An article on the Denver Post this morning suggests that the Broncos, who have recently worked out linebackers James Laurinaitis and Paul Kruger (of Ohio State and Utah respectively) could be targeting either of those players not with the No. 12 pick, but with the No. 48 pick.  Laurinaitis has really slid down draft boards, but never have I heard of him falling out of round one.  It has happened in recent years that one of the “elite” MLB’s has fallen out of the blue, such as Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor out of Penn State, who both were sure fire first round picks in the 2007 and 2008 drafts.

Mike Klis of the Post also goes on to say that Denver likely will be targeting a defensive lineman (shocker), possibly B.J. Raji with their 12th pick.  Raji is a hot prospect right now and is really the only elite nose tackle in the entire draft.  He has worked out with the Broncos on multiple occasions, and if he falls to pick 12, expect Denver to pull the trigger.

I promised a seven round Broncos mock draft, and here it is!  All scouting reports courtesy of NFL.com via NFLDraftScout.com.

Round One, Pick 12:  Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU  6′4″ 295

This is my third article promoting the Broncos’ drafting of Tyson Jackson.  I feel like I sound like a broken record, but this pick makes sense.  Unless the Broncos get lucky, they will not be able to get NT B.J. Raji with this pick.  A player like Brian Cushing or Malcolm Jenkins could be tempting, but the Broncos would be wise to look toward the defensive line in the early portions of the draft, especially since they basically neglected that area in free agency.

Scouting Report

Positives: Versatile defender who operates as an end in LSU’s base 4-3 alignment, but could also be moved inside as a 4-3 under (3-technique) tackle or as an end in the 3-4 alignment. … Good team defender. … Understands his containment responsibilities. … Excellent size and strength to stack at the point of attack. … Flashes the ability to shed blocks and make the play. … Good initial quickness off the snap. … Can pressure the tackle’s outside shoulder and has the strength to push the blocker into the pocket toward the quarterback or use his hands to rip off the block. … Gets his hands up in the passing lane. … Good lateral quickness and hand technique to disengage from blocks and make the play. … Hustles to chase ballcarriers downfield.

Negatives: Bit of a “tweener” for 4-3 teams. … Lacks a great burst upfield, closing speed and the repertoire of pass-rush moves to be a dynamic outside pass rusher. … Marginal speed to close. … Does not change direction quickly in the backfield to prevent quarterbacks stepping up or getting yards with their feet.

Round Two, Pick 48:  Ron Brace; Defensive Tackle, Boston College   6′3″ 330

Quick–What was the worst part of the Denver Broncos’ defense in 2008?  If you said everything, that’s pretty harsh, but you are not too far off.  The answer I was looking for was run defense.  While his teammate B.J. Raji gets a lot more attention, Brace is a two-time All-ACC selection in his own right.

He would likely start immediately along with Tyson Jackson, and those two would provide instant credibility to Denver’s rush defense. 

Scouting Report

Positives: Square-framed, naturally large man. … Surprising initial quickness off the snap to disrupt the play before it has a chance to begin. … Good lateral quickness to slide down the line. … Good use of hands to slap away the blockers’ attempts to control him. … Good overall strength, especially in his lower body, to hold up at the point. … Can anchor against the double-team and flashes the ability to split. … Able to close if given a free lane. … Recognizes the action quickly and can slide off the block onto the runner as he goes by. … Versatile defender capable of projecting as a zero-, one- or three-technique at the next level.

Negatives: Only “phone booth” quickness. … Requires a free lane to close on the quarterback and isn’t going to provide significant interior pass rush. … Marginal effort and ability in pursuit. … Flanked by a better prospect in Raji and often faces only one blocker. … Struggled with a recurring back injury in 2008. … Concern over back injury only heightened considering his heavy build and potential to allow his weight to get out of control.

Round Three, Pick 79:  Bradley Fletcher; Defensive Back, Iowa   6′0″ 198

If I can’t have Shonn Greene, I may as well go for another Iowa prospect early in my mock draft.  Bradley Fletcher only had one season of starting experience with the Hawkeyes, but he made great use of it.  The senior has had an excellent off-season to this point, and has elevated his draft stock quite a bit. 

