Stokley: Trevor Siemian ‘needs to be,’ ‘will be’ Broncos leader

Coming fresh off a second straight season having won the Denver Broncos starting quarterback job as an underdog, Trevor Siemian has an opportunity to take the reins as the team’s offensive leader.

And he will, “Stokley & Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley said on Tuesday.

The second-year starter should feel “more comfortable” asserting himself as the leader of the offensive unit, Stokley said, because it’s not a new concept.

“You’re not looking at these guys and saying, ‘Oh, wow. I’m playing with Demaryius and Emmanuel. I’m playing with these guys on my team. I’ve got to take a back seat,’” Stokley said. “No, not anymore. He needs to be the leader of that offense, and I think he will be.”

The comments echo those of former Broncos quarterback and preseason color analyst Brian Griese, who told “Schlereth & Evans” on Monday that being named starter should afford Siemian the opportunity to “run with” the leadership role.

“It gives him the opportunity and the space to go out there and to blossom as a leader,” Griese said. “I think on the field, from a mental standpoint, from a processing standpoint, from a throwing the football standpoint, he has all the tools. He needs to become more of that transcendent leader if he’s going to realize how good he can be.”

Stokley said the best thing for Siemian to do is just “be who he is” and not feign something he’s not.

“He’s just going to be himself because if you don’t you’re phony. And guys know that,” Stokley said. “Just be yourself. Lead. I think Trevor will do that.”

Head coach Vance Joseph offered up similar advice to Siemian during his press conference Monday at UCHealth Training Center.

“As far as taking the reins, I want Trevor to be himself. He’s a bright guy. He’s focused,” Joseph said. “… Just be yourself, Trevor. Use your weapons. Be a leader and play good football for us. Be a leader. Just be Trevor. That’s all we want.”

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