Renck: Broncos QB Lynch needs to ‘take advantage’ of athleticism

This offseason will be an important one in the career of Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch, this much is likely for certain.

What’s uncertain who might be vying for Denver’s starting quarterback role.

Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan’s Brandon Stokley reported last week that last year’s starter, Trevor Siemian, could be out as much as six months after undergoing surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in early January.

That would put his availability, in a worst-case scenario, at training camp.

And, of course, there’s the possibility of current Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo landing in Denver, either by way of trade or free agency.

But even if Romo doesn’t end up in orange and blue, and Siemian’s back for the start of OTAs in April — as the team said he would be — Lynch is still likely to receive a greater number of reps under center this offseason.

Denver 7 Broncos Insider Troy Renck said the part he’s most interested in is seeing if Lynch — whom he said looked confused at times last season and uncomfortable in the huddle — can take that next step in his progression.

“In year two, and it is a different offense, but now that he’s more familiar with the pro verbiage, can he get the team in and out of the huddle to allow himself 12 to 15 seconds to look over the line of scrimmage and feel comfortable? What was very noticeable to me last year was he was not comfortable getting a team out of the huddle,” Renck told “Schlereth and Evans” on Monday.

“And when he looked into the middle of the field specifically, there was confusion, which happens with a lot of young quarterbacks. And that’s the part I’m interested in.”

Renck said with a new offense, formulated by offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, Lynch could be in the shotgun more and thus show off his athleticism more, which he says can set him apart from Siemian.

“He needs to take advantage of it by standing out with his athleticism. One thing Trevor Siemian can’t be is 6-7, 245 pounds. Lynch, that’s his advantage,” Renck said. “But for that to play out, he has to know the mental side. So, this is why this offseason is so important for him.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.