Round 1 Recap, Rounds 2, 3 Preview

Brandon Marshall: replaced.

Oh, and Tim Tebow is here too.

I love the Demaryius Thomas pick! Major props to the Broncos for being patient, accumulating some picks and getting their guy. I think he's the right fit and perfect to fill the void left by Brandon "The Beast" Marshall. He's 6'3" and 229 lbs according where Marshall was 6'4" at 230 lbs both according to ESPN.com.

Ed Werder said when talking to Josh McDaniels about Thomas, Thomas reminds McDaniels of Marshall, that Thomas is faster than Marshall is, that he will go up and get the ball, and that in 3 hours with McDaniels, Thomas learned 3 positions in the offense. Those around Georgia Tech likened Thomas to Calvin Johnson and others have labled him the physical clone of Brandon Marshall. Both good qualities to have and look forward to seeing in the Blue and Orange on Sundays.

No. 15 was replaced, and now a new No. 15 is in the building. Much to my chagrin, McDaniels did some wheeling and dealing to get back into the first round to select Tim Tebow with the 25th pick.

As far as I can tell, the Broncos surrendered the 2nd round pick this year they got in the Marshall trade, one of the 3rd rounders from Philly (70 overall), and their 4th round pick to get to that spot. That still leaves the Broncos with their 2nd and two 3rds (one from Philadelphia).

Obviously, being a University of Georgia student, I am completely biased when it comes to Tim Tebow. I think he would have still been there in the 2nd round but McDaniels apparently sees something in him to make him go up to grab the polarizing Florida QB. As a Broncos fan, I hope it pans out because Josh McDaniels very well could have laid his future in Denver on Tebow's shoulders.

Josh can take a couple years grooming Tebow but maybe also using him in some packages at tight end or fullback, maybe even slot receiver. It's too soon to tell but this could be what allows Josh McDaniels to come up with some creative schemes for his system and for Tebow.

Tebow was obviously an emotional leader at Florida but he's going to have to take the back seat until he's the one in the huddle on gamedays (not including preseason) and is going to have to shut down the water works when the team loses games. Nobody cries in a Broncos uniform.

I'm also afraid that the Tebow selection means the end of the road in Denver for Tom Brandstater unless Josh kicks Brady Quinn or Kyle Orton to the curb. I like Tom and hope he can get a shot somewhere but Tim Tebow seems to be Denver's future now.

As it sits, the Broncos have 3 picks tomorrow night. They've taken care of wide receiver and apparently quarterback. They still need a center so look for them to take Matt Tennant from Boston College with their second rounder. Another area they need to address is linebacker and maybe defensive line but they had their chance with Dan Williams from Tennessee and picked Tebow there so maybe they won't address that position.

Still, the Broncos could find ways to move around and accumulate picks to wheel and deal for who they want some more. It will definitely be an interesting day two for the prime time draft. More thoughts to come after tomorrow's events. (I will also post more level headed thoughts about Tebow when the time comes)

Go Broncos.

Draft Preview: Round 1

It's that time of year. The time when every team is the most optimistic about the upcoming season. Every team feels like it can compete. Yes, it's time for the NFL Draft.

The Broncos have the 11th overall pick in the first round tonight. I previously said I think it's a legitimate possibility that they could take Center Maurkice Pouncey at that position, but I've changed my thinking slightly.

I think IF the Broncos stay at 11, they will take ILB Rolando McClain. I looked at the team's roster as it stands and even if they move Mario Haggan from OLB to ILB, we only have 3 and that's if you count Spencer Larsen who is now our only fullback.

If they move down, there are a couple scenarios that could play out beautifully. They could put themselves in position to grab Pouncey if he's still there wherever they move because they need a center in the worst way. If Pouncey is gone, they could be in position to grab wide receiver Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech. I really think he'd be the best fit as he's been described as, "the physical clone of Brandon Marshall" by the likes of NFL.com.

