NFL Mock Draft 2021: Patriots, Washington trade up in 3-round mock

2021 NFL Mock Draft: 9th pick

Sitting put at the ninth pick despite a chance they could move up for a quarterback, the Denver Broncos can’t pass on the value of Penei Sewell here with this pick.

George Paton has passed on the quarterback position altogether so far in the 2021 offseason despite opportunities to add guys or upgrade. He was involved in the Matt Stafford trade talks but ultimately was not willing to meet the Lions’ asking price.

He was not involved with Carson Wentz. He made merely exploratory calls about Sam Darnold. What does all of that say about Paton’s opinion of Drew Lock?

Well, the answer there could possibly be found in his pro day travel circuit. Paton went to go see the top QBs in this year’s draft (at least Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Zach Wilson) in person. The Broncos have given themselves the option to fall in love with some of these guys, but who knows if it will happen?

What if Paton actually does like Lock better than the QBs who will be left after the third pick? It’s not impossible, and the Broncos could try to trade for a guy like Gardner Minshew to compete with Drew Lock sometime between now and May.

Lock has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two years in the NFL, but consistency has not been there. He’s turned the ball over too much for the team’s liking, but that’s where a proven hedge like Minshew, who doesn’t turn the ball over at as high of a clip, could help.

Penei Sewell plays one of the most important positions in football, and the Broncos have some serious concerns at right tackle with Ja’Wuan James penciled in as the starter.

James opted out of the 2020 season, like Sewell, and was injured most of 2019. He does not inspire a lot of confidence at this point but the team is contractually tied to him.

Sewell could help the Broncos move on sooner rather than later.