Denver Broncos: Mid-season 2016 Draft Grades
Typically the first two rounds of the draft are where you find immediate contributors, but for the Broncos it’s been the later picks that have produced.
The Denver Broncos hope they added their quarterback of the future in this years draft, but they have also landed more talent across the board. In this years draft the Broncos found more than just depth as seven of their eight draft picks have seen the field already.
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Coming off a Super Bowl victory there weren’t many holes to fill. However John Elway, Gary Kubiak, and the rest of the front office managed to bring in a very talented class of rookies who have been key to the 6-2 start.
It will take a few years to determine the final grades of any draft class, but we will look into the level of play through their first eight games.
Here is the Broncos 2016 draft class…
First Round: QB Paxton Lynch
Grade: B-
The plan from the day of the draft was to allow Lynch to sit and develop in his first year, but after an injury to Trevor Siemian he saw action early in the season. Although Lynch struggled in his first start against the Atlanta Falcons, the grade is based off flashes of the potential he possesses. Lynch shows an immense amount of athleticism that allows him to scramble out of the pocket and make plays on the move. He also has a very strong arm that allows him to make all the throws.
Lynch entered the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter and showed flashes of brilliance. The coaching staff trusted in Lynch to allow him to run the two minute offense resulting in a field goal. He continued that momentum leading to his first career touchdown and a 27-7 victory in his first appearance.
Where Lynch has struggled early in his career is grasping the playbook and getting the ball out of his hand quickly. These are both qualities that many young quarterbacks have issues with and over time he should be able to correct.
Lynch barring another injury shouldn’t see much more action this season, but the future seems bright for the young quarterback.