Who Should Back Up Peyton Manning?

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

After making my first trip to Broncos training camp, I was very impressed with play at the quarterback position. This includes the future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

But it wasn't just Manning; I was impressed with all of Denver's quarterbacks.

The Broncos are currently carrying three quarterbacks behind Manning. They are Caleb Hanie, Brock Osweiler and Adam Weber. These three players are in a heated competition for the backup spot to Manning.

So, who should back up Manning to start the season?

Lets look at the options and rank the candidates.

3. Adam Weber

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Adam Weber is entering his second season in the NFL after spending his rookie season on the Broncos' practice squad.

Weber played sparsely in the first preseason game against the Chicago Bears, and he finished 2-for-5 with 42 yards and a touchdown.

During drills in training camp today, Weber threw a perfect strike to Andre Caldwell between two defenders. The crowd gave a huge cheer for that play.

In my opinion, Weber will be a practice squad player again this year. He has great skill, but he is going up against a quarterback with NFL experience and a top draft pick for the second and third spot.

2. Caleb Hanie

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Caleb Hanie came over in the offseason from the Chicago Bears. Hanie spent 2011 backing up former Broncos Jay Cutler.

He debuted on the first depth chart of training camp as the backup quarterback. Playing in a large amount of time against the Chicago Bears, Hanie was 7 for 14 for 79 yards. He was sacked three times during his playing time.

While this is the first game, the statistics for Hanie need to be better. The Broncos need to have a viable backup that could step in for Manning if need be.

While Hanie is the current backup to Manning, I do not think this will last. John Elway drafted Brock Osweiler, and he seems to be the future of the team. Hanie appears to be the Brady Quinn stopgap of 2011.

1. Brock Osweiler

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In my opinion, the Broncos should take Brock Osweiler as their backup to Manning to start the regular season.

Osweiler was selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, and he played his college football at Arizona State. Osweiler was impressive in his first preseason game and was 4-of-7 for 38 yards and a touchdown. He appeared to outplay Hanie and Weber in the game.

Osweiler could be the future of the Denver Broncos, and the Broncos could do what the Packers did in the Favre-Rodgers situation.

They could allow Osweiler to study under Manning during his final years in the league. When Manning is ready to retire, Osweiler would be the next quarterback of the Broncos.

If Osweiler isn't ready to backup Manning, Hanie may get his shot but I feel the backup spot is Osweiler's to lose.