Josh McDaniels Names Kyle Orton Starting QB,But Vick Could Still Compete

Josh McDaniels Names Kyle Orton Starting QB, but Vick Could Still Compete

Today, according to B/R’s own Broncos expert Sayre Bedinger, the Broncos’ head coach Josh McDaniels named new quarterback Kyle Orton the starter.

But McDaniels also clarified, “That certainly does not mean that there won’t be competition in training camp because there will…Kyle has the job right now but we will see if he can keep it.”

As I said two weeks ago, Kyle Orton won the job as of now, but also I stated three weeks ago that competition breeds success, a reason of three that the Denver Broncos should sign Michael Vick.

Vick was released by the Atlanta Falcons Friday, and is free to sign with any team that wants him, though no one has inquired as of yet. Although, ESPN’s John Clayton reported that the Rams and 49ers among others are the front-runners to pick up the once great QB, Denver should be Vick’s next home.

I’m not saying that Vick should come in and start for the Broncos, he should merely add competition, something Chris Simms has likely had problem doing, in turn making Orton better.

Then with McDaniels’ genius as far as play calling and designing is concerned, could utilize Vick as the nowadays slash; at once the QB in the “vickcat” or even “hokie-pokie” offense, the next play split out wide as a receiver, and even utilize him on special teams as a punt/kick returner.

It could be magical, it could be tragic.

Imagine, Vick, the same man that had over 1,000 yards rushing, an NFL record for a QB, and also threw for over 2,600 yards in 2006, playing for the Broncos doing all sorts of exciting things.

“Vick takes the ball from center, runs to the right for 15 yards, first down. Vick takes the snap, drops back, hits Brandon Marshall across the middle for a first down. Orton drops back, sees Vick down the sideline wide open, hits him for a 45-yard touchdown!”

Vick could keep pressure on Orton to be a quality quarterback in the Broncos orange and blue, and also do what he has done best in the NFL for six seasons, create headaches, confusion, and match up problems for any defense that plays Denver.

Another aspect that makes Vick a good fit in “Patriots West” is that New England has been regarded a haven for players with troubled pasts, like Randy Moss and Corey Dillon, and New England is where McDaniels grew up in the NFL.

McDaniels could preach just as his mentor Bill Belichick does; it’s the team’s way, or the highway. And that should go for Brandon Marshall too, but that’s another story.

This is of course if Vick is cleared to play by Roger Goodell and the NFL, if he can still compete at the high level the NFL demands, if Vick can again learn an NFL offense, a quite complex one at that, and if Vick can keep himself out of trouble, including not corrupting young talents like Marshall, who is on the edge of a cliff all on his own.

All that said, in the end, bringing in Vick is definitely worth the trouble of the negative media that will lose interest quickly, and is a low-risk, potentially high-reward player, considering he could just be cut if he screws up.

So, Bowlen, Xanders, and McDaniels, what are you waiting for?!

 

Brandon Marshall Misses Mandatory Meeting As Attitude Worsens

Brandon Marshall is an amazing football player, making his first Pro Bowl in February, but he is also a very violent, egotistical person who cares more about himself than his team and loved ones. 

Marshall should consider himself lucky, but seems to be oblivious about it all.

Marshall is one of only 1,500 people in the world who has the chance to play a game he loves for exorbitantly higher wages than he could make in almost any other field. Many professional athletes admit to loving their job, and why not with the fame and fortune that comes along with playing a mere game.

No doubt Marshall does love to play, but he has used the opportunity to spotlight himself, mostly in negative ways, rather than bringing positive attention to the Broncos’ organization.

After being suspended last season for three games, for 12 separate home police visits, Marshall was fortunate to have the suspension reduced by Roger Goodell to a single game. The deal hinged on Marshall promising Goodell he would stay out of trouble.

Then, in March, B. Marsh was arrested for the fifth time for fighting his fiancee, and another suspension was expected, one with much longer time off. But as the charges were dropped the next day by his now ex-fiancee, the case was dismissed.

Marshall should have played for Notre Dame in college because he definitely has the luck of the Irish.

