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Denver Broncos: Should Draft Bryce Petty

By Jonathan George

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With the issues that the Denver Broncos have at so many positions all over the field, the one spot nobody thinks is a priority in terms of the draft is probably the quarterback.

Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up along side quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, Peyton Manning is in the last year or two of his playing days, but Denver has Brock Osweiler, a guy they drafted in the second round of the draft in 2012. He is the heir apparent and hasn’t been given a real chance so fans or experts can’t say he’s a flop in the NFL. That, along with the big time needs both at offensive line and linebacker would make most Denver fans scream “no!” if they picked a quarterback in any round.

Even with all that being true, the Broncos would be remiss if they let Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty get away if he is available when they pick in the second round. The biggest reason why is that he has been a winner anytime he has been given the ball, and possesses the size and arm strength to be a winner in the NFL as well. His statistics at Baylor are impressive in both 2013 and 2014, where he threw a combined 61 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. He also showed he can run with the ball. While not the quickest QB in the draft, his 20 touchdowns on the ground are an eye opener for a guy known primarily as a throwing quarterback.

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One of the biggest reasons why Petty should succeed in the NFL is the arm strength he brings with him, per Dane Brugler at CBSsports.com. Playing his senior season aided that trait, where he showed his development was more important than money by not coming out after his big Junior year. He also displayed some serious toughness coming back from broken bones in his back to only miss a few games at the start of his last year in college. Petty opened a lot of scouts eyes when he showed up at the combine and displayed better than advertised accuracy and footwork.

But the biggest reason he makes the most sense for the Broncos is that he will learn under Peyton Manning for at least one if not two seasons. While Petty is probably not ready to start for an NFL team tomorrow, getting drafted by Denver would probably mean he wouldn’t have to, and Osweiler is still young enough that the Broncos could get something for him from a team that needs a quality back-up or a player that can compete for a starting role. Teams like the Bills and Titans come to mind.

Ultimately, the Broncos know they need to grab some talent in the first round at either offensive line, tight end or possibly linebacker. And with all the supplemental picks they got in later rounds this year, they will have a great chance to rebuild their team with some young talent. But Denver can’t ignore the fact that Manning is getting older and Osweiler has done nothing in three years to merit true confidence in his automatic crowning as Manning’s successor.

Petty gives Denver some real options for the future, and his strengths match those of a player with long-term success in the NFL. The Broncos should give him a chance to prove he can be their future signal-caller.

Next: Denver Broncos Still The AFC West Kings?

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