Denver Broncos Positional Review: Quarterbacks

I'm breaking down our team to look at what we have in the cupboard for this offseason. In doing so, I've gathered data from nflgsis.com to give us some stats to look at as we evaluate what our players did in the 2016 regular season. Also, overthecap.com contract info will be embedded when available. I'll add to that a synopsis of each player including their contract situation. Hopefully this helps Broncos Country here at MHR be better educated on the state of the team, it’s strengths and weaknesses, and what positions we’ll likely target in free agency and the draft.

In case you missed any of the earlier parts of this series: Special Teams, Safeties, Cornerbacks, Outside Linebackers, Inside Linebackers, Offensive Line, Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, Running Backs.

Our final group to look at is the frothing-at-the-mouth fan favorite: Quarterbacks. When you have an offense as absolutely craptastic as what we saw in 2016, chances are your QB pool doesn’t have much in the way of shark swimming around. Nope...only guppies up in the pond at Dove Valley.

The hopes of Broncos Country is that one of these two young players grows a few rows of teeth in 2017. That obviously is going to be the #1 story for the Broncos this offseason bar none.

Stats

Players

Trevor Siemian

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Contract Info

One of the coolest things about Trevor Siemian heading into this season is how cheap his contract is. He got a very valuable year of experience starting in the NFL last year and has an opportunity that I’m positive he only dreamed about coming out of college.

Pros:

• Sharp mind
• Accurate short-yardage passer
• Experience

Cons:

• Avoids the middle of the field and intermediate routes
• Arm strength lacking
• Poor pocket presence

Paxton Lynch

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Contract Info

It is pretty interesting to compare contracts between a 7th round pick and a 1st round pick. Don’t let the size of those numbers pass you by. It isn’t a huge investment by the Broncos to have Paxton Lynch on the team and not starting, but there is some weight to the numbers.

The biggest problem I kept hearing about last year was the trouble with Paxton Lynch wrapping his head around the very verbose and complex system that Kubiak used for his west-coast style offense. The hope for the Broncos is that between Bill Musgrave (the QB whisperer) and Mike McCoy, they can simplify an offense to a point where our QBs can focus more on play and less on verbiage.

Pros:

• Big arm
• High mobility / athleticism
• Prioritizes intermediate route tree

Cons:

• Inaccurate at times
• Had trouble with complexity of offense
• Inexperience

Position Overview

I’ve really already broken down this comparison in what I think is a very fair and accurate way. If you haven’t read that break down, please do. It covers the limitations of both QBs and where I think the Broncos need to head in 2017.

Our offense needs to be more explosive. You can’t do that with a guy who mostly throws inside the sticks to the outsides of the formation. There is a very real arm strength difference in these two QBs and we need Lynch to step his game up a couple notches to help make this offense something with some teeth.

That being said, I’m not 100% sure that is what will shake out. There is a very real advantage that Siemian has with his extra year of experience and all the starting snaps he’s seen. Whatever offense the Broncos draw up, this kid is going to be able to execute it at some level and make no mistake that the coaches are going to push Siemian to improve as well.

There’s also the very real chance we’ll go after a free agent QB. I personally have a hard time being sold on a guy like Tony Romo (too injury prone and late in his career) or Tyrod Taylor (too expensive when we already have a similarly skilled guy in Lynch). I also just don’t think our QB talent is so bad that we have to go sign someone else.

I’m curious to see what Broncos Country thinks of this? Do you think it is wise to sign a vet to take advantage of the championship window we are in with these superb defensive players? Is Paxton have his head in the clouds too much to be the leader that the Broncos offense needs? What is it about Trevor Siemian that makes people think he’s got a shot now that Kubiak is gone? Hit up the comments and let me know.

Also, next week I’ll be taking a look back at these position reviews and coming back with an article covering what needs the Broncos have according to my eyes and what we should look for in free agency vs the draft.