Broncos' Sanders: Lynch was 'deer in the headlights' last season

Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch has shown immense growth entering his second season, Emmanuel Sanders revealed Wednesday.

Lynch was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but played sparingly during his rookie season, with Trevor Siemian emerging as the Broncos' starting quarterback after an open competition.

This summer proved to be no different, with Lynch and Siemian vying for the starting role once again. Sanders, however, said there's a noticeable difference surrounding Lynch this time.

"I was just watching Trevor walk around and he’s walking around with that same confidence,” Sanders said Wednesday via Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. "You put him in the shotgun, and he can sling it around. You see Paxton and you see an opportunity at hand being a young guy last year.

"Paxton was like that deer in the headlights, walking around big-eyed. Now, he’s more relaxed. It’s going to be interesting to see how Paxton takes his second year. Hopefully he gets that Memphis swag back. (We’ll) see those two guys compete and see who wins the job."

Sanders critiqued the Broncos' offense for not getting him enough touches last year, but with both quarterbacks appearing more comfortable this summer, his comments may be rendered moot.