It seems the grip of Goodell’s iron fist seemed to have let Marshall slip through, this time.

Now, after all the legal troubles and an interview on Outside the Lines, in which Marshall made clear over and over that he never laid his hands on his ex-fiancee, something his legal record argues to the contrary, Marshall has made the negative news once again.

The Denver Broncos held their first mandatory mini-camp today, and Marshall, who is recovering from hip surgery, was supposed to attend. Marshall was supposed to begin rehabbing with the Broncos.

Marshall has missed the past three weeks of team activity in Denver, and has said he doesn’t trust the Broncos’ medical unit. He says he’s wary of the team doctors because his hip was misdiagnosed originally. He’s also said he wants a pay raise.

While Marshall may have a gripe with the staff, he should put it behind him and realize that Steve “Greek” Antanopolus is highly regarded as one of the best in the league.

The young “beast” of a receiver definitely has a gripe when it comes to his contract, though, as he is set to make only $2.2 million for the 2009 season, well below the standards for high-profile NFL receivers.

Missing this camp is more of a selfish act than anything, telling the team and the league Brandon is going to do it Brandon’s way. It may be a way to a larger contract, but not the best path to be sure.

Marshall needs to suck it up and act like he cares about his NFL career, then he should ask for more money. There is no room on the baby Broncos, led by youngster Josh McDaniels, for an egotistical, selfish and likely violent player.

Marshall must take a good hard look in the mirror and find himself before he can truly help the Broncos, which may never happen, something the Denver organization must consider before moving toward giving him a huge new contract.

After such horrible personnel moves like the additions of Maurice Clarett and Travis Henry, the Broncos can’t continue to put up with another locker room cancer, which Marshall is making himself out to be.

If the Broncos pay him, hopefully Marshall can reform his attitude. If he can’t do that, they must cut ties with the receiver.

Denver Broncos a Playoff Team in ’09?: Coaching Is Capital, Players Are Pivotal

The Denver Broncos come into the 2009 season after experiencing a blizzard of changes in the off-season; seeing their all-time greatest coach in Mike Shanahan fired, their Pro Bowl quarterback traded, and numerous trade and draft-day acquisitions filling the current roster.

While there are many question marks that surround this football team, one thing is for sure, this is the most exciting preseason for the Broncos in a long time.

Josh McDaniels was named the 12th head coach in Denver Broncos history, and is already number one in one category for the Broncos, he’s their youngest coach ever.

Although, McDaniels, 33 years old, is just one of many baby-faced coaches in the NFL in 2009, as Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who was also a candidate for the Denver job, is the NFL’s youngest at 32 years old. Eric Mangini and Tom Cable are all part of this young coaching trend as well.

McDaniels though has shown that he is “the man” in Denver now, hiring his own coaching staff, which includes ex-49ers’ head coach Mike Nolan to run the Broncos defense, and bringing in numerous players that fit his style.

McDaniels, the new-age “mastermind” of offense, brings his highly effective spread offense to Denver. His revolutionary system is the same one that led the Patriots to NFL records in overall points (589), points per game, and yards per game in the 2007 season.  

It’s also the same system that took Matt Cassel from not good enough to start in the NFL, to having a decent season in ’08, and eventually going to Kansas City in a trade, earning Cassell huge starting QB money.

The looming question for the Broncos offense in 2009 is whether or not McDaniels’ schemes can evolve the game play of Kyle Orton, or Chris Simms, as one will likely be Denver’s starter this season.

Orton, acquired from Chicago as a result of the month-long McJaygate, is currently the favorite to take the starting job. He is a three-year veteran and Simms has missed the last two seasons following spleen surgery, so he is a wild card.

Orton enjoyed his best season statistically in 2008 with 2,900 yards, 18 TDs and 12 INTs, but those stats leave a great deal to be desired for Broncos’ fans as Cutler was a top-five quarterback last year.

Orton is not a great deep-ball passer, as he went 1-11 in passes of 30+ yards in ’08, but McDaniels’ offense revolves around short dink-and-dunk passes, spreading the field and the ball to multiple receivers.

