Fangio: Lock needs to prove he's next franchise great

The Denver Broncos still believe in Drew Lock, but there will be competition for him on the depth chart until he proves he can meet their expectations.

"We're always looking to bring in players at all positions that can raise the level of competition, and the quarterback is no different in that regard," head coach Vic Fangio said Thursday. "Until we get, or until Drew proves to be the next great quarterback like the ones that the Denver franchise has been used to in years past, or the ones certain teams around the league have - you guys know where they are and are used to - we're going to always try and bring in competition."

Lock started five games as a rookie in 2019 and provided optimism to Broncos fans by posting a 4-1 record. However, he completed just 57.3% of his passes for 2,933 yards and 16 touchdowns against a league-high 15 interceptions through 13 starts as a sophomore in 2020, posting a 4-9 record.

"I'm confident that Drew's going to continue to improve," Fangio added. "Drew has had a great offseason up to this point. There's not a lot you can do, but he's working hard on his own and coming over here and getting workouts."

Nine different signal-callers have started at least one game for the Broncos since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season:

The Broncos reportedly engaged in trade talks for Matthew Stafford before the Detroit Lions shipped the quarterback to the Los Angeles Rams in January. Though Denver submitted multiple offers for Stafford, new general manager George Paton didn't want to part ways with Lock, who interested the Lions.

Denver hasn't made the playoffs since Manning's retirement.

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