There are some skeptics regarding what position he will play in the NFL, but Denver would love to have him at either cornerback or safety. 

Scouting Report

Positives: Prototypical size for the position. … Flashes a strong initial punch to disrupt the receiver’s timing with the quarterback. … At least adequate straight-line speed to remain at cornerback. … Flexible hips to turn and run with receivers. … Has the lateral agility and quickness to break on the ball. … Long arms and active hands, which he uses well in coverage to bat away passes. … At least adequate hands for the interception. … Uses his size to his advantage and responds to the physical challenge of bigger receivers. … Can highpoint the ball. … Breaks down well in space to make the secure open-field tackle. … Flashes some pop. … Has the size and instincts to lead some teams to project him as a free safety prospect. … Good week of practice at cornerback at the East-West Shrine Game has his stock on the rise.

Negatives: Viewed by some as a bit of a “tweener.” … Lacks great fluidity out of his breaks and must prove he has the deep speed to run with the NFL’s elite burners on the outside. … Only has one full season as a starter. … Tends to duck his head when fighting through blocks and can lose sight of the ball. … Not the physical hitter most teams prefer if he is to move to free safety.

Round Four, Pick 114:  Jarrett Dillard; Wide Receiver, Rice   5′10″ 191

The Broncos already have an excellent core of receivers, but the team needs to begin developing their slot receiver of the future behind Brandon Stokley.  Jarrett Dillard is arguably the best college receiver ever, but because of his small stature and lack of elite speed, he will be a gem in the mid-rounds.

Dillard has the best vertical leap of any receiver in the draft, and some of the surest hands.  He is a great red-zone target, and could be a steal for any team that picks him up.  Denver receiver Brandon Marshall is facing a suspension, and Dillard would be a nice security blanket to have around.

Scouting Report

Positives: Productive receiver with long arms and adequate size. Very reliable hands, snatching the ball away from his body. Can free himself off press coverage using his hands and quick movements on the line. Excellent route-runner as he stays low in his cuts, sells the jerk route well and does not round off out-cuts. Good vision and a naturally elusive runner with the ball in his hands. Lulls defenders to sleep off the line, then takes off down the seam. Adjusts to throws to his outside shoulder.

Negatives: Lacks great athleticism and explosiveness off the line. Lacks the pure speed to separate from corners or safeties. Has trouble getting to corners and linebackers to block at the second level. Gets knocked off his routes too easily. Won’t win many battles for the ball in the air because of relatively weak hands and vertical, although he can shield the defender. Likely a slot receiver. Must adapt to a new quarterback after building a great relationship with Clement.

Round Five, Pick 140 (from Seattle):  Jasper Brinkley; Middle Linebacker, South Carolina

I am a huge fan of Brinkley.  He will get drafted about two or three rounds later than he should because statistically he struggled in 2008 after a severe knee injury in 2007.  Going into this season, he is fully healthy, and quite honestly is a tackling machine.  Denver could groom him as their starting MLB of the future behind Andra Davis.

Scouting Report

Positives: Prototype size and strength for the inside linebacker position. … Immediate impact defender for South Carolina after transferring from Georgia Military College, and improved gradually. … Shows some burst as pass rusher on the blitz. … Good short-area quickness to elude blockers. … Reliable open-field tackler and can be a punisher inside. … Intimidating presence whose size and power project nicely as a 3-4 inside linebacker.

Negatives: Relies on his physical attributes and is still developing his instincts and technique. … Too often looks to slip blocks instead of using his size advantage. … Struggles with his hand placement and is slow to disengage. … Can be fooled by misdirection and lacks the explosiveness to recover. … Lacks the instincts and foot speed to be a factor in coverage. … Missed all but four games of the 2007 season after tearing his ACL. … Underwent surgery September 2007 and wasn’t the same player in 2008, when his athleticism was nowhere close to what it was pre-injury.

Round Five, Pick 149:  Mitch King; Defensive End, Iowa  6′2″ 280

It’s not too often you are able to get a first team All-American defender in the fifth round of the draft, but I have seen crazier things.  So maybe I am a bit biased being an Iowa fan, but Mitch King is a true gamer.  He could line up at DT, DE, or OLB for the Broncos, and would immediately have an impact on special teams.  King is willing and able to do anything and everything he can to help his team win, which is why I like him so much.