Luckily for Orton, Denver is absolutely stacked at the receiver position, and he would be smart to throw in each’s direction.

Brandon Marshall, the Broncos best receiver, has a rare combination of speed, strength, and size that makes him a tough cover for any cornerback. Though, after being arrested his third time this offseason after a domestic abuse call in Atlanta, Marshall will probably miss the first half of 2009.

Eddie Royal, a second-year phenom from Virginia Tech is a burner, but his speed might not be utilized with Orton’s smallish arm. Royal though could be an awesome slot receiver for the Broncos, especially with McDaniels calling the plays.

Wes Welker, who does not come close to Royal in athleticism, had a great 2007 and 2008 with 223 receptions, for 2,340 yards, and 11 touchdowns under McDaniels. Think what Royal could do with all those looks across the middle and to the sidelines.

Along with those two studs, McDaniels brought in Jabar Gaffney, his old number three option in New England to play the third receiver spot for Denver. Gaffney had 38 catches for nearly 500 yards in ’08, and his numbers should rise in 2009 as he will get starting time with Marshall out.

The Broncos also have Chad Jackson, and ex-Patriot, and they drafted Kenny McKinley in the fifth round.

At tight end, the Broncos have Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler as one is a great blocker, the other an awesome receiver. Graham is another New Englander turned Denverite, and will hopefully be utilized more than he was under Shanahan.

Scheffler has been rumored in trades, but if he is still on the team in ’09, he should have many catches down the middle of the field.

The most exciting question mark on offense is Knowshon Moreno, who was drafted 12th overall by Denver in the draft, the first running back taken. Moreno could have a huge impact on this Broncos team, and should get a look as the starter.

Denver though was the second-best offense in 2008 so McDaniels should be able to produce big numbers from all those play makers. Defense is where the Broncos truly struggled in 2008, going 30th in points, giving away games in fourth quarters.

Denver switched back and forth between the 4-3 and 3-4 in 2008, choosing to stick with the 4-3 to end the season. In 2009, the Broncos will play in the 3-4 scheme, a big time change from the 4-3 used for the past few decades in Denver.

Mike Nolan is in charge of this rag-tag squad, and has a huge challenge ahead of him to improve the defensive side of the ball.

The Broncos were so bad on D in 2008 that only three starters from last year are guaranteed to start in ’09: Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, and Elvis Dumervil.

Bailey had his worst professional season of his career, missing seven games with a groin injury, forcing him to also miss the Pro Bowl for the first time ever. Williams missed time as well, five games, but still finished with 68 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Dumervil was arguably Denver’s best defender in 2008 with 5 sacks, but he only recorded 17 tackles, a number that must rise in ’09. Dumervil is looking at a move in position from DE to OLB in the 3-4 scheme, and his numbers might suffer as he weathers that move.

Brian Dawkins is the biggest offseason pickup for the Broncos, a 15-year veteran that can still play well. His leadership at safety will help Denver’s defensive backfield.

Rookie Alphonso Smith may challenge for the other starting CB spot, and Renaldo Hill is the likely starter at the other safety spot.

Ex-Brown Andra Davis should be another starter at linebacker, but after that, many spots are still up for grabs.

Who will compose the Broncos defensive line? Matthias Askew, Robert Ayers, and Kenny Peterson? Many question marks arise in this area, and the Broncos front seven may still be soft in 2009.

Overall, Denver’s offense should be good, and has a chance to be great. But, according to Randy Moss and Welker, they have just recently fully grasped the highly complex offense, after playing for two years in it.

This will cause problems for Marshall since he will be out, Royal because of his youth, and Orton since he has to learn the offense in only a few months. The Broncos though should still rank in the top-10 in offense in 2009, and will surely be exciting to watch.

The defense on the other hand will probably be a weak spot for the Broncos yet again in 2009. With up to eight new starters and a new scheme for many of them to learn, Denver will likely rank in the bottom-10 in defense this year.

