NFL DRAFT

Rex Ryan: ‘Makes no sense’ for Broncos not to go with Lynch at QB

Apr 20, 2017, 3:43 PM | Updated: Apr 27, 2017, 11:51 am

The Denver Broncos may be treating the quarterback situation as a 50-50 competition this offseason between last year’s starter Trevor Siemian and 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch.

But there’s only one man the Broncos should put under center next season, according to Rex Ryan: Paxton Lynch

The former Buffalo Bills and New York Jets head coach and current ESPN NFL analyst told “Schlereth and Evans” on Thursday that it does Denver nor Lynch any good if he’s just “sitting there” and they should “put him in there.”

“The quarterback situation, I don’t know why they don’t go with Lynch. It makes no sense. You drafted a guy for a reason,” Ryan said.

Ryan said he thinks, with Denver’s defense as strong as it is and coming off a Super Bowl win just two seasons ago, the Broncos should “go for it” with Lynch instead of playing it safe with “just an average guy that may get you in the playoffs.”

“I just think you have a guy who’s a big, athletic guy that has a major ceiling, but he’s not going to get close to reaching that ceiling unless you put him in there,” Ryan said.

“And Trevor Siemian’s earned the respect. I get it. And there are some journeyman quarterbacks out there. But those journeyman quarterbacks don’t get you where you want to go.”

Should Lynch win the job, Ryan said, he’s got to make sure he’s protecting the football team and not be careless or cavalier about it.

“You’re not Brett Favre, so and do your job. If the guy’s open, hit him, give him the football. If he’s not, run — the kid’s an athlete — or get rid of it,” Ryan said.

“But don’t ever take the risk of putting your team in jeopardy. That’s the only way you’re not going to win in Denver. You’ve got too good a defense there.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.

NFL Draft

Bo Nix...

Andrew Mason

NFL.com analyst: If Broncos traded down, Rams were poised to take Bo Nix

NFL.com's Chad Reuter told Orange and Blue Today that the Broncos couldn't have traded down and taken Bo Nix ... because of Sean McVay's Rams.

1 day ago

Zach Wilson...

Andrew Mason

No surprise: Broncos aren’t picking up fifth-year option on Zach Wilson

When the Broncos traded for Zach Wilson, they also traded for a fifth-year option. This week, they declined it, as expected.

2 days ago

Broncos Javonte Williams NFL Draft...

Andrew Mason

Seven returning Broncos most affected by the NFL Draft

Which returning Broncos had their outlooks most changed by the NFL Draft? The list includes plenty of familiar names.

3 days ago

Broncos undrafted tracker...

DenverSports.com

Broncos undrafted additions tracker

Who are the Broncos adding after the draft? Find out with our tracker of undrafted additions to the team's roster.

5 days ago

Sean Payton...

Andrew Mason

Find out the ‘vision’ Sean Payton has for his Day 3 draft picks

What does Sean Payton plan for his five Day 3 draft picks? He explained after the Broncos concluded their 2024 draft work.

5 days ago

John Franklin-Myers...

Andrew Mason

Broncos pick up veteran defensive end in draft-day trade

Still in need of defensive-line help, the Broncos sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Jets for defensive end John Franklin-Myers.

6 days ago

Rex Ryan: ‘Makes no sense’ for Broncos not to go with Lynch at QB