Drew Lock didn't exactly pin down the Broncos' starting quarterback job in 2020, as evidenced by Denver's actions this offseason: A trade for veteran Teddy Bridgewater, not to mention a reported pursuit of several other big-name signal-callers. But he's the incumbent, so coach Vic Fangio confirmed to reporters Wednesday that he'll open Broncos training camp as the official QB1. Fangio reiterated that Lock and Bridgewater are set to get a "50-50" split of reps this summer, but the former will get the first crack at the job.
In the end, Lock opening camp atop the depth chart may not matter much. The Broncos have made clear, in their trade for Bridgewater and exploration of other options, that they're not necessarily committed to Lock, a 2019 second-round pick. New general manager George Paton, meanwhile, helped handpick Bridgewater back in 2014 while working for the Vikings, leading to reports that the former Saints and Panthers QB is the true favorite to open this season under center for Denver.
Still, Lock getting first dibs on first-team reps isn't insignificant. It at least confirms the Broncos are serious about giving the 24-year-old a path to the starting job after a tumultuous 2020. After flashing as a rookie in 2019, when he succeeded Joe Flacco to go 4-1 in five starts, Lock struggled to avoid turnovers as a full-time starter, throwing 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 13 starts last year.
