Broncos GM George Paton attends Trey Lance’s pro day

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Denver Broncos general manager George Paton will attend NDSU quarterback Trey Lance’s pro day on Friday, according to NFL Network’s James Palmer.

An NFL GM attending a QB’s pro day doesn’t guarantee genuine interest, but it does turn heads. Two years ago, then-Broncos GM John Elway attended a Missouri game to scout quarterback Drew Lock and then attended the Senior Bowl, which also featured Lock. Elway later selected Lock in the second round of the draft.

There’s a possibility that Paton might be attending the pro day to increase perceived interest in Lance. Denver owns the ninth overall pick in April’s draft and there’s a decent chance Lance will still be on the board when the Broncos go on the clock. If QB-needy teams believe Paton might draft Lance, those teams might be willing to trade up to No. 9 to secure the QB (ESPN’s most recent mock drafts from Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have other teams trading up to No. 9 to select a QB).

Paton might also be doing his due diligence — or he might truly be interested. We might not know for sure until draft day.

Lance (6-4, 226 pounds) is an exciting prospect but many pundits believe he will need time to develop in the NFL. Lance only started 16 games in college and his 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19. As a sophomore in 2019, Lance completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,786 yards with 28 touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 1,100 yards and 14 scores.

NDSU doesn’t compete against top college competition, but the program has produced talented NFL players.

The Broncos have one former Bison on the roster (outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka) and former NDSU offensive lineman Billy Turner spent three seasons in Denver. Indianapolis Colts QB Carson Wentz helped the Bison win five NCAA FCS national championships while at the school.

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