When all is said and done, Denver could win 10 games and may make the playoffs. The AFC West is not particularly strong, and no one can say for sure how effective all this change will be.

Although, the Broncos have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL in ’09, playing the NFC East (Giants, Cowboys, Eagles), and also contenders in the Patriots, Colts, and Super Bowl champion Steelers.

In reality 8-8 would be a solid 2009 campaign, and they will likely hover around that mark this season.

Everything relys on how well McDaniels’ and Nolan’s coaching schemes work in Denver, and how completely the players buy into them.

There are many question marks that surround this team, but it all makes for mile high excitement this offseason, the most exciting in many years for the Broncos.

Three Reasons the Denver Broncos Should Sign Michael Vick

Michael Vick was released from prison Wednesday, after being locked up for being “the key figure” in a grotesque dogfighting ring. He was sentenced in December 2007 to a 23-month stay in federal prison.

Vick, once one of the most electrifying players of all the NFL, was knocked off his pedestal of fame and fortune when found guilty.

A few major question marks hang over Vick, as two years is a long time to be away from the complex game of NFL football.

First, he has to be cleared by the iron fist of Roger Goodell to play again, and soon. If Vick has to wait out another year, he would be 30 when the season started, three years removed from a game of perfectionist quarterbacks.

Vick was drafted in 2001 and 2009 would be his seventh season, at the age of 29.

IF Vick was cleared soon, before camps, teams should jump at the opportunity of the former Pro Bowl quarterback being eligible.

Second, Vick has to accept that he may not ever be a starting quarterback again in the NFL, and if he wants to be one, he must really listen to coaching and play the way plays are drawn up.

Also, Vick has much to learn, especially if he wants to play for McDaniels’ highly complex offense, after being out of the NFL for two years.

IF all come to fruition, the Denver Broncos should definitely pick up Michael Vick.

Three reasons immediately come to mind about why the Broncos should snag Vick to compete for their starting quarterback job.

 

Reason One: With Jay Cutler gone, there is no defined starter…yet.

Sure, the Broncos acquired Kyle Orton in the trade with Chicago for Cutler, but he is not entitled to the starting job. McDaniels said so himself, stating that Orton and Chris Simms are in competition with each other.

Orton, a three year veteran, had his best season in 2008 with 2,972 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Not awe-inspiring when compared to Cutler’s record-setting 2008 season.

Like Vick, Simms has been out of the NFL for two seasons, after rupturing his spleen in 2006. Not many expect him to win the job, making the “competition” almost nonexistent.

Vick could come in and truly compete with Orton, if not for his smarts, but for his athleticism.

 

Reason Two: Vick is a veteran of the NFL.

Even though Vick has been out of the league for two seasons, he was a six-year veteran when he was placed in prison. He understands offenses and could possibly pick up McDaniels’ offense better than the others due to his experience.

Vick went through many coaching/play-calling changes throughout his career with Atlanta, so he knows how to quickly adapt to new plays.

Also, with Vick’s experience comes the knowledge of defenses and their tendencies.

 

Reason Three: Vick is exciting.

Michael Vick was a player that “puts butts in the seats;” he’s a fan favorite, exciting for even the most casual NFL fan.

He has the third most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history with 3,859, with 21 touchdowns to boot. Vick could drop back only to tuck and run on any defense, even if they planned for it. Late in games, Vick was known to take over and run for game-winning touchdowns.

As a passer, Vick has 11,505 yards, for 71 touchdowns. His best season included 2,474 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Quite comparable to Orton’s 2008 campaign. Add in Vick’s over 1,000 yards rushing and two TDs and Vick’s best season was much better than Orton’s.

Plus, imagine what McDaniels could do with Vick, Marshall, Royal, Stokley, Graham, and Moreno to name a few. There could be the Mile High-Octane offense, a wildcat-like style running and passing, innovating along the way.

That is what McDaniels is heralded for, right? Being innovative?

That really makes my point overall. Vick could come into Dove Valley and compete with Orton, and Simms to a lesser degree, which would push all players to their top level, and would prove the starter would be the best Denver could put out in 2009.

