2017 Broncos Season, Quarterbacks


We're on the cusp of a new season, so it's time to deep dive into the Broncos' roster. Today I continue my look with quarterbacks.

On The Roster:
* Trevor Siemian
* Paxton Lynch
* Chad Kelly (Rookie)
* Kyle Sloter (Rookie)

A Look at 2016: It was a year of transition for the Broncos after Peyton Manning retired. And it showed. Mark Sanchez looked to be the starter when camp began, but by the end of camp Sanchez was a Cowboy and seventh round pick Siemian took the starting gig. In 14 starts, he accumulate 3,401 yards, 18 TDs and 10 INTs. Not bad for a guy few expected much from. First round pick Lynch started a pair of games, looking very much like a rookie as he threw for 497 yards, 2 TDs and an INT. Many blamed the inexperience at quarterback for the offensive struggles, but that seems a little too easy.

What Changes in 2017: Aside from drafting Kelly as Mr. Irrelevant, and signing Sloter as an undrafted rookie, the Broncos didn't change the position group. But former offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is back, and that could me better things for the passing game, in particular Lynch, whose skill set he seems to fit best. But don't count out Siemian, who is still the incumbent starter.

What to Expect in 2017: Despite the hype this off-season, I think Siemian remains the starter to begin the season. But the leash will be short, and I expect we'll see both quarterbacks this season. I think the first month of the season will be the real test. If the Broncos go 3-1 or 4-0 with Siemian, he'll hang on to the position. If not, I think we see Lynch coming out of the week 5 bye. I'm also not buying the Kelly hype in the least.

Who Makes The Final Roster: The Broncos carried three quarterbacks all of last season, with veteran Austin Davis on the 53-man squad. But only two quarterbacks were active on game days, and only Lynch and Siemian played. Unless Kelly looks like the second coming of his uncle this pre-season, I expect the Broncos will keep only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster this year. I think Kelly is a camp arm, a pre-season player, and a candidate for the practice squad. That seems to be where the NFL is trending.

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