The defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos have the last the pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and while they have many needs to fill this offseason, none is greater than the glaring hole at the quarterback position.
The Broncos lost former second round draft pick Brock Osweiler to the Houston Texans in free agency this offseason, and they have since acquired former Eagles and Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez through a trade. The Broncos could still look to target a quarterback in free agency, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick likely the only option, general manager John Elway won't want to overspend for the veteran quarterback.
One potential prospect that the Broncos should keep an eye on is Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott. Some believe that the Tim Tebow comparisons could drive Elway away from the Bulldogs quarterback, but through four seasons in the SEC, Prescott has proved himself a legitimate quarterback for the NFL, improving on his passing numbers each season.
The Bulldogs quarterback is considered a top-five quarterback prospect in this year's class, and with California's Jared Goff and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz likely off the board, Prescott could make the most sense in Denver. It's unknown if Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch will be on the board for the Broncos by the time they select with the 31st pick, but some could argue that Prescott could have a brighter future in Denver.
The Mississippi State quarterback is projected in the middle rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft, but Denver should seriously considered taking him in the first round, as some teams may look to grab him in the second round. Prescott's 6-foot-2, 226-pound frame has drawn comparisons with former Eagles quarterback Donavan McNabb, but he isn't pro-ready like the McNabb was coming out of Syracuse.
The Broncos would likely have to develop the Mississippi State prospect in their system, but he already checks the boxes multiple franchises look for in size, arm and mobility. Prescott has already reportedly worked out for the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys, and he is scheduled to meet with the Eagles and Bills in April.
The Mississippi State quarterback has some off-field concerns following a DUI arrest earlier this month, but he has since taken full responsibility for the incident despite his two breathalyzer tests being ruled inconclusive. The NFL has seen it's share of quarterbacks willing to point the finger during adversity, and while the arrest brings some character questions, his ability to take ownership for his mistake might impress some general managers.
"Prescott is perhaps the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback this year," said former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, who worked with Prescott prior to the NFL Combine. "He can hurt you running or passing. He's done it in a very difficult conference, and he's won at a (school) where a lot of quarterbacks haven't. He's a bright-eyed, eager confident talent that needs to be in the right place, but he can play."
The Broncos could provide that right place with a strong ground game and defense, as Denver should still be favorites in the AFC West with both the Raiders and Chiefs gaining ground. It may seem a stretch to take the Bulldogs quarterback in the first round, but Denver should take a gamble on Prescott, as he could prove to be one of the sleepers in this year's draft.
