John Elway calmed the nerves of Denver Broncos fans wondering who would be quarterbacking the team on Thursday night, trading up in the first round to draft Memphis’ Paxton Lynch. 1 and 2 picks in Jared Goff to the Los Angeles Rams and Carson Wentz to the Philadlephia Eagles. Future NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning retired and backup Brock Osweiler somewhat shockingly left for the Houston Texans.
Advertisement
Elway said he still might add another veteran quarterback to the mix but declared that Lynch’s selection puts an end to Denver’s dalliance with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The 6-7 Lynch has a cannon for an arm, but also throws with accuracy.
Speaking with Peter King of TheMMQB.com after the first round ended, Elway broke down how the team got to where they are with the quarterback situation and said they’re “thrilled” to land Lynch.
The Broncos selected Lynch with the No. 26 pick in the draft Thursday.
The Cowboys could look to the middle rounds to find another developmental quarterback the next few days, but having a first-rounder would have been more attractive.
Deltona Trinity Christian graduate Paxton Lynch is a Denver Bronco.
The Broncos are coming off a Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers. “And we’re moving forward with the guys that are on this football team”.
That extra year might not seem like much, but it was costly for the Broncos as they are now looking to defend their title with Mark Sanchez under center.
“Whether that’s playing or pushing the guy in front of me”, he said, referring to the possibility of starting out as a backup quarterback.
Advertisement
“It feels great. Like I said, it’s a big family when it comes to the coaches and players and fans as well. But they don’t have to have stellar quarterback play, so it allows him the opportunity to grow and develop and go through some hard times because the defense is so good”. Elway acquired Mark Sanchez from the Philadelphia Eagles on March 11 to join the only other QB on the roster, sophomore Trevor Seimian. Even better for the Broncos, Lynch is probably in the best scenario to start right away of all three top passers taken during the first round.
