Elway: Broncos Rookie QB Lynch Ready Soon
On draft night, Broncos executive vice president of football operations and general manager John Elway wasn't going to let another team snag his quarterback of the future.
Elway said Lynch may just prove himself ready to be an NFL starter this year.
"Is that going to happen tomorrow? Probably not, but you never know when it can happen," Elway told KDSP-AM on Friday. "We think he's going to be ready quicker than a lot of people think."
The 6-foot-7, 246-pounds Lynch has drawn comparisons from scouts to Marcus Mariota, Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger.
Elway had brought in veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez, who will serve as a bridge -- and, Elway hopes, a mentor -- for Lynch.
Elway said the Broncos did their homework on Lynch and researched which other teams were interested in the former Memphis star. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has acknowledged he tried to trade up to get Lynch before the Broncos made their move with No. 26 pick.
"He's a young guy with tremendous athletic ability," Elway said. "He's got the strong arm, can make all the throws, he's smart, and he's a guy that can fit into this offense real well."
Lynch arrived for his first practice on Friday for the Broncos' rookie minicamp.
Head coach Gary Kubiak liked what he saw during the 90-minute on-field session as Lynch took every snap from under center, a change from the shotgun-only offense he ran in college.
"He's got a long way to go, but it's exciting to see him and what he could become," Kubiak said Friday. "Just watching him today, I think he'll catch up pretty quick."
After practice, Lynch headed to the University of Memphis for Saturday's graduation to get his sports management degree.
"I just love the fact I'm getting every rep I can," Lynch said Friday.