I think they'd prefer to move down from 11 to acquire more picks but the Broncos are also in position to move back into the first round by packaging one of their two second-round picks and maybe future picks (one of their 2 second-round picks next year) to still grab one of those guys.

If they are unable to get Pouncey, there are some other options in the second round such as Matt Tennant from Boston College or J.D. Walton out of Baylor.

I'll talk more about what Day 2 could hold after what breaks down tonight so stay tuned for that early tomorrow. I just found out it's Josh McDaniels 34th birthday so Happy Birthday Coach, go get yourself something nice.

The Beast is Gone

After signing his tender Tuesday, Brandon Marshall was traded to the Miami Dolphins early Wednesday for a second-round pick in next week's draft and a second-round pick in the 2011 draft.

Brandon Marshall was always going to be traded away from Denver this offseason, it was just a matter of when and for what price. Miami gets a premier receiver and Denver gets draft picks to build with.

I think there is plenty of big receiving talent in this year's draft which is why I think Denver is NOT a lock to pick Dez Bryant with the 11th overall pick. It would be completely counter-productive to draft an unproven diva receiver to replace a proven one that the coaching staff felt was detrimental, hence the trade.

Instead Denver can address some need, other than WR, with the 11th pick. I could see them taking DT Dan Williams from Tennesee, LB Rolando McClain from Alabama, or C Maurkice Pouncey with that pick.

I believe Pouncey is who they should take because he's NFL ready today and would anchor the offensive line for the next 10 years. Kyle Orton would like that protection and Knowshon Moreno would definitely appreciate the blocking he would give as the Broncos transition fully to power blocking. Taking Pouncey at 11 is a stretch because 1968 was the last time a center was taken that high but they can't go wrong with any of those picks.

To fill the void left by Brandon "The Beast" Marshall the Broncos could use either of their second round picks on guys like Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech, Arrelious Benn from Illinois, or Eric Decker from Minnesota.

I like Thomas the best but he could likely be gone in the first round. Either of the other guys would be good if that's the case unless the Broncos brass isn't crazy about either and decides to go with a 3rd or 4th round reciever (Marshall was a 4th).

I'll have more draft thoughts leading up to the draft next Thursday so stay tuned. Go Broncos.

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.

Senior Bowl Thoughts and Interests

It's never to early to start thinking about the draft and what the Broncos' future looks like, at least through my eyes. What better way to do that than a recap of the Senior Bowl? Exactly. Here are the players I payed attention to and what I thought of their performance:

Tony Pike (QB Cincinatti)

Firstly, I wish he played longer. He started at QB for the north and started 3-3 in passing but finished 5-12. Not too good but I feel like there wasn't a whole lot to go off of. I like his size and his throws (he can make them all) as well as his feet. Good pocket presence as well as ability to extend plays. He seems like an ideal candidate to run McDaniels' offense but I've read that there are concerns about his work ethic which is disheartening. I want anyone who might be in a Broncos uniform to want to be great in it.

Dan LeFevour (QB Central Michigan)

Dan closed out the game at QB for the north and I really enjoyed seeing him play for the first time. The coaching staff didn't seem to design any run plays for him but he did a good job of knowing when to try to gain some yards himself and finding the open man. He threw for 2 TDs (one was nullified by a penalty) which were both very impressive. I like how he throws the ball and how competitive he is. Also, he's got the best name of any prospects which could lead to some awesome headlines (I caught LeFevour). He's not very comfortable taking snaps under center and doing drop backs and would be a project in that regard so i can't see him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick (as some are projecting) because those are fundamentals at the position. If he's around in rounds 5 and 6, maybe even 4 I'd take him.

Dan Williams (DT Tennessee)

One of the tackles who could be a good candidate for nose tackle in a 3-4 after some proper teaching (since Tennessee uses a 4-3). He wreaked some havoc when the north tried to run and looked pretty good BUT the senior bowl defenses were also 4-3 with no blitzing. Somebody to keep an eye on, maybe second round but Josh may be able to move wherever to take him.