Scouting Report

Positives: Short, squatty defender with a low center of gravity, making it tough to move him off the line of scrimmage. … Good strength, especially in his lower body, to anchor. … Good initial quickness off the snap. … Good hand placement and quickness. … Forceful hands to disengage from the blocker. … Good short-area vertical and lateral quickness to slip blocks and make plays in the hole. … Instinctive defender who sees the action and puts himself in position to make plays. … High-effort, high-intensity player who makes those around him better. … Four-year starter.

Negatives: Bit of a “tweener.” … Lacks the height, flexibility and speed off the edge teams prefer outside at defensive end and the bulk inside for defensive tackle. … Needs to be protected by a bigger defensive tackle next to him to handle playing inside in the NFL.

Round Six, Pick 185:  Curtis Painter; Quarterback, Purdue  6′3″ 225

Here’s the thing.  Jay Cutler has three years left on his rookie contract, and unless the Broncos can convince him to stay for the next eight years by giving him a $100 million plus contract, he will likely be gone after that contract expires.  Josh McDaniels knows how to develop quarterbacks, and Curtis Painter was widely considered the top senior quarterback in the nation prior to the season.  He would be a great late-round addition at quarterback for the Broncos.

Scouting Report

Strengths: Good size and bulk for the position. Durable four-year starter from a system that produced starting NFL QBs Drew Brees (Saints) and Kyle Orton (Bears). Quick set up and delivery. Legitimate NFL arm strength and accuracy. Can make every NFL throw, showing the zip, touch and deep accuracy necessary to attack every level of the defense. When given time in the pocket, shows very good accuracy. Can hit the moving target, giving his receivers the opportunity to take advantage of their abilities to run after the catch. Not particularly athletic, but can roll out, square his shoulders and throw accurately on the move.

Weaknesses: Struggles with pressure. Fails to feel the pocket collapsing around him and too often either absorbs hits or forces the ball into coverage. Will stare down his primary target and trusts his arm strength to put the ball into extraordinarily tight windows. Simply hasn’t made the improvements throughout his career expected of a four-year starter. Has struggled in big-game situations. Missed time as a senior with a separated right shoulder that requires a medical check.

Round Seven, Pick 225:  David Bruton; Safety, Notre Dame  6′2″ 219

The Broncos got a late-round steal last year in Josh Barrett at the safety position, and could get another one here in David Bruton.  He showed at the combine that he has great straight line speed, although his coverage skills are still in question.  Given time to develop, he could be a good backup and special teamer at the next level.

Scouting Report

Positives: Centerfielder with good height and upper-body build. … Nice straight-line speed and overall athleticism for his size. … Usually able to track down ballcarriers from behind, although he will usually take the correct angle to prevent the catastrophic play. … Covers a lot of ground in the deep half, with the ability to high-point the ball on the sideline for the interception. … Good hands make to quarterbacks pay for overthrows. … Also moves inside-out well to get to ballcarriers on stretch plays, either behind the line of scrimmage or working through trash. … Breaks down well, getting low to make the tackle in the open field. … Long enough to wrap up in space and get a hand on the ball to force the turnover. … Major special teams contributor for the Irish as a gunner, winning hand-play at the line, beating the double team, showing good speed down the field and securing the tackle. … Good leader and hard worker.

Negatives: Stiff in the hips. … Has trouble flipping open in transition. … Adequate closing on underneath patterns and staying with tight ends, but struggles manning up against quicker receivers. … Needs to improve reading quarterback so he can be involved in more plays. … Not physical enough against the run or in coverage. … Often loses hand battles and fights for the ball with receivers. … Doesn’t explode into tackles, but is more of a catcher. … Running backs drive through his arm tackles. … Will whiff in the open field when ducking his head instead of seeing what he hits.

Round Seven, Pick 235 (from Atlanta):  A.Q. Shipley; Center, Penn State

Say what you will about the length of Shipley’s arms, I’ll take him on my team any day.  This is great late-round value for the Broncos, who sure as heck had better be getting a great player with this pick that they got in exchange for Domonique Foxworth.  Shipley could eventually take over at either guard or center, whichever spot Kory Lichtensteiger doesn’t take over first.

