surprised by that. Trading for Teddy Bridgewater just tells me Denver isn’t confident in Drew Lock, who has two more seasons under contract at a soft cap number, as its starter. But at the same time, Bridgewater isn’t the answer either, and he’s only under contract one more season. You need an elite QB in the passer-happy AFC West, and I think the Broncos could be looking for one next April. [Spencer] Rattler gives them a potential franchise guy at the position.”
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The Broncos’ quarterback position has been a revolving door since Peyton Manning won Super Bowl 50 in 2016. With a pass-heavy team, Denver needs new blood to produce in the pocket. Drew Lock was the squad’s next man up in 2020 and did not meet expectations. Coming out from under Lincoln Riley’s tutelage at OU and entering the pros, Rattler just might be their target. Regardless, with his deep ball accuracy and ability to make unconventional throws on the move, Rattler will be a highly sought-after 2022 prospect.