Competition should lead to better players and better play when all is said and done.

Vick could, and most likely would, make the Denver Broncos a better team in 2009 as far as the quarterback position is concerned.

From Josh McDaniels To Mike Nolan: The Denver Broncos’ 2009 Coaches

One is an assistant turned head coach, the other a head coach demoted to assistant.

Josh McDaniels and Mike Nolan have many differences, but are similar as well.

McDaniels is the unsung, young, bright-eyed head coach that has taken control from the beginning of his campaign.

McDaniels spent the past eight seasons with the New England Patriots, and the previous three as the team’s offensive coordinator/quarterback coach. He led the Patriots to their NFL-best offense in 2007, scoring 589 points on 75 touchdowns with over 6,500 yards.

With Denver, he has grabbed the reigns and told owner Pat Bowlen to hold on.

McDaniels, only 33 years old, hired Brian Xanders as GM, and fired many of the ’08 Broncos’ horrible defensive players, including Dre’ Bly and Dwayne Robertson. In all, only Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, Elvis Dumervil, and Marcus Thomas are still on the team looking to play in 2009.

Mike Nolan has been brought in to reshape a Broncos defense that was 30th overall, 30th in points, and 29th in total yards allowed. For Nolan, at least one thing is for sure; there is no where to go but up.

Broncos fans should be excited for the coming of Nolan, an ex-49ers head coach, as their defensive coordinator. At least this year, Denver fans will know who the coordinator is, as he will be their fourth in as many years.

Mike Nolan has 11 years of defensive coordinator experience and was the 49ers head coach for the past four seasons. In all, Noan is very experienced. With 22 years in the NFL, he can possibly lend some advice to McDaniels.

As of now, Nolan is almost old enough to be McDaniels’ dad, but he must work together well with his new boss. So far, the two have agreed that Denver must have a complete overhaul, switching over to the 3-4 defense.

While only a few months from preseason, Denver still has many question marks on the defensive end, including how well the new alignment will work.

Dumervil should be moving to outside linebacker from defensive end, and newly acquired players from trades, free agency, and the draft all have to step in to start this year.

While it must have been hard for Bowlen to fire Shanahan after a disappointing 2008 season, the changes should prove prosperous with McDaniels’ brain and Nolan’s defensive brawn.

Plus, with almost no one in Denver even knowing McDaniels’ name until his hiring, at the very least Nolan provides a recognizable face on the sidelines. Not to mention that Nolan is the best dressed coach in the NFL, wearing a suit every game.

One major aspect of both coaches is that they are winners and highly competitive.

For the Broncos and Bowlen, it is hoped that McDaniels and Nolan can not only get along but prosper as coaches for the Mile High city’s orange and blue warriors.

The 1998 Denver Broncos: The Greatest Team in Orange and Blue History

While the 1997 Broncos were the first to win a Super Bowl in Denver, the year that followed, 1998, was the greatest team ever assembled in orange and blue.

Everything fell into place in 1998, as the city of Denver and the whole Rocky Mountain region was a mile high over the Broncos first ever championship season.

As Denver was defending champs, they knew they would get every team’s best, every game—but they didn’t falter through most of the season, starting a remarkable 13-0.

The run was 18 straight games dating back to the ’97 postseason, tying the NFL record that still stands today.

The 1998 Broncos were a team through-and-through, starting from the top at Pat Bowlen and going all the way down to Keith Burns’ special teams standout.

 

Front Office

Pat Bowlen, Broncos owner in 1984, when he bought the team from Edgar Kaiser and saved it from possible bankruptcy.  He showed he was one of the best owners in sports, getting the Broncos to their fifth Super Bowl in 15 years.

Bowlen fired Wade Phillips after a two year experiment process and brought in Mike Shanahan to run the team as head coach and general manager. Shanahan brought winning ways, acting as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator in 1994 (when they won the Super Bowl), and his desire to do things his way—the right way.

Shanahan and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak were revolutionaries of their time, and 1998 was the year Shanahan became “The Mastermind.”