Scouting Report

Positives: Stout, tough and physical at the point, plays like the former nose guard he is. Strong anchor in pass protection, and does not get bull-rushed as he uses his wide base to maintain leverage. Battles everyone and anyone on the field, playing through the whistle. Good enough feet to combo (in either direction) then get to the linebacker or safety and angle him while engaged. Adept at shotgun. Gets hands up quickly after the snap. Gets off his man to pick up late blitzers using his feet and hands. Only adequate moving laterally on pulls, but is still able to wall off linebackers inside. Team leader. Makes accurate line adjustments.

Negatives: Lacks height, bulk and arm length. Projects to center only, probably in a zone-blocking system. Short arms prevent him from maintaining contact with tackles on the move, which lets his man shed or get past him. Initial punch is only adequate. Does not consistently sustain his blocks, especially against stronger tackles.

1. Detroit (0-16):  Matthew Stafford; Quarterback, Georgia

Detroit needs a face of the franchise. There really is no clear cut top player in this draft class, and Detroit would be wise to go with a future franchise quarterback. In a deep offensive lineman class, they can get a solid big later in the draft, possibly with their second first round pick. Matthew Stafford has had a very impressive offseason, and he could be the gunslinger the Lions have lacked for so long.
2. St. Louis (2-14):  Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor

Now that Orlando Pace has officially been released, the Rams can look to their left tackle of the future. Depending on what Detroit does, they will have their choice of top tackles. I personally think they should go with Jason Smith. Out of the top three offensive tackles in this draft, Smith has the best feet, and that is critical in today’s game and protecting a quarterback.
3. Kansas City (2-14):  Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest

I’m a big fan of Aaron Curry. He is undoubtedly the best senior prospect in this draft, maybe the best prospect overall. Kansas City just traded for Mike Vrabel, who will likely play middle linebacker. A trio of Vrabel, Derrick Johnson, and Curry could be absolutely terrifying for opposing offenses.
4. Seattle (4-12):  Eugene Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia

Monroe could easily go number one in this draft, meaning this is great value for Seattle.  Prior to signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh, this pick was Michael Crabtree all the way. Now, Seattle can focus on their big men on offense. They could target Aaron Curry since they recently traded Julian Peterson, but with him off the board this is the next best option.
5. Cleveland(4-12):  Brian Orakpo; Outside Linebacker, Texas

Willie McGinnest is nearing the end of his career, and Kamerion Wimbley has not played up to his rookie potential. Brian Orakpo is a great pass rushing defensive end who seems ready to make the switch to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. 
6. Cincinnati (4-11-1):  Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama

While Andre Smith may not have gotten off to the greatest start by no-showing the Combine, he is still a dominant left tackle. Cincinnati has stated their interest in Smith, and it is unlikely that he will fall any further than the sixth overall pick. If he does, it will be an absolute steal.
7. Oakland(5-11):  Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

Whether or not Oakland is the one making this pick remains to be seen, but it is unlikely that Crabtree will go any longer without hearing his name called. He is a big-play receiver, and while he doesn’t have elite speed, he makes up for it with great leaping ability.
8. Jacksonville(5-11):  Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC

Maualuga had a chance to work with the Jacksonville staff at the Senior Bowl, and the recent signing of Mike Peterson in Atlanta almost makes it seem like a no-brainer for Jacksonville to take a middle linebacker with this pick. Maualuga is a great run-stopper, and can have a Jerod Mayo type of impact on the Jaguars.
9. Green Bay(6-10):  B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College

Green Bay is making the switch to the 3-4, and that means a dominant nose tackle is needed.  Justin Harrell has not developed as expected, but he should get every opportunity.  If the pick is not Raji, it should be Malcolm Jenkins, as the Packers’ DB’s are getting a bit long in the tooth.
10. San Francisco(7-9):  Aaron Maybin; Outside Linebacker, Penn State

Manny Lawson has not been great since his rookie season, and on the other side the 49ers lack a pass rush as well.  Maybin is a dual-threat tweener who could instantly upgrade any team’s pass rush.  Patrick Willis on the inside and Maybin on the outside would be a great combination.
11. Buffalo(7-9):  Brandon Pettigrew; Tight End, Oklahoma State

