When it comes to the Denver Broncos, there’s one question that dominates the conversation.
Will new general manager George Paton take a quarterback in the NFL Draft? That is followed up by, with a tinge of hope, will that selection be Justin Fields?
Where Paton may select the Ohio State quarterback is another discussion. As it stands now, the Broncos sit at the No. 9 pick. The common thought is if Denver wants to get Fields, it has to move up.
Of course, this is all predicated on the San Francisco 49ers not taking Fields with their No. 3 pick. Since John Lynch and the 49ers made the trade with the Miami Dolphins for that pick, the belief has been it’s for Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
If that holds true, that’s the ideal scenario for Paton and the Broncos.
Would he then trade with the Atlanta Falcons for the No. 4 pick to select Fields?
Justin Fields odds
If you look at the latest NFL betting odds at DraftKings, you get a little hint.
In terms of who will take Fields, the sportsbook has the 49ers as the favorite right now at -121. San Francisco is followed by the Falcons at +400 and now (gulp) the New England Patriots at +600. That has been changed since Wednesday when both New England and the Broncos were at +500. Denver now at +800.
Talk about a major letdown if the Broncos lose out to Bill Belichick and the Patriots for Fields.
In terms of why Denver may have interest in Fields, Andrew Mason at DNVR recently made a great point.
Pro Football Focus compared Fields to quarterback Cam Newton. The one distinction is that Fields is a better quarterback “right now” than Newton was coming out of Auburn. Fields is also more accurate as a passer than Newton has ever been.
Mason pointed out a connection that shouldn’t be overlooked. Mike Shula was the coach most responsible for Newton becoming the eventual NFL MVP and leading the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50.
As Mase said on Twitter: Thus, who better to maximize the talents of such a player than the current Broncos quarterback coach?
Prior to the shift in odds, DraftKings had Jones as the favorite to be the No. 3 pick at -150. As of Thursday afternoon, Fields is now the favorite -121, with Jones at +100.
Broncos Draft odds
The other Draft market for those betting on the Broncos is the position of Denver’s pick.
DraftKings currently has quarterback as the favorite at +115.
That is followed by:
- Linebacker +300
- Offensive lineman +400
- Cornerback +500
- Wide receiver +1,400
To go for a complete longshot, FanDuel sportsbook app has the team to draft Trevor Lawrence.
Obviously the Jacksonville Jaguars are the heavy favorite at -9,000 since they have the No. 1 pick and it’s all but certain they’ll take the Clemson quarterback. But after the Houston Texans (+900) and New York Jets (1,300), Denver is at +2,200.
Will Paton and the Broncos find their new quarterback in the Draft and could it be Fields?
With the Draft a little over a week away, we’re closer to resolution.
