Senior Bowl QB Reveals Multiple Meetings With Broncos
Sean Payton's links with the collegiate programs of the Deep South might be in play when it comes to Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt. On Wednesday, Pratt revealed how he's met with the Denver Broncos on more than one occasion, further evidence of the draft evaluation process picking up pace.
"I had a couple of interviews with them," Pratt told reporters at the Senior Bowl on Wednesday. "I think they went really well. A lot of just background stuff, getting to know what kind of person (I am), the support system, all that kind of stuff. So, it's been good."
Payton and company might be thinking they've already gotten ahead of the curve as it relates to the 22-year-old signal caller, especially after his showing during Wednesday's practice in Mobile, Alabama.
Besides the obvious geographical familiarity that exists for Payton, the fit with what Pratt would be asked to do within his offense could make it a decent match. Excelling in decision-making and thriving in the intermediate passing game are the core strengths of Pratt's overall game.
These are all vital attributes that Payton will be parsing through with a fine-tooth comb when reports get back to him and he starts to shuffle his pack. Pratt making a strong pitch to Payton might be his best play moving forward.
"I think that would be awesome," Pratt said of the compatibility with Payton. "I think that's something that I excel in—my intermediate pass game, being consistent, that kind of stuff. So, just from what I have seen from his style of offense, it's something that I definitely feel I have (the ability) to run."
Thus, it could be said that if Pratt has his heart set on an NFL move to Colorado, he'd better hope the Broncos fall in love with a player at another position at pick No. 12 overall on April 25. Pratt may be a Payton fit from the outside looking in, but a first-round pick he is not.
Even though the Broncos are currently without a second-round pick, it's likely that Pratt might still be around in the third round. Heck, Denver might try to trade down and acquire an additional pick in Round 2 by then.
Payton is intensively weighing all his options, which might even include shipping out his Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II to get a shot at the likes of USC phenom Caleb Williams. As fanciful as that might sound, the Broncos are deadly serious about solving their issues at quarterback posthaste.
All options will remain in play, including the forensic evaluation of a number of lesser-known talents like Pratt from Tulane.
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