Horse Tracks - 4/27/10 - Time to get to work

With the glitz and glam of the 2010 NFL Draft out of the way, it's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programming, including Horse Tracks.  For those new to MHR, I welcome you and look forward to your participation in the greatest Broncos Fan Community on the web.  Horse Tracks is your daily link dump for everything Denver Broncos and NFL related.  Consider it your 'Orange and Blue Cup of Coffee' to help you get started each and every football morning!  It will have stories relating to the Broncos, as well as all the big news from the NFL.  No need to browse, no need to search.  If you find a story, feel free to send it my way at MHRHorseTracks@gmail.com. On to the 'Tracks!

Remembering Keli McGregor - DenverBroncos.com
Keli McGregor was a free agent tight end for the Denver Broncos in 1985 who played in two games before being released by the team. I was an employee for the team at the time, doing whatever tasks Pat Bowlen, John Beake, Dan Reeves and Jim Saccomano asked of me.

Broncos Add Ayodele - DenverBroncos.com
The Broncos on Monday officially announced the signing of free agent linebacker Akin Aydoele.

It’s How You Play, Not Who You Play - DenverBroncos.com
The long awaited 2010 National Football League schedule is out at last, making the coming season truly seem to be right around the corner.

Broncos deal with eye on chasing Chargers - The Denver Post
Overpowered by the San Diego Chargers at the line of scrimmage for years, the Broncos went into free agency and spent $50 million to rebuild a new, three-man defensive line, then used the draft to add a tackle, a guard and a center to their offensive front.

Klis: Tebow brings star power - The Denver Post
Tebow is bigger than Chauncey. Bigger than Helton. Bigger than whoever is the best player on the post-Joe Sakic Avs. Most significantly, and not a little awkwardly, Tebow is bigger than Kyle Orton, the Broncos' starting quarterback, and Brady Quinn, the backup.

New CB Cox said he learned from Cotton Bowl "mistake" | All Things Broncos
The Broncos drafted Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox at No. 137 overall in the fifth round of the draft Saturday.

2010 NFP draft grades | National Football Post
Grade: B+ Denver Broncos A strong, good-looking group of prospects from top to bottom make the Broncos one of the real weekend winners. They got a nice crop of technically sound offensive linemen and some real value in the middle of the draft. This class, however, will ultimately depend on the success or failure of QB Tim Tebow.

A fire sale of vets on draft weekend | National Football Post
Some business notes and thoughts from the first-ever three-day NFL Draft:

Clausen should heat up QB competition in Carolina | National Football Post
The Jimmy Clausen slide on Thursday and Friday night offered up the major drama of draft weekend, but once the Irish QB finally came off the board at No. 48 to the Panthers, was there reason to doubt that he can’t compete with — and eventually beat out — starter Matt Moore?

Jets to make a move for Thomas? | National Football Post
The New York Jets have already made a splash this offseason, acquiring big-name veterans such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Cromartie and Jason Taylor.

Westbrook passes physical on trip to St. Louis | National Football Post
Despite suffering two concussions that forced him to miss eight regular season games in 2009, former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook passed a physical he took for the St. Louis Rams over the weekend, per a report from Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

2011 Super Bowl odds | National Football Post
Now that the 2010 NFL draft has concluded, bookmakers have begun updating their odds on every team’s chances of winning next February’s Super Bowl.

Aaron Hernandez reportedly failed drug tests at Florida | National Football Post
Why did University of Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez last until the fourth round when his free fall ended with the New England Patriots drafting him?

Bengals sign eight undrafted rookie free agents | National Football Post
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed several undrafted rookie linebackers, including Duke linebacker Vincent Rey.

Broncos add 19 rookie free agents | National Football Post
The Denver Broncos' 19-player undrafted rookie free agent class is headlined by UCLA linebacker Korey Bosworth and Notre Dame safety Kyle McCarthy.

Ravens getting younger on defense | National Football Post
The Baltimore Ravens didn’t acquire a cornerback during the NFL draft, but they did achieve a secondary goal on defense.

Former Steelers QB Mike Tomczak charged with assaulting wife | National Football Post
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak was arrested today and charged with two counts of simple assault on his wife, according to a published report.

Michael Oher, parents score book deal | National Football Post
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher's inspirational story as a homeless teenager who was adopted by a loving, wealthy family and emerged as a first-round draft pick was immortalized in the book and movie, "The Blind Side.

Roethlisberger releases statement, won't appeal suspension
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he won't appeal his six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Agent: Veteran LB Thomas receiving interest from multiple teams
The New England Patriots announced Monday that they have released former Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas, who joined the team as a high-profile free agent in 2007, but fell into disfavor with coach Bill Belichick last season.

Jaguars release two-time Pro Bowl DT Henderson
The Jacksonville Jaguars released two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle John Henderson on Monday, opening up a starting spot for first-round draft pick Tyson Alualu.

Bucs release DT Hovan, five others in post-draft sweep of roster
Defensive tackle Chris Hovan, offensive lineman Arron Sears and reserve fullback B.J. Askew are among six veterans released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Source: Steelers extend McFadden's contract through 2012
The Pittsburgh Steelers have extended Bryant McFadden's contract, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Jets rework Gholston's deal, which opens door for release in 2011
The Jets recently finalized a new deal with Vernon Gholston, protecting themselves against some future incentive and bonus payments to the unproductive former first-round pick, and allowing themselves to get out of the contract easily following the 2010 season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

AFC West: Broncos gamble on Tebow; Chargers add more talent
Denver Broncos: B The Broncos have opened themselves up to criticism by opting to take Demaryius Thomas over Dez Bryant. The move was a little surprising given Thomas’ foot injury and limited experience in the passing game. Coach Josh McDaniels added to the controversy by trading back into the first round to take Tim Tebow despite concerns about the quarterback’s mechanics. While the Broncos picked up good value in the later rounds with the selections of WR Eric Decker and CB Perrish Cox, this draft will ultimately be judged on whether the Tebow to Thomas connection surpasses the output of Jay Cutter and Brandon Marshall in Denver.

Cowher says Roethlisberger was respected by team "
There are varying reports that Ben Roethlisberger was not very popular with his teammates. Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher does not necessarily agree with that.

Seahawks have most impressive draft; Raiders are surprise winner
Having been in the NFL before, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll knows that supposed good drafts can end up breaking your heart -- and costing you a job -- if those players don't pan out or mesh with the veterans on your roster. With that experience, and by working with savvy first-time general manager John Schneider, who had earned major respect in his front-office role in Green Bay before going to Seattle, Carroll and the Seahawks came out big-time winners the past few days, which included the draft.

Ricky Williams uncertain about NFL after 2010 - ESPN
Ricky Williams is at ease enough with himself to approve a tell-all documentary on his life.

AFC West Blog - ESPN - AFC West Draft Grades
Denver (B+): Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders are interesting drafters. They are creative and aggressive. They made a ton of trades to manipulate the board. Sure, Denver gave up a ton for quarterback Tim Tebow, and he is a risk. But McDaniels thinks he’ll be a star. Give credit to Denver for getting the guy it wanted. The Broncos have two outstanding receiver prospects in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, but both are coming off foot injuries. The team did well with offensive linemen Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton. Cornerback Perrish Cox is a sleeper. There are some good pieces here, although there are some risks.