The Rise and Fall of Drew Lock: Understanding the Quarterback's Career Trajectory
By James Roberts, Sports Analyst
Introduction
Drew Lock's career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Once seen as one of the NFL's promising young quarterbacks, Lock has experienced the highs of early praise and the lows of unmet expectations. From his selection in the 2019 NFL Draft to his current status as a backup quarterback for the New York Giants, Lock's journey offers insight into the volatile nature of professional football. In this article, we’ll explore the rise and fall of Drew Lock, examining his career trajectory and what the future might hold for the once highly-touted quarterback.
Early Career and Potential
Drew Lock was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Coming out of the University of Missouri, Lock was known for his big arm and ability to extend plays, qualities that made analysts and fans alike label him as a potential franchise quarterback. In his rookie year, Lock got his first taste of NFL action late in the season, starting five games and leading the Broncos to a 4–1 record in those outings. His early success set high expectations as Denver hoped they had finally found a long-term solution at the quarterback position.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Lock's second season brought inconsistency. Though he led the league in "deep ball completions" in 2020, his struggles with turnovers and decision-making hindered his development. Denver, after a disappointing season, found itself questioning whether Lock was the answer to its quarterback woes.
Challenges and Trades
By 2022, Denver had moved on from Drew Lock, trading him as part of the blockbuster deal for Seattle Seahawks’ franchise icon Russell Wilson. Lock was now in a new system, hoping to revive his career in Seattle. However, competition with Geno Smith for the starting quarterback role didn’t go as planned. Smith, a journeyman quarterback who hadn’t started a full season in years, emerged as the clear starter after a stellar preseason—and later went on to have a Pro Bowl season.
Despite being a competent backup quarterback, Lock couldn’t secure long-term stability in Seattle. By the end of the season, the Seahawks chose not to re-sign him, leaving Lock once again searching for another opportunity.
Current Situation with New York Giants
In 2023, Drew Lock made his way to the New York Giants on a short-term deal that included performance-based incentives. Behind Daniel Jones, the Giants’ established starting quarterback, Lock has taken on the role of a backup, providing depth at a position where injuries can frequently derail a team’s season.
Interestingly, recent decisions by the Giants to play third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito over Lock have raised questions about Lock’s long-term future with the team. The move highlights both the team’s depth at quarterback and their strategic choices, but it also underscores Lock's current standing: a backup with potential but lacking the consistency necessary to earn a starting role.
Analysis and Future Prospects
Drew Lock's career trajectory offers a case study in NFL volatility. While his physical tools have always been evident, the mental aspects of the game—decision-making, consistency, and leadership—have often been the sticking points. At just 27 years old, Lock still has time to rewrite his narrative. The NFL is a league where second chances abound, particularly for quarterbacks with Lock’s physical abilities.
To revive his career, Lock must maximize any opportunities he gets with the Giants, whether in garbage-time snaps or preseason games. With a contract that incentivizes performance, he has financial motivation to play at a high level whenever the chance arises.
Ultimately, the path to redemption is a steep one. However, if Drew Lock can add consistency and maturity to his game, he could carve out a role as a reliable backup—or even get another crack at a starting role. For now, he remains an enigma: a quarterback with potential unrealized, but not yet out of options.