Report: Lynch has closed the gap in Broncos' QB competition

The Denver Broncos' quarterback competition became a much closer race after Paxton Lynch came on strong in the final two weeks of the team's offseason program, Mike Klis of KUSA reports.

Prior to then, Trevor Siemian was the clear leader to start in Week 1, according to Klis.

But the 2016 first-round pick Lynch reportedly started to play more instinctively, fearlessly and, thus, effectively late in the minicamp schedule.

Klis cautions that Lynch still trails 2016 starter Siemian, but now has the chance to surpass him when training camp opens in late July.

The Broncos surely prefer to start the bigger and more athletic Lynch this year, especially considering what they invested to acquire him. But general manager John Elway and new head coach Vance Joseph know they are in a Super Bowl window with the Broncos' elite defense and will start whichever passer gives them the best chance of getting back to the postseason and beyond.