Shanahan’s offensive vision was crystal clear, and when he combined his brain with the Broncos’ brawn, it was all over for any opponent that stood in their way.

 

The Players

The ’98 Broncos were a talented, athletic, and dominant group, especially on offense.

Starting with John Elway, the Broncos sent seven offensive starters to the Pro Bowl after their dramatic season was all said and done.

Elway, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, had a solid year with 2,800 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions all coming on only 12 games played after Junior Seau injured Elway’s ribs in week 13.

Bigger than his statistical performance though, was Elway’s leadership—guiding the team through a historic season, and taking questions from the media to relieve pressure off of teammates.

I remember Elway being interviewed on MNF in week 10 and Al Michaels asking him if the Broncos will go undefeated. Elway answered, “We have to go 10-0 before we can go 16-0.”

While John Elway was the undoubted leader and commander of the Broncos, their most important player in 1998 was definitely Terrell Davis.

Davis was a star that burned so bright he could only sustain his luster for a short time in the NFL.

Davis, noted sixth round draft pick out of Georgia in 1995, turned into an elevating icon that got better year after year.

From 1995-98 Davis improved his running yards steadily, with 1,100, 1,500, 1,750, and finally 2,008 yards in 1998. Davis was only the fourth running back in NFL history to run for over 2,000 yards in a season at the time.

To add to his amazing total in yards, Davis had 21 touchdowns, a 5.1 yard/carry average, and ran for 125 yards per game!

TD had so many TDs he beat Jason Elam, the Broncos kicker, in scoring.

His superior running ability in 1998 led him to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, got him the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award, and the NFL MVP trophy as well.

In 1998, not only was Terrell Davis the best running back in the league, he was the NFL’s most dominant player overall.

Along with the Broncos tremendous running game was their numerous passing threats that allowed Elway to decide how he wanted to beat opposing teams’ defenses.

Ed McCaffery and Rod Smith each had 1,000 yard receiving seasons, only the second tandem to accomplish the feat in NFL history at the time. Either Smith or McCafferey could go deep or run crossing patterns in the middle of the field, causing headaches for secondaries all season.

Shannon Sharpe was also on the team, the tight end credited with revolutionizing the game for the position. Sharpe was dominant in ’98 creating matchup problems for defenses, because he was too fast for a linebacker and could beat safeties too.

Sharpe finished the season with 768 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Possibly the best and most underrated part of the ’98 Broncos offense was the offensive line. Centered by Tom Nalen, it included fellow Pro Bowlers Dan Neil and Tony Jones. The Broncos O-Line of the late 90s was overbearing to almost any defensive line as they opened huge holes for TD to run through and kept Elway off his back.

In all, the 1998 Broncos scored 501 points, a Denver record and a staggering number when you think about it.

Denver not only won in ’98, they blew teams out regularly having 12 points per game average. Some of the biggest routes include a 41-16 shellacking of the Eagles, a 40-14 beating of the Raiders, and a 38-16 commanding win over the Redskins.

After finishing with an NFL and Broncos best 14-2 record, Denver asserted their supremacy over teams in the playoffs as well.

In a rematch with the Dolphins, who had beaten Denver three weeks prior, the Broncos took control from the beginning, winning in commanding fashion 38-3.

In the AFC Championship game, the NY Jets put up a stronger fight, but Vinny Testeverte’s untimely turnovers sealed the deal for New York as Denver won again 23-10.

The Super Bowl was intriguing because it matched up Elway versus his old coach and one time nemesis Dan Rieves, the then coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Broncos dodged a bullet of sorts when the Falcons out kicked the Vikings in the NFC Championship game—The Vikings were the only team to score more than Denver in 1998.

In the lead up to the game, Elway dispelled rumors that the two still feuded and Elway let his play talk for him.

The performance was a career best for John Elway, as he threw for 336 yards, a touchdown, and ran for another score to easily overcome the Falcons 34-19.

Elway became the Super Bowl MVP and ended up riding his back-to-back championships into the sunset,into Canton, and the Football Hall of Fame.  

