The Broncos entered the 2016 NFL Draft with likely the largest question mark in the league: Who’s the quarterback of the defending Super Bowl champions. And that question was defining the franchise, even more so than the Lombardi Trophy that just took up residence in their training facility.
For months, it was all ESPN, NFL Network, Mile High Sports and every other Denver sports media outlet could talk. First it was Osweiler, then it was Kaepernick, then it was Manziel, then it was Keenum, then it was Hoyer and so on and so on. Toss a rock and you’re likely to hit a quarterback that was rumored to be coming to the Broncos.
About two hours into the draft, though, John Elway and the Broncos answered that question. And whether you agree with their decision or not, the selection of Paxton Lynch gives a clear view into the direction Elway plans on taking this franchise.
So, with that said, here are five things the Denver Broncos 2016 draft class has taught us about the franchise going forward.
Mark Sanchez is the short-term solution
Forget Colin Kaepernick, forget Tyrod Taylor, forget everybody. Heck, forget Paxton Lynch. When the Broncos take the field Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, it’ll be Mark Sanchez getting the start.
So, uh, get used to it.
And really, is it that bad? I mean, it’s not great, but as I wrote on Friday, there wasn’t really a great option out there. Kaepernick’s the guy everybody had their eyes on, but he’s just as big of a risk as anyone; he’s been one of the worst quarterbacks in the league the last two years.
You can toss that on the disfunction of the San Francisco 49ers organization, but that’s unfair; Kaepernick deserves a lot of the blame.
It’s fine to like Kaepernick more than Sanchez, but you can’t make the argument that he’s been the better quarterback in recent years:
Kaepernick’s Last Eight Starts: 2-6 record; 59% completion; 1,615 yards; 6 touchdowns; 5 interceptions; 78.5 QB Rating
Sanchez’s Last Eight Starts: 3-5 record; 66% completion; 1,998 yards; 12 touchdowns; 10 interceptions; 85.3 QB Rating
The fact of the matter is that Sanchez is a very good backup and a not-so-good starter. But his floor his relatively high — relatively being the key word — and that’s about all the Broncos can ask for at this point. Hand the ball off, don’t turn the ball over and let the defense do its work; that’s all he needs to do.
Is that a winning formula? It was last year. Only time will tell if it’ll be repeatable this season.
