INDIANAPOLIS — New Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett wants to turn around an offense lacking a true franchise quarterback. But after working with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers for the past three seasons, he knows exactly what he’s looking for in his future team leader.
Nathaniel Hackett is focused on three traits with franchise quarterbacks
Hackett has worked with a plethora of quarterbacks during his coaching career, so he’s been able to evaluate the pros and cons of the position. While former first-round picks such as EJ Manuel and Blake Bortles possessed impressive physical tools as prospects, they weren’t able to put things together at a sustainable level under Hackett.
With Rodgers, Hackett inherited a generational talent who could do it all. Hackett knows that finding the second coming of Rodgers isn’t a realistic outlook. Nonetheless, he knows what he wants in his next QB as he looks to build a program and call plays in Denver.
“I think for a quarterback, the most important thing is that they have to be tough,” Hackett said Tuesday at the NFL Combine. “They have to be tough with the mental and the physical, the stresses they go through, just being able to stand in front of so many different people.
“Then you look at the physical aspect of it, to be able to take hits. Because even when it’s perfect, you’re going to be hit and it’s a long season. That form of toughness, and then intelligence. The ability to be able to call a play. We have long play calls, and to be able to understand the different defenses to get you in a perfect play. And then, accuracy. Those are the three ones. And if you’re lucky you get an athletic guy, too.”
Hackett likes the 2022 NFL Draft QB class
Hackett should have the opportunity to land a top-tier quarterback in April, as the Broncos sit with the ninth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, Liberty’s Malik Willis, or Ole Miss’ Matt Corral could be Hackett’s next prized pupil.
Hackett was asked about the class and the head coach said he thinks the group looks good “so far,” but that the Combine will help the Broncos figure out the right fit for them from a personality standpoint.