Horse Tracks: Joseph impressed with young players at OTA's

Good morning, Broncos Country!

Say whatever you want about yesterday's report of second-year quarterback Paxton Lynch being erratic in practice. For one, I won't be jumping to any big-time conclusions because of a few throws and neither will Denver Broncos Head Coach Vance Joseph. It's important to keep perspective this early in the OTA's and that's something Joseph is hoping people understand. Everyone is still learning, especially those on offense who are digesting a completely new offensive system.

"Right now, it’s a learning process with a new offense going in. Right now, everyone is learning. It is tough to evaluate the quarterbacks when everyone is learning. Sometimes the receivers mistake can fall back on the quarterback’s mistake," stated Joseph.  "Right now, everyone is learning. Obviously in the fall, it would ramp up as far as decision making and who’s playing the best at each position," he went on to add.

And despite yesterday's viral video courtesy of second-year safety Will Parks (who will most certainly get a scolding from the Broncos Brass at Dove Valley) that shows a few bad throws, Joseph has been impressed with the young signal caller.

"I thought Paxton has been fine. He’s made some really impressive throws. He’s made some bad ones. Both guys have. Again, it’s the learning stages of a new offense. The point of OTAs, in my opinion for the quarterbacks, is to learn [Offensive Coordinator] Mike’s [McCoy] system now so in training camp they can really compete for a job," Joseph remarked.

"Right now, it’s a learning process. Mike has put a lot of offense in. Some of those plays are really long. I can’t even pronounce them, so it’s a process."

Other young players received some praise from Joseph, in particular veteran offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo — who is finally healthy and appears to be ready to contribute and compete at a high-level in 2017. If he is able to remain healthy, that would be great for the Broncos, who are in desperate need of improvement in respect to play at the position.

"He’s looked athletic this offseason. He’s getting his strength back," remarked Joseph in regard to Sambrailo. "He was with the first team today as a left tackle, so he’s doing fine. He’s coming along great."

There are many who believe that first-round pick Garett Bolles will eventually be the team's starting tackle, perhaps as early as the team's season opener, but according to Joseph, the young prospect still has a lot to learn before he is ready to man-down the quarterback's blindside any time soon.

"He has to learn what to do first. Obviously he has talent as a first-rounder. He’s tall, he’s long and he’s athletic, but it’s a tough offense to learn. That’s the first part for rookies, to learn what to do first before they can perform."

Joseph also had positive words for second-year running back Devontae Booker, who is excited about what the backs are able to do in McCoy's offense and could be destined for a breakout season in his second season as a pro.

"Devontae is working hard. He wants to be the guy. Again, it’s going to take two or three guys at that spot to make it a complete unit in my opinion," said Joseph. "He wants to be the guy. He’s going into his second year. He finished last year, in my opinion, on a positive note. He’s continued that so far."

So Broncos Country, let's not fall into hysterics over yesterday's report on Lynch, but instead keep our focus on the fact that it's still early and the season is a long way from now.  A lot can happen between now and September, and it's essential to remember everyone is still learning and for many of these players, growing into what they can become will take time. And in due time, hopefully the team can gel well enough to become Super Bowl contenders once more.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today's offering of Horse Tracks.

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