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Broncos GM explains passing on QBs: 'We're happy with our group'

Eric Lutzens/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images / Denver Post / Getty

The Denver Broncos had 10 selections in the 2021 NFL Draft but didn't take a quarterback with any of their picks.

General manager George Paton explained that Denver's confidence in Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater made him comfortable with the position.

"I like our room right now, I think I said that (Friday) night. Teddy and Drew, they're going to have a great competition, that's what we wanted all along. We'll let them compete," Paton said, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold.

The Broncos' best chance for a quarterback came in the first round with Justin Fields and Mac Jones still on the board, but they instead selected cornerback Patrick Surtain II at No. 9.

Paton said he never considered adding a passer on the second or third days of the draft.

"It just didn't fall our way, and we're happy with our group," Paton said.

The general manager remains open to adding a free-agent quarterback but referenced the lack of quality signal-callers available.

Denver acquired Bridgewater shortly before the NFL draft to beef up the quarterback room. The veteran passer failed to impress with the Carolina Panthers last season, throwing 15 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

Paton said he's looking forward to Bridgewater competing with Lock this offseason. Bringing in competition for Lock has been at the forefront of the Broncos' offseason after he tossed 15 interceptions in 2020, tied for the league lead.

Head coach Vic Fangio added the two quarterbacks would split reps "50-50" in training camps and OTAs, according to Mike Klis of 9News.

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