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    Broncos' Von Miller Praises Drew Lock, Compares Him to Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo

    Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistNovember 14, 2019

    SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 08: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
    Alika Jenner/Getty Images

    With Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Drew Lock coming off injured reserve and returning to practice this week, star linebacker Von Miller provided a strong endorsement of the second-round pick.

    Speaking to reporters Thursday, Miller said Lock has "got everything you need" and is a "star in the making." He also put Lock in the same conversation as Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers, per Zac Stevens of DNVR:

    Zac Stevens @ZacStevensDNVR

    Von Miller believes Drew Lock is a “star in the making” and compared him to Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers. https://t.co/i7rJWD4ff8

    Lock opened the season on injured reserve because of a thumb injury he suffered in the preseason. He was at practice for the first time Tuesday in preparation for Denver's Week 11 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

    Drew Lock @DrewLock23

    Almost forgot how to put this thing on....😂 but boy did it feel good to be back out there! #BRONCOSCOUNTRY https://t.co/qdoqoXPjCu

    The Broncos' plan was clear when they selected Lock with the 42nd overall pick in the 2019 draft. He'd likely spend a year as Joe Flacco's backup before assuming the starting job in 2020.

    Then Flacco suffered a season-ending neck injury during the Broncos' Week 8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, forcing Brandon Allen to lead the offense.

    While Lock isn't immediately replacing Allen, a quarterback change wouldn't be surprising with the team sitting at 3-6. In addition to Miller, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio sang Lock's praises and spoke to how he's already getting important reps in practice:

    Broncos' Von Miller Praises Drew Lock, Compares Him to Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo
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    Nicki Jhabvala @NickiJhabvala

    Vic Fangio said Drew Lock will get 8-10 snaps with the offense, "which doesn't sound like a lot, but the offense is only getting 38, 39 snaps total. So when you look at it that way, it’s pretty significant.”

    Nicki Jhabvala @NickiJhabvala

    Interesting, and honest, answer from Vic Fangio when asked how he thinks Drew Lock has looked since returning to practice and taking snaps with the offense: https://t.co/xUi3f0Ll2R

    The Broncos' 2019 campaign has fallen far short of expectations. The acquisition of Flacco suggested the front office was looking to contend for the playoffs.

    Lock's return and the possibility he makes his regular-season debut can at least provide a glimmer of hope in the weeks ahead.

    Warren Sharp is back on The Lefkoe Show to hand out his expert analysis and gambling recommendations. For example, did you know that Jim Schwartz defenses have allowed 35 points per game to the Patriots in his career? Or that Warren single-handedly shifted a game's over/under line by 1.5 points *in the middle of the freaking podcast* by releasing his recommendation online? Come for the shocking road dog stats, and please, we beg you, stay for the rant on why Clete Blakeman might be the worst referee in NFL history.