In all, the 1998 Denver Broncos sent 10 players to the Pro Bowl, including Elam who kicked an NFL record-tying 63-yard field goal in week eight against Jacksonville.

The team has one Hall of Famer in Elway, but should have at least a few more in the coming years joining him.

Davis may not make it, but should get some consideration.

Sharpe is an almost lock, and so is Nalen, eventually.

Others that should get a look over include Rod Smith, Steve Atwater, and Elam.

The 1998 team set many Broncos records including: overall scoring, points per game, wins, wins in a row, and finished off back-to-back Super Bowls.

If Elway doesn’t retire, who knows…the Broncos were so good they could have possibly been the first ever three-peat Super Bowl Champions.

It’s a fond idea to mull over in the Rockies, just as the 1998 Broncos should always be remembered in a fond way.

Never, before or since, have the Broncos come close to the amazing production of 1998, but we can all hope they can again soon.

 

Denver Broncos 2009 Mock Draft: The Beginning of Rebuilding

In the months before the election, many Americans, and specifically Coloradans, were moved by President Obama’s messages of hope, reassessing the American dream, and change.

In August, the Democratic National Convention was held in Denver, and Obama’s commencement speech was given in the Broncos’ beautiful Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium.

Whether Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was in attendance or not I don’t know, but I do know he was swept up in the soon-to-be President’s theme of change.

Bowlen fired long-time, all-time great head coach Mike Shanahan, and with him went exhausted, ineffective ideas and schemes.

With Shanahan came the departure of GMs, yes two, and all previous assistant coaches besides Bobby Turner, running backs coach, and Rick Dennison, special teams coach. Both are tenured, serving Denver as assistant coaches for over a decade each. Included in the firings was Jeremy Bates, offensive play-caller, and the initial request of a trade by Jay Cutler.

In came Josh McDaniels, a young, relatively unproven entity at head coach, able to conceive the greatest offense in the history of the NFL. McDaniels didn’t take much time to make changes of his own, hiring Brian Xanders as GM, and seemingly handing him a list of pink slips to hand out on his first day.

McDaniels and Xanders began to cut the fat off the sluggish, unproductive Broncos team, starting with many defenders. Jamie Winborn, Dwayne Robertson, and Dre’ Bly were the big names to be sent home early, and more have come since then.

Jay Cutler, the latest Denver ex-Bronco, the most prestigious player to leave Broncos country, was unable to swallow his pride and subdue his ego long enough to even look at McDaniels’ extensive and exciting playbook.

McDaniels and Co. were forced into trading away their young gunslinging QB Jay Cutler. Cutler, the one player on the Broncos’ 2008 team that seemed safe, asked to be traded after the month and a half long McJaygate fiasco.

McDaniels and Xander got as close as possible to a “king’s ransom” for the pro bowl quarterback, getting veteran QB Kyle Orton and two first-round draft picks from the Bears.

With the departures came an extensive list of newcomers as well, 16 veteran free agents in all, including Brian Dawkins, Andre Davis, and Chris Simms.

Now, as the draft approaches, beginning tomorrow morning, the Broncos brass must continue to focus on the future of the organization.

2009 will be the first time in Denver Broncos history that the team has two picks in the first-round, and how they use them will be crucial.

Will the Broncos try to package the No. 12 and 18 picks together in order to move up drastically and have a chance at QB Mark Sanchez?

I say no because Denver would be better served taking two players in order to add as much talent as possible. Sayre Bedinger, B/R Broncos Community leader, agrees the Broncos won’t take Sanchez; read his reasons here.

Instead, Denver will use both picks separately and grab two different players-of-need.

Following is my Denver Broncos’ mock draft for 2009. Instead of speculating where Denver will trade picks, which is likely to happen with 10 overall, I will assume the Broncos will pick at the spots they currently own.

 

1. B.J. Raji DT (12th overall)

The Broncos’ biggest weakness at this point is defensive line, and Raji could be a great DT in the NFL.

At 6’2”, 337 pounds, Raji is a beast of a tackle, and can create penetration when needed. In his senior season, Raji had 42 tackles (22 solo), 16 stops behind the line, and a team-high eight sacks.

