Clarity At Broncos QB Position: Ryan Edwards

“With the 26th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis.”

Hours before the draft began on Thursday, the debate raged on among local media and fans alike about the future of the Broncos QB position. The opinions varied between the necessity to orchestrate a trade with the 49ers for QB Colin Kaepernick on Draft Night to signing quarterbacks like Brian Hoyer off the scrap heap available to any desperate team. That’s the key word here: desperate. How desperate were the Broncos to find clarity at the most important position on their team: a position, once occupied by possibly the greatest to ever play the game. It’s not easy to fill Peyton Manning’s shoes and John Elway had the nearly insurmountable task of finding his replacement. Elway’s answer to this difficult assignment could prove to be brilliant and, considering the available options, the best of a less-than-stellar set of outcomes.

Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos traded the 31st pick in the 2016 NFL Draft along with a third round pick (#94 overall) to the Seattle Seahawks for the 26th overall selection. With it, Denver selected their hope for the future. It’s important to emphasize hope when talking about a first round quarterback rather than a guarantee as, since 2000, we can easily count a dozen first round ‘busts’ at that position. After counting down about twelve, there are arguments to be made regarding intermittent effectiveness (see: Tim Tebow) but most will agree JaMarcus Russell, Joey Harrington, Christian Ponder and Matt Leinart are prime examples of proverbial “swing and miss” first round draft picks.

Let’s focus on the positives, though, rather than the possible negatives. Paxton Lynch was declared by most of the draft pundits as at least top five in the quarterback category and most slotted him as the third best prospect. There was debate (including the day before the draft) on whether Lynch would even be available when the Broncos picked at #31 OR if he would fall out of the first round completely. It turns out, if John Elway would’ve waited even ONE MORE PICK, he would have likely missed acquiring his targeted quarterback. Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones really wanted Lynch and was working on a deal with the Seahawks while the Broncos simultaneously struck a deal with Seattle. Denver’s offer was better and the rest is history. For a moment though, let’s imagine how differently the Broncos draft would’ve turned out if they missed acquiring Lynch. The answer you’re searching for is: significantly different.

Source: #Cowboys made attempt to trade into first round for QB Paxton Lynch, chosen by #Broncos in trade-up deal.

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 29, 2016

Denver drafted Paxton Lynch EXACTLY where they needed to and have ultimately brought much needed clarity to the quarterback position. As the first round closed, our 9 News Broncos Insider Mike Klis also broke the story that Denver was no longer pursuing a trade with the 49ers for Colin Kaepernick. Later that weekend, it was announced that Brian Hoyer signed a 1-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Though Elway won’t rule out the possibility of bringing in a veteran QB to compete in camp, Denver is likely set at the position with Mark Sanchez, Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch for the 2016 season.

John Elway told 9news this ends Broncos pursuit of Colin Kaepernick #9news

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 29, 2016

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

John Elway and Gary Kubiak have made it clear this offseason that they expect competition at quarterback, though most believe Mark Sanchez will be under center on September 8th when Denver hosts Carolina in the season opener. Paxton Lynch is considered the future starter for the Broncos but Sanchez could provide time for the young quarterback to learn the position as it relates to the NFL. Elway wouldn’t have drafted Lynch if he didn’t believe in his starting abilities, but allowing him time to observe and acclimate to the pace of the NFL could prove beneficial for his confidence in the long term.

The Broncos didn’t come out of the draft with a guarantee of future success at quarterback, but they did get the most upside they could have, given the circumstances. The debate among media and fans will now turn to WHEN should Lynch see the field as starter, and that projection is wide open depending on who has the loudest voice. Either way, the Broncos have now clarified their intentions for the upcoming season. Paxton Lynch is the future of this team, but in the meantime, Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian will have a chance to lead the defending Super Bowl Champions into battle each and every Sunday until he is ready.