Chad Kelly, the Broncos’ final selection in the 2017 NFL draft, spent his entire rookie season on the team’s non-football injury list as he recovered from a torn ACL and wrist surgery.

Kelly has been spending time at the team’s facility over the last few weeks and he’s getting healthy and preparing for the 2018 offseason.

“He’s in great shape,” Broncos coach Vance Joseph said at the league’s owners meeting on Tuesday. “He looks great. He’s lean. Hopefully he comes back healthy, is ready to go and he can compete.”

While Kelly did not suit up for any games last season, Joseph believes the quarterback’s rookie season helped his development.

“I think it huge for him to be around those guys for an entire year,” Joseph said. “Just to take in the football stuff. He was there every single day.

“I was really proud of him, how he’s worked and how engaged he’s been as far as learning how to play the position. Obviously, if his physical tools are there and they’re right, he’s going to compete.”

Denver may have more faith in Kelly than many fans realize. Given that Case Keenum’s contract is only a two-year deal, it’s not outlandish to think Kelly could get a shot to win the team’s starting job down the road.

In two years at Ole Miss, Kelly threw for 6,800 yards and 50 touchdowns. He will be 24 years old this season.