John Elway draft picks redeeming themselves on TNF

Former high draft picks by John Elway redeemed themselves on Thursday Night Football with some huge performances. Here’s a look…

Since the Denver Broncos have struggled this season to a 5-9 record, naturally a lot of the discussion among Broncos Country has centered around the issues with the team, starting with John Elway’s construction of the roster.

Now, one game does not atone for a  whole season’s worth of poor play, but I would argue we’re seeing some (significant) progression from some of Elway’s draft picks that were previously considered to be a lost cause.

Brock Osweiler, Quarterback

Brock Osweiler, a former second round pick of Elway’s out of Arizona State, was once the heir apparent to Peyton Manning.

We all know the story.

If everything had gone according to plan, Osweiler would have been the Broncos’ starting quarterback in 2016, and who knows how things would be different in Denver right now?

At any rate, Osweiler’s back in Denver, and he’s been their best quarterback this season.

He doesn’t get credit in the NFL’s stat books for the win against the Colts, but he was unquestionably the reason why Denver was able to get back in this game and, ultimately, win it.

It was an impressive night from Osweiler, starting with his big touchdown run and epic Mile High salute.

At worst, I think in limited action, Osweiler has proven himself worthy of another contract in Denver as the backup quarterback. He leads like a veteran far beyond his years, and is still a young player growing and developing his craft.

Perhaps Osweiler will not be the franchise quarterback the Broncos envisioned when they took him as a second round pick, but twice in two different stints with the team he’s proven himself a valuable asset as a backup quarterback that can win games and play at a high level.