Buffalo let Robert Royal go to the Browns, and a replacement is needed. Pettigrew is the best tight end in the draft, and is somewhat of a utility man. He is a better blocker than a receiver, but he can catch the ball with the best of them.
12. Denver (8-8):  Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU

Denver is making the switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment, and right now they don’t really have the personnel up front to make that transition. Jackson is very athletic for his 6′4″ 295 pound frame, and is considered the best five technique the draft has to offer.
13. Washington(8-8):  Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

The Redskins made a huge splash and filled a big need this off-season by signing DT Albert Haynesworth, changing the focus of the draft to the offensive front.  Oher was once considered a top five pick, and could be a great value here.
14. New Orleans (8-8):  Malcolm Jenkins; Defensive Back, Ohio State

Jenkins has been very good the past four seasons at Ohio State. He helped his draft stock with a strong pro day, but scouts are still in doubt as to what position he may play at the next level.  With the Saints, he would be an excellent fit at free safety.
15. Houston(8-8):  Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC

Houston did a great job at the start of the off-season by signing defensive end Antonio Smith to pair with Mario Williams up front, but there is still a hole at outside linebacker.  Cushing is going to be the defensive rookie of the year in my opinion, and this would be a great pickup for Gary Kubiak and the Texans.
16. San Diego (8-8):  Chris Wells; Running Back, Ohio State

San Diego sorely missed a bruising presence at the running back position, and Chris Wells compares very favorably to former Charger Michael Turner. Wells prefers to run over people, and that is what I love about him. He would be an excellent addition to San Diego’s backfield.
17. New York Jets (9-7):  Mark Sanchez; Quarterback, USC

Brett Ratliff, Kellen Clemens, and Erik Ainge. Any of those names ring a bell? Mark Sanchez likely wouldn’t start right away, but he is an upgrade over any of those other quarterbacks. New York could struggle this season, but if Sanchez develops, watch out for them in 2010.
18. Chicago(9-7):  Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri

For years, Chicago has lacked a playmaker at the receiver position. Kyle Orton had a very good season last year, and could be primed to break out in 2009 if given the correct weapons. Matt Forte was a great pick last season, and the Bears would do well to add a dynamic receiver like Jeremy Maclin.
19. Tampa Bay (9-7):  Peria Jerry; Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Aside from the Bucs releasing virtually their entire defense, they really have no defensive tackles anyway. Jerry is a great pass-rushing defensive tackle, and would be a great addition alongside Gaines Adams up front.
20. Detroit (from Dallas) (9-7):  Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State

At this point, Everette Brown is an absolute steal. Detroit traded its top pass rusher in Cory Redding to the Seahawks, and Brown would be a great pass-rushing option off the edge. 
21. Philadelphia(9-6-1):  Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia

Brian Westbrook is injury prone, and Correll Buckhalter bolted for the Broncos. Moreno is a playmaker at running back who added muscle mass over the off-season. He could end up being a thousand yard back in time, but with Philly he would be a change of pace.
22. Minnesota(10-6):  Percy Harvin; Wide Receiver, Florida

Harvin could help the Vikings on a number of different levels. He is extremely versatile and deadly after the catch. He would be a great possession receiver on one side with the deep threat Bernard Berrian on the other. 
23. New England(11-5):  Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois

Davis really shouldn’t fall this far, but his lack of great coverage skills are enough to warrant falling out of the top 20. He has great speed and size, and the Patriots have been known for developing cornerbacks in their system. This would be a great pick for them.

24. Atlanta(11-5):  James Laurinaitis; Linebacker, Ohio State

Atlanta lost two of their three starting linebackers to free agency in Michael Boley and Keith Brooking. Mike Peterson was signed, but he is aging. I like Laurinaitis here because he can play both the inside and outside, and would team well with Curtis Lofton.
25. Miami (11-5):  Hakeem Nicks; Wide Receiver, North Carolina

Ted Ginn has developed into a good deep threat, but a possession receiver is needed.  Nicks has been compared to Anquan Boldin, and rightfully so. He is a very tough and physical receiver with big play ability. 
26. Baltimore(11-5):  Darrius Heyward-Bey; Wide Receiver, Maryland

Derrick Mason is aging, and Mark Clayton has not developed into the premiere receiver Baltimore had hoped. Heyward-Bey has “boom or bust” written all over him, but he is worth the risk here. Joe Flacco would be getting a big and fast target, who could also help out in the return game if needed.

