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Dak Prescott admits missed flight cost him chance with Broncos

Posted at 5:05 PM, Sep 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-13 19:59:10-04

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Broncos are Trevor Siemian's team. The refrain echoes throughout Dove Valley.

But what could have been? If not for a missed flight leading up to the 2016 draft, the Broncos might feature the Dak Attack. The Broncos liked quarterback Dak Prescott at Mississippi State, and became more impressed at the NFL Combine. They invited Prescott for a visit. He showed up late.

Uh-oh.

"I didn't make it to the gate. The doors shut. I got there that night, and still had the visit but I missed the initial dinner," said Prescott on Wednesday, explaining he became stuck in Orlando traffic. "I am sure the quarterback missing the flight doesn't look to well. When I finally got on the flight I knew I probably wasn't going (to the Broncos). Everything happens for a reason."

The Broncos shifted their focus to former Memphis star Paxton Lynch. They traded up to land him in the first round, preventing the Cowboys from taking him. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones lamented losing Lynch. Safe to say that is no longer the case. Lynch hurt his right shoulder this summer and was beaten out by Siemian. Prescott is the NFL's reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year with breathtaking potential.

While playing behind a monstrous offensive line and paired with star running back Ezekiel Elliott helped ease his transition, Prescott ranks as efficient and effective. He keeps defenses off balance with zone read concepts and bootlegs, and doesn't turn the ball over. He has 24 passing touchdowns and four picks in 17 career games.

"He's poised back there. He doesn't look like a second-year player," said Broncos linebacker Von Miller, who is looking to snap a career-long five-game sack drought on Sunday. "He has one of the best offensive lines blocking for him. He has one of the best, if not the best, running backs behind him. So if I was quarterback, I'd be walking around like Dak Prescott, too."

Siemian doesn't consider himself a dual-threat quarterback. But like the iPhone X and Coca-Cola Zero, he looks new and improved. Monday night, he made first downs with his feet, and extended plays in the pocket. He is stronger, and his left shoulder no longer looks like he's smuggling a grapefruit under his skin.

"I think it helps being healthy for sure. And the experience. You get a better feel for things around you, better awareness," Siemian said. "And being healthy helps, no doubt."

Added receiver Bennie Fowler, "He's more comfortable. You can see it. He's confident."

               

               

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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.