Former quarterback Peyton Manning visited Broncos training camp on Friday and served as a guest commentator with Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater on the team’s “Inside Training Camp Live” show on social media.
Manning discussed numerous topics during the practice session, including second-year quarterback Drew Lock. Manning indicated that Lock left a good impression on him when he served as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy while in college.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know Drew,” Manning told Atwater. “He came down to our football camp when he was at Missouri. I [had] my son Marshall with me, behind me. I remember Marshall was talking to Drew, Drew was took a picture with him. You always learn a lot about a guy [with] how he treats a seven-year-old, eight-year-old kid at a football camp.”
Manning said he had an hour-and-a-half conversation with Lock on the phone earlier this year about offseason preparation. He described Lock as someone who wants to learn and get better. “That’s all you want in a young quarterback,” Manning said.
Manning also commended Lock for his swagger and edge, which he said is important for a QB to have. Manning later joked that he doesn’t know much about mobility but he praised Lock’s ability to keep plays alive.
“That’s something that Drew does well,” Manning said. “I think he moves and it looks to me like he keeps his eyes downfield as he’s moving in the pocket — that’s important.”
Lock went 4-1 as a starter last season and will aim to get the Broncos back to the playoffs in 2020. Denver has failed to return to the postseason since Manning won Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
[vertical-gallery id=645867]