Chad Kelly in shape and ripping it at Denver Broncos minicamp

Denver Broncos second-year quarterback Chad Kelly is healthy, in shape, and ripping it at the team’s rookie minicamp…

The Denver Broncos are back on the field for their rookie minicamp, and some players have been granted eligibility due to injury and inactivity in the 2017 season.

Among those players is quarterback Chad Kelly, who is also the only quarterback in general at this minicamp.

The Broncos opted to pass on the chance to add any additional quarterbacks in the draft or free agency after signing Case Keenum, leaving Kelly and Paxton Lynch as the two competing for the primary backup spot.

Kelly was labeled a ‘tubby kid’ by head coach Vance Joseph when talking about how he showed up to the team as a rookie in 2017, but Kelly has been putting in a ton of work over the course of the past year, especially working with his eating habits.

"“I think eating a lot of spinach and chicken paid off instead of eating fries and fried food. I came here and kind of knew I needed to move around and get back to my old playing weight back in early college and high school. I’m feeling like I can move around and do some things with my legs, but also being powerful in throwing the ball.”Chad Kelly (quotes via Broncos PR)"

After basically 18 months away from football working on his physical health and body shape, Kelly is obviously ready to get back to regular football activities.

I have been a supporter of Kelly since he was drafted by the Broncos, and I really like his chances to win the backup job. The way he plays the game of football, I think he’s going to have a much easier time adjusting to the speed of the NFL game than Paxton Lynch did (or has).

Jake Butt, another player the Broncos have high hopes for this season, had some great things to say about Kelly after Saturday’s practice as well:

"“He can rip that thing. You definitely have to wear gloves because he’ll be spinning that bad boy pretty tough. He’s learning the offense, he’s taking leadership and he’s doing a great job.”TE Jake Butt"

The fact that the Broncos didn’t bring in any rookie quarterbacks for this particular camp says a lot about how they feel about Kelly. They seem to be confident enough in the work he has put in over the past 12 months, and that gets me excited.

I can’t wait to see Kelly ‘ripping it’ against some of the veteran players, and see how far he’s come in his development. If he’s fully healthy, I think the Broncos really have a gem on their hands here.