Terrence Cody (DT Alabama)

Could also be a legitimate nose tackle for 3-4 but i've read a lot of concerns about his weight that suggest he couldn't play nose tackle full time. Broncos need run support and a guy as big as him could certainly provide it.

Jeremy Williams (WR Tulane)

This is a guy Woody Paige likes the Broncos to take somewhere in the mid rounds (3-5). He's got decent size and caught a good number of passes at the Senior Bowl and looked good doing it. There could be potential but there will be plenty of receivers to choose from who did not play in the senior bowl.

Obviously, there's a long way to go to April's draft and I'll be sure to update as often as I can with who I think the Broncos should draft. These are just guys to think about in the meantime.

Sports at a Glance

It's been a while since my last post (since the Nuggets were in contention for a Finals birth) but that was not to be. So much is going on in the Sports world so instead of dedicating entire posts to just a couple, I have quick blurbs on everything I've paid attention to, at least. Here it goes.

Marshall See Marshall Do
Months after Jay Cutler bullied his way out of Denver, Number 15 is looking to do the same. The (current) star wideout in Denver argues that his compensation is not matching his on the field production (100+ receptions in the last 2 seasons). Brandon Marshall has had numerous encounters with the law since he became a Bronco and is showing no real sign of change, hence Denver's reluctance to renegotiate his current contract. As a fan, it would be sad to see our best 2 offensive players gone, but Marshall's extracurriculars are getting pretty tiresome. Here are some ideas: stay out of trouble, have another pro-bowl season, and get paid! That's how things work in the NFL.

Deja Vu
After firing Clint Hurdle, the Rockies were streaking like it was 2007. Before dropping their last two to the Angels, the Rockies had won 17 of 18 and starting to believe. After dropping the last two, they need to figure out if they can contend for a playoff spot and keep up some sort of consistent play or whether they'll just be satisfied. As someone who thought the organization was content with its state before, I was surprised to see the departure of Hurdle in order for change. I just hope the rest of the team is working for change too.

LSU wins College World Series
After winning game 1 in extra innings and letting Texas tie up the series at a game a piece, LSU was able to lay a smackdown on Texas to clinch the title. Go SEC.

Manny in the Minors
You want proof that baseball doesn't care about steroids? The provision in Manny's "punishment" that allows for a Minor League stint to get back to form should be all you need. He took a women's fertility drug that was listed on the banned substances list! If he was suspended for 50 games, it should be 50 games with ABSOLUTELY no allowance of minor league time or anything close to that. If he needs to go to the minors to get "back to form" that should happen after the 50 game suspension, not during it. If he was worried about being out of form, he should have considered not taking a banned substance!

Wimbledon
On ESPN, many are questioning whether Roger Federer winning Wimbledon "would count" without him having to face Rafael Nadal. If he does win, he will have 15 Majors, most all time in addition to the career grand slam he just achieved at the French Open. It shouldn't and doesn't matter who you beat in any sort of championship, especially a milestone one. Anybody discounting Phil Jackson's 10th title after facing the Magic? I didn't think so.

Shaqtus No More
Highlighting the trades that have gone on leading up to tonight's NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns traded future Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the Cavs, it is a much improved shot at post at least for the year. If they do win the title, Shaq will have given Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James their first championships. If nothing else, maybe Shaq can teach LeBron how to be a good sport.

Other trades include a trade between Orlando and New Jersey sending Vince Carter to the Magic in hopes for another shot at a title. During the draft, my Nuggets aqcuired Ty Lawson of UNC in a trade with Minnesota so props to Denver. I do still hope they can sign at least Chris Andersen to another deal other than their other free agents but all of them would be great.

USA USA USA!!!
If you're not chanting that, you should be. After the miracle that launched the US Soccer team to the semifinals against top ranked Spain, we beat them and will play in the Final vs. Brazil. Some are calling the upset of Spain a miracle on grass, I wouldn't go as far as to compare it to the miracle on ice but it is always great to beat other countries that plan on walking all over us. In the immortal words of Stan Marsh, "Go America, Go Broncos."