This young player could be the centerpiece of the Broncos’ new defensive line for years to come.

 

2. Brian Cushing OLB (18th overall)

Denver’s second most glaring weakness currently is at linebacker, and as they shift to the 3-4, an OLB is needed. While Rey Maualuga would be an awesome addition, he will likely go earlier than 18th. Some are predicting just a few earlier, 16th to San Diego.

Cushing though, is a great linebacker, “considered one of the finest strong side outside-linebackers in the game” according to NFL.com. He can blitz, track down running backs, and drop back into pass coverage.

Cushing would be an excellent complement to D.J. Williams on the weak-side, and would definitely improve the Broncos’ defense.

 

3.  Sean Smith CB (48th overall)

Smith, a converted receiver to cornerback, is new to the position but could learn much under Champ Bailey and the other veterans in Denver’s defensive backfield.

He had 46 tackles (23 solo), a forced fumble, nine defended passes, and five interceptions in his senior season in which he started all but one game. At 6’4”, 214 pounds, Smith would be an imposing figure as a corner, matching up well with the bigger receivers in the NFL game today.

The Broncos need a CB, as many of their DBs are aging; if not Smith, look for them to take at least one somewhere.

 

4.  Rashad Johnson S (79th overall)

Johnson could be undersized at 5’11”, 204 pounds, but he left Alabama a captain and was considered the SEC’s premier safety in 2008.

The safety had 89 tackles (60 solo), caused a fumble, and led Alabama with five interceptions and 11 passes defended.

He could be a great complement to Brian Dawkins’ hard hitting style as a safety that can cover.

 

5. Graham Harrell QB (84th overall)

The Broncos need a quarterback somewhere in this draft, so why not Harrell?

In 2008, Harrell passed for 5,111 yards, 45 touchdowns, compared to only nine interceptions for Texas Tech. He is heralded as a strong leader with decent mobility. However, a weakness could be his long ball, as he “does not have a cannon arm” according to NFL.com.

But Harrell would be a nice addition to the Broncos, competing for a job against Orton and Simms.

6.  Derek Walker DE (114th overall)

Walker, at 6’4”, 268 pounds has a legitimate NFL body, and uses his quickness off the ball to get around the edge of offensive tackles.

Walker proved to be versatile in his senior season at Illinois, playing all four lineman positions, and starting every game but one. He had 33 tackles, two fumble recoveries, intercepted a pass, and even blocked a field goal.

Walker would be a welcomed addition to Denver’s front seven.

 

7. Edwin Williams C (149th overall)

Williams was a solid three-year starter for Maryland, and was a first team All-ACC selection his senior year in 2008.

He is a leader on the offensive line, and is alert to blitzes. However, Williams lacks speed and can lunge at second-level defenders at times.

Denver, though, needs a center as Wiegmann enters his 14th season at the position.

 

8. Sam Swank K (185th overall)

The Broncos should take a kicker to compete with second-year player Matt Prater, as Prater missed many key field goals in 2008.

Swank has a legitimate NFL leg, routinely kicking field goals over 50 yards, and could help Denver’s special teams if he were to beat out Prater.

 

9. Curtis Taylor FS (225th overall)

As both of Denver’s safeties are aging, it may be in their best interest to select two. If that is the case, Taylor would be a good find late in the draft. His 6’2”, 209 pound frame is perfect for the position and he is quite athletic.

 

10. Herb Donaldson RB (235th overall)

Donaldson is a relative unknown from Western Illinois, but would improve the Broncos’ depth at running back. He posted over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns his senior season, a prospect that could become valuable later in his career.

So there you have it, my mock draft for 2009. The Broncos could pick any of these players, or none at all. Much of that depends on where players are taken and at what picks.

No matter what though, Denver needs to focus on defense in this draft, adding few offensive players here and there to bolster the squad. However, if they were to move up to take one of the two potentially great QBs, that would be beneficial also.

When all is said and done, the Denver Broncos will be a much improved team after this weekend.

 

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