Zac Dysert finally realized his National Football League dreams late on Saturday afternoon, when the Denver Broncos selected him in the middle of the seventh (and final) round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Dysert was the 234th player taken overall and the 28th in the seventh round.
This is a wonderful situation for Dysert. Obviously, Peyton Manning is the established starter. Former Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler is entrenched as the back-up. Dysert can slip into the third spot on the depth chart and absorb as much as possible while he (eventually) competes with Osweiler for the back-up role. Many expect Manning to play two or three more years, so Dysert has that long to learn and grow his game enough to prove that he can be the new starter upon Manning's retirement.
And honestly, is there a better quarterback to learn from? Manning is to football as Greg Maddux was to baseball -- he is the most cerebral quarterback in the game. Given Dysert's physical tools, he could become a big success if Manning's habits rub off on him. Of course, if Dysert ever needs another opinion, he can always go upstairs and talk to Hall of Famer John Elway.
Dysert also gets to learn from one of the more decorated quarterback coaches in the game, Greg Knapp. Knapp has coached Steve Young, Jeff Garcia, Michael Vick and Matt Schaub. Young, Garcia and Vick were all named to the Pro Bowl under his watch. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase is only in his second year, but he led a very successful Broncos' offense in 2012.
Denver's offensive system, full of short and intermediate passes, would also seem to fit Dysert well. The Broncos certainly aren't short on receiving talent, either. The former Miami Redhawk will have the opportunity to throw to guys like Demariyus Thomas, Eric Decker and Wes Welker.
ESPN.com had this to say about Dysert's selection:
Dysert has good physical tools and the arm to make all the NFL throws. He shows ability to get through his progressions and was hurt by a lot of drops. Dysert also has underrated mobility within the pocket. Dysert must work on his leadership skills and body language on the field. This is an interesting pick and obviously, one of value. Peyton Manning can probably play another two or three years. Brock Osweiler is the apparent successor, but there's a good chance Dysert will get a chance to really improve as the No. 3 guy and maybe compete for the No. 2 spot by 2014. It gives the Broncos the flexibility to possibly trade one of these two guys down the line.
And if you want to see video of Dysert getting the call from the Broncos, here it is.
Dysert was one of 11 quarterbacks selected in the 2013 draft. Of those, eight were selected on the final day, including four in the seventh round.