27. Indianapolis (12-4):  Clay Matthews; Outside Linebacker, USC

Indy really needs help at defensive tackle, but there is nobody worth taking with this pick. Clay Matthews is a great consolation, and he would likely start at outside linebacker immediately. He is also a great special teams player.
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina) (12-4):  Eben Britton; Offensive Tackle, Arizona

The Eagles signed Stacy Andrews away from the Bengals, but there is still a hole at the left tackle spot. Eben Britton may be a bit of a reach here, but he has the potential to be a decade-long starter in this league. Not great, but very good.
29. New York Giants(12-4):  Kenny Britt; Wide Receiver, Rutgers

With Plaxico Burress’ situation in doubt, the Giants are going to have to add another big receiver to take his place. Britt reportedly ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and would be a great pick for the Giants, who have also been rumored to be interested in Cleveland receiver Braylon Edwards.
30. Tennessee(13-3):  Alphonso Smith; Cornerback, Wake Forest

Cortland Finnegan was a pleasant surprise last year, and the Titans would be wise to add a ball-hawking cornerback on the opposite side of him. Alphonso Smith may be small, but he has a nose for the football.
31. Arizona (9-7):  Donald Brown; Running Back, UConn

This is one of my favorite picks thus far. I love what Donald Brown brings to the table at the next level. He was superb for UConn, and could be a great starting running back in this league.
32. Pittsburgh (12-4):  Alex Mack; Center, California

If there is one hole on the Super Bowl champs, it is on the offensive front. Ben Roethlisberger hit the dirt far too many times, and Alex Mack would be a good way to start rebuilding that line.

Some of the most important games in the 2009 NFL schedule were announced on Monday, and the Broncos will once again be featured on NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football.

This year, they will appear on Thanksgiving Night, at home against the New York Giants.

The Broncos have been a favorite of the TNF lineup, appearing on it every year since its debut on NFL Network in 2006. The Broncos played in the first ever live game on NFLN, when they lost to the Chiefs in Jake Plummer’s final start.

Aside from that, it can be inferred that the Broncos will face the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week one. Since FOX is the primary network for NFC teams, the Broncos only have two home games against NFC teams (the Giants and Cowboys), and the Giants are already scheduled for Thanksgiving, the Cowboys are the only option for the Broncos season-opener.

The remainder of the schedules will be released in the coming weeks.

Josh McDaniels holds the Denver Broncos’ away throwback jersey.  This is Denver’s 50th anniversary as an NFL franchise, and they along with a handful of other teams will be donning throwback uniforms twice this year:  Once at a home game, and once at an away game.

Regardless of how much he has done in the NFL compared to Jay Cutler, Brady Quinn is handling similar trade talks in a much more respective and calm manner.

“I don’t think there’s any need to ask questions like that,” Quinn said. “If anything like that were true and going to happen, I think they’d eventually let me know in talking about it. I’m not putting any stock in it whatsoever.”

Quinn has recently been rumored to be the center of potential trade talks involving disgruntled Denver quarterback Jay Cutler.  The proposed trade has the New York Jets basically cleaning out their draft picks, sending their first round pick (17th overall) this year, next year, and a second round pick to Denver while the Broncos would send that second round pick to Cleveland for Quinn, landing Cutler in New York.

Denver is an attractive landing spot for Quinn, mainly because Josh McDaniels runs a similar offense to what Quinn learned under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame.  However, Quinn doesn’t think that is an issue or a factor.  Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, was a receivers coach with New England back when Weis ran the offense.

“It’s funny, because people underestimate the fact Brian Daboll was under Coach Weis as well,” Quinn said. “You could say that for both coaches, I guess. It’s all rumors. It’s all part of the drama of being in the NFL.”

One sad and curious Broncos fan has to wonder:  Why could Cutler not say that same thing?  “It’s all rumors.”

