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6 Teams under the most pressure to succeed in 2021 NFL Draft

By Tadhg Flynn

Nov 29, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, 2021 NFL Draft
Denver Broncos, 2021 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Denver Broncos (No. 9 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft)

The Denver Broncos are in an unusual position approaching the 2021 NFL Draft. It has been widely acknowledged across both the media and the league itself that the Broncos are full of talent. The receiving corps of Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and tight end Noah Fant has the potential to be dominant.

Their defense is also stellar with no significant weaknesses across the line and secondary, with Von Miller, Justin Simmons, Bradley Chubb and new free agency signing Kyle Fuller amongst the impact players. Yet, despite the good roster situation, the team stumbled to a 5-11 season in 2020. Even in the tough AFC West, the Broncos as a whole are not performing as their individual talents suggest they should.

Head coach Vic Fangio is heading into a do-or-die season for his time with the Broncos. A total record of 12-20 over his first two seasons does not hold much sway. New general manager George Paton is looking to shape his impact on the franchise and he will lose patience quickly if the team does not make a dent on the AFC West. Like many teams in the 2021 offseason, the biggest contributing factor to the pressure the franchise will feel is at quarterback.

Quarterback roulette is the NFL’s favorite gamble right now with what feels like half the league seeking a new franchise leader. The Broncos have been a commonly mentioned team in media discussions surrounding the position, and with good reason. Current starter Drew Lock is talented. He seems to have the arm and playmaking ability to be an NFL quarterback. However, his mental capacity and ability to make a mistake out of secure possession really lets down his overall ability.

The question, then, must be asked by the Broncos approaching draft night: Is Lock’s ceiling higher than the quarterbacks that are available? The first three selections will likely be quarterbacks. Which prospects will be left for the Broncos to consider? Are Trey Lance, Mac Jones or Justin Fields worth the trade up? Will the Broncos need to trade up places on draft night to secure a quarterback? Should the franchise even select a top tier college prospect or should they stick with Lock and secure some veteran competition?

Paton and the front office have their work cut out for them leading up to Thursday night. How the Broncos approach these questions will define their season and their future.

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