Denver Broncos Training Camp: Quarterback preview

Brock Osweiler

Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Entering his fourth year as the backup for Peyton Manning, Osweiler could see his most extended pre-season and regular season work ever as a member of the Broncos.

Also entering a contract year, the Broncos showed a leap of faith in Osweiler this year by flirting with but not selecting any quarterbacks in the draft until the 7th round. Osweiler is a big, strong-armed gunslinger with excellent athletic ability for his size, but some question his consistency and accuracy.

That’s fair, considering the largest sample size we have of Osweiler is really one full season at Arizona State. This is still a young player, developing into not only the best quarterback he can be, but developing as a leader. Osweiler has taken in the work habits and off-field habits of Peyton Manning since being drafted in 2012, and now has the opportunity to learn for one more year behind one of the best to every play the game, regardless of position.

As a competitor, Osweiler wants to be on the field, but he knows and understands his situation. If the coaching staff decides he’s ‘the one’ going forward, the Broncos have their QB of the future and a backup that has a ton of upside in case Manning gets hurt for any extended period of time.

Next: Zac Dysert