Drew Lock Faces Big Challenges in First Start

This is the NFL, not the SEC. There's no Vanderbilts at this level. You don't get a pseudo bye week when you play Arkansas.

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Drew Lock could get a rude introduction to that concept, as he will make his first NFL start this week against the Los Angeles Chargers, a team that currently stands at 4-7, but has a defense oozing with star players everywhere you look.

Broncos’ rookie second-round draft pick Drew Lock will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2019

Lock, who isn't particularly mobile, will set up behind a patchwork offensive line that will be tasked with stopping a nightmarish pass rush led by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. You don't think they're going to be gunning for a rookie making his first career start?

To further complicate Lock's test run in the NFL, star safety Derwin James, who can line up anywhere and do anything on a football field, will make his season debut after missing the entire season to this point with a foot injury.

We’ve activated Derwin James and Adrian Phillips. pic.twitter.com/1dGXYc7V3o
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) November 30, 2019

And with that, a defense that carried LA to a playoff win last year is back healthy. Lock has all the arm talent to become Denver's franchise quarterback, but his first game in the league might not be pretty to watch.