Posted Thu Apr 5th by Monty
(Editor’s note: The following is a tryout piece for the BT Staff by Chris Schmaedeke.)
Peyton Manning signed a 5-year deal with the Broncos, but the team knows he can’t play forever.
The Broncos signed former CSU standout Caleb Hanie to back up Manning next season, but after his showing in Chicago is probably not the long term answer after Manning.
So, what do the Broncos do?
They have a hall of fame quarterback on their roster which makes it the perfect chance to draft and develop. The Broncos have no chance at the Stanford’s Andrew Luck, Baylor’s RGIII or even Texax A&M’s Ryan Tannehill, but Denver could score get some great value with a QB in the later rounds.
Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden was thought to be on the Broncos’ radar but his age may play a factor with Denver signing Manning. Weeden, who will be 29 in October, threw for 4,328 yards for the Cowboys. He would have to sit behind Manning for up to five years and that could stunt his development.
The two that stand out both played in the Pac-12.
Arizona’s Nick Foles and Arizona States’ Brock Osweiler could fit the mold of the Broncos’ idea of a quarterback. Both are pocket passers with good size, strong arms and put up big numbers last season.
Foles, who is 6-foot-5, led the Pac-12 in total offense. The senior put up big numbers despite the Wildcats struggling last season.
Osweiler is measured at about 6-foot-7 and has a big arm. At Combine, scout felt he was a bit wiry and may not be able to take a hit. TheBroncos’ offensive line and good running game is very helpful in keeping a QB on their feet.
Both of these QBs may go as early as the second round, so the Broncos would have to act quick. The team has holes on defense and will be looking to fill them in the draft, but the Broncos don’t want to be stuck in a couple years wondering what to do at the QB position.
Published on 04/05/2012 at Thu Apr 05 13:00.
Tagged: 2012 NFL Draft,Andrew Luck,Brandon Weeden,Brock Osweiler,Caleb Hanie,Nick Foles,Peyton Manning,Robert Griffin III,Ryan Tannehill.