Denver Quarterbacks

I can't say I'm surprised that the Broncos pulled the trigger on the Brady Quinn deal. For those of you who are out of the loop, Denver acquired Brady Quinn from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for fullback/runningback Peyton Hillis, a 6th round pick in next year's draft, and a conditional 2012 draft pick.

I like the move and think that Quinn is, if nothing else, a serious upgrade over Chris Simms. I expect Simms to be packing up tomorrow. Since Quinn played in the same offensive system in college, and did pretty well in it, he could be up to start in a year depending on what McDaniels can do with him.

I do hope that McDaniels drafts in someone else to bring in just to see what can happen and help determine the quarterbacking trio of next season. If the Broncos do draft another QB, they would have to be ready to let go of that person or Tom Brandstater, last year's QB draftee. I like Tom and hope he gets his shot but another QB coming in draft day could send Tom packing as well. (In a perfect world, Orton could be cut).

I'm sad to see Peyton Hillis leave Denver. I really liked how he played and he should have been our starting back in the 2008 season. It was evident that McDaniels refused to use him in any situation, even after many failed 3rd and 1s failed by Knowshon or Buckhalter. I do think he can do well if used properly in Cleveland. Better than wasting away on the bench in Denver.

The plot has definitely thickened in Denver.

Busy Broncos

Yes the Broncos have busied themselves with bulking up. Since the free agency period for the NFL began last Friday, the Broncos have completely overhauled their defensive line with the signings of DE Jarvis Green (New England), DT Jamal Williams (San Diego), and DT/DE Justin Bannan (Baltimore).

All three of these guys are upgrades over last season's starters. They bring proven experience from teams well versed in the 3-4 defensive scheme. Their combined hugeness should also improve the Broncos run defense, which was shredded late last season by the AFC West bottom dwellers.

As long as Jamal Williams has recovered from the triceps injury that landed him on Injured Reserve last season, I expect those three will start and will play most of the game. I expect they'll keep DT Ronald Fields and DEs Ryan McBean and Le Kevin Smith at least through the draft for depth, but could be cut depending on who is drafted (stay tuned for my draft picks).

While the defensive line is set, the Broncos still lack a center on the offensive line. Pro-bowl center Kevin Mawae (Tennessee) is still on the free agent market and would be a good pickup but I wonder if teams are reluctant to take a flyer because of his Presidency of the NFL Players Association. With the Owners and the NFLPA unable to come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams may fear the in-house rift such a signing could bring.

This defensive focused free agency could point to an offensive draft strategy but it's too soon to tell. So far, Denver is moving in the right direction. Kudos to McDaniels for his efforts to correct the major weaknesses and prepare them to win now. Now just follow through.