Denver Broncos training camp battle: Backup quarterback

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos reacts during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos reacts during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 17: Chad Kelly #10 of the Mississippi Rebels passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 17: Chad Kelly #10 of the Mississippi Rebels passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Final Predictions and Thoughts

It’s hard not to be intrigued by what Chad Kelly brings to the table.

Since we’ve seen Paxton Lynch — albeit in a very small sample size — fail to meet first-round expectations, there’s perhaps an unfair advantage of the unknown with Kelly.

More from Predominantly Orange

He’s the nephew of an NFL legend, he had some incredible games at Ole Miss, and he’s been able to stay out of trouble while actually thriving and working diligently to be the best professional he can possibly be on and off the field.

The biggest factor at play here is whether or not the Broncos opt to try and ‘create’ a competition by throwing Kelly in with the second offense at times, or if he’ll just have to significantly outplay Lynch with third-team reps.

Even though Kelly has not taken a live NFL rep in a preseason game, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him overtake Lynch as the Broncos’ backup.

With that being said, you never know what kind of politics will play into it but it would be a bit of an embarrassment for the Broncos if yet another seventh-round draft pick was able to beat out Lynch for a spot on the depth chart.

Are they willing to face the music for that?

Next: Paxton Lynch in a great mindset after OTAs

The Broncos might play it a little slow with Kelly and keep him as the third quarterback if he is able to play well in training camp and the preseason.

Ultimately, I foresee Kelly starting out the season for the Broncos as the number three barring a drastic breakdown by Lynch.