With the recent downfall of “McJaygate”, which incidentally is the dumbest and not clever term I have ever heard (no offense Mike Klis), has led to Cutler’s likely departure from Denver, possibly by the end of the owners’ meetings that are taking place this week in California.

It seems unlikely to this spectator that Cleveland would be willing to part with Quinn simply in exchange for a second round pick.  They have a lot of money invested in Derek Anderson, but it appears that Quinn is the favorite to win the starting job for 2009.

A more likely scenario would send Cutler to Cleveland for Quinn and high draft picks, but Browns fans have not been reacting well to that.

Brady Quinn’s comments have confirmed that no matter the ego, no matter the name, any player is susceptible to trade rumors.  Quinn understands, and is going about his business as though he is getting paid millions.  Jay Cutler should do the same.

As the Jay Cutler situation continues to boil, more and more high-profile people around the NFL are speaking out. One of them was Denver hero, John Elway.

The man who Cutler once compared himself to has taken a dim view of the current quarterback’s decisions, saying “I understand Jay’s feelings got hurt, but it’s too bad it has got to where it is. I wish Jay would have got some better advice from whoever he was getting advice from.”

“Obviously, there was a lack of communication somewhere to where it blew this thing up to where it has got to now…I’m sad for both sides.”

Take a good look Broncos fans. All of those hundreds and thousands of dollars spent on No. 6 Jay Cutler jerseys are about to all go to waste. ESPN.com’s rumor central is reporting that this weekend could be Cutler’s “last with the team” and that “four teams have contacted the Broncos” in regards to the Pro Bowl quarterback.

While only four teams have contacted the team about Cutler’s availability, the number is expected to increase at the annual owners’ meetings next week.

In regards to the compensation Denver would receive, an unnamed NFL executive told the Denver Post that “They should be able to pick a quarterback off a roster and get two No. 1’s – one this year and one next year.”

For all of you who thought that two first round picks was too much for Cutler, you were wrong. 

Way wrong.

In fact, if this report is correct, the Broncos will not only receive two first-round picks, they will also receive a quarterback in return for Cutler’s services. 

Right now, the most likely destination appears to be Cleveland, as they have two quarterbacks that they could offer in Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. If the unnamed executive’s prediction of compensation is true, the Broncos will likely be able to get Quinn/Anderson, B.J. Raji, and either Rey Maualuga or a number of other prospects.

As much as people think this will set the Broncos back, it truly will not. Denver’s offensive line is arguably the best in the NFL, and whatever quarterback lines up under center will stay fairly clean.

Denver’s offensive line only allowed Cutler to be sacked 11 times last year.

Also, Denver has one of the best offensive nucleus’ of talent in the NFL.  Wide receivers Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham, Jabar Gaffney, and Chad Jackson all are very capable targets for whatever quarterback will throw to them.

Rest easy Broncos fans, the compensation for our star quarterback will be relatively fair, and as much as I hate to see the Jay Cutler era end like this, it is for the best of the team. Cutler has become a distraction, and it is time to move on.

There is much anticipation leading up to the NFL Draft, and the Denver Broncos figure to be drafting big on day one. 

The Denver Post is reporting that the Broncos will hold private workouts with Boston College nose tackle B.J. Raji, as well as Louisville center Eric Wood.  Both players have really dazzled scouts with their off-season workouts already, and while Raji is projected as a top 12 pick, Wood has a very good chance of landing in the mid-late second round.

ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the representative for Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler, Bus Cook, is now in Buffalo for unknown reasons.  PFT speculates that Cook could be there for Jay Cutler, but that Buffalo is much more likely to be interested in the pass-catching tight end.

Scheffler has been an excellent target for the Broncos over the last three years, although he has missed a significant amount of time due to a barrage of injuries. 

A trade of Scheffler would likely pull Cutler’s last straw.  Scheffler and Cutler are extremely close.  They are roomates and are both skipping the team’s first off-season workout. 

Denver has recently signed tight end Jeb Putzier, and has a great tight end in Daniel Graham already.  The Broncos could possibly be looking at a trade for a good defensive lineman, and/or a high draft pick for Scheffler.