Denver Broncos Don’t Draft A Quarterback, Chad Kelly and Paxton Lynch Will Be The Backups

By Jordan Long

The Denver Broncos entered the NFL Draft with a need at quarterback. Most NFL experts expected Denver to select one to add depth to the position. The Broncos decided to pass. The quarterbacks on their roster are Case Keenum, Chad Kelly, and Paxton Lynch.

Case Keenum is expected to be the starter. He came to Denver after playing last year in Minnesota where he helped the Vikings go all the way to the NFC Championship game. In the regular season he tossed for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Vikings went 13-3 and Keenum was 11-3 as the starter. In 2 playoff games Keenum passed for 589 yards and 2 touchdowns but didn’t protect the football well with 3 interceptions and 1 fumble. This should improve the Broncos at the starter position.

With the Broncos not selecting a quarterback, Paxton Lynch and Chad Kelly will be in competition for the backup behind Keenum. Lynch has the upper hand with 5 games played in his NFL career. He hasn’t been impressive so far with 792 passing yards and 4 touchdowns. His biggest problem has been protecting the football. Lynch has trouble reading defenses with 4 interceptions thrown. Opponent’s defenses are also rushing him and Lynch is unable to protect the football with 4 fumbles. During training camp and preseason games, he needs to show improvement to win the backup quarterback position.

Chad Kelly was picked in the NFL Draft last year. He didn’t appear in a game for Denver because of offseason wrist surgery. The Broncos like Kelly because of how he can throw the football. The Broncos are hoping Chad Kelly will develop as an NFL quarterback. Time will tell.

The Broncos are taking a risk with Kelly and Lynch. If something happens to Keenum this upcoming season, they don’t have an experienced veteran backup. That may hurt Denver but they could always sign a veteran quarterback. Hopefully, Lynch and Kelly are holding the clipboard during the regular season.