Mark Sanchez views Paxton Lynch selection as vote of confidence

Mark Sanchez is an eternal optimist. Not even the Denver Broncos trading up for a quarterback has made him flinch.

Sanchez was Denver’s quarterback heading into the NFL Draft, but the Broncos traded up to select Paxton Lynch. Sanchez doesn’t see that as a threat, though. He sees it as evidence that the Broncos are ready to hitch their wagon to him.

“Absolutely, that’s the message I’ve received,” Sanchez said Monday when asked if he viewed the selection as affirmation of the team’s faith in him, via ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “I’m thrilled with this opportunity.

“Whether it was a veteran who came in, any of those things that were out there, any of these guys in the draft that were going to the pros this year, my focus wouldn’t change,” Sanchez said. “Why become a slave to your emotions like that? It’s not worth it, you’re just spinning your wheels for nothing.

“I just kind of learned with time. Who knows what’s going to happen, and who cares? What are you supposed to do? Meet your teammates, develop a relationship with them, learn the playbook, get involved in the community, that’s it, those three things.”

Not only is Sanchez fine with Lynch being selected, he intends to help him adjust to the NFL and become a better player.

“If you’re confident in your ability, you’ve got no problem helping a guy,” Sanchez said. “If you see something, whether it’s on the field, off the field, you can just help him out as much as you can.”

Sanchez has said that he is betting on himself to win the job. Given the roster situation, we’re not so sure we’d disagree with him at this point.