FanPost

Now What?

1. EFX let the board decide the player and not the player decide the board. They should be commended for their discipline. They obviously employed BPA, but we magically ended up drafting for need with each and every pick. In the end, it was a healthy mixture of the two. Admittedly, parts of this draft felt like the 2009 draft, I hope we don't have the same results. After blindly supporting McD in the 2009 draft, I will delay my verdict for now and just assert that I am cautiously optimistic.

2. I am encouraged by the drafts of our AFC West rivals. In my opinion, the Chiefs, as always, reached. Unlike prior drafts though, they gambled and projected a little. I think they reached with Baldwin, projected with Hudson, and gambled with Bailey. The Raiders were the Raiders, nothing new, nothing big. I feel like the Chargers caused as much head scratching as anyone in the league. I can't picture Liuget being a good fit in their system and their second round pick could have been had in the fourth. Somehow though, things turn out well for them.

3. Some of the comments coming out about Von Miller after the draft are amazing. EFX said Von is a once in a decade type of talent. EFX also said that in talking to GM's around the league, at least nine of them also confirmed that Von Miller is the best talent in the draft. What can us mock geeks learn from this? Prior to the Senior Bowl, in mock draft land, Von Miller was not generating anywhere near the buzz that he is now. Here is what I learned in the 2011 draft: SKILLS BEAT HYPE. It's very easy to say you understand that but how much of us really do? Elway was right, when you watch Von Miller play, you don't even have to look for him, he just sticks out. Very few players are that good. So, If Von is a once in a decade player, lets hope he is similar to Lawrence Taylor in the 80's, Derrick Thomas in the 90's, and Strahan or Peppers in the 2000s.

4. "I think where we are as an organization, we are going with Tim." Elway said. This was music to my ears and really the only option. As recently as yesterday though, I heard Ron Jaworski boldly proclaim that Orton will be our starting QB for the entire 2011 season. I couldn't disagree more. Everything I read leads me to believe that the Broncos are making a large time investment in Tebow and plan to do everything they can to set him up for success. This draft felt like an affirmation of Tebow, not an affirmation of Orton.

5. I am constantly amazed by the brilliance of the Patriots. Someone said it best on an article I read today: The Patriots hit for doubles early and they go for home runs late. Drafting Mallet and Cannon were amazing moves. Barring a cataclysmic disaster, within two years, Mallet will have likely stayed out of trouble, will probably have an impressive pre-season resume, might be more physically matured, and will likely have some decent backup QB minutes under his belt. In the end, I can see a scenario where they flip him for a first (and maybe more) or make him the heir to Tom Brady. Not only that, but they managed to bend the Raiders over and get a 2012 2nd rounder from them, which is becoming an annual tradition.

6. Here are some things I learned about EFX and the draft:

- Mock drafts are futile with these guys!

- Attempting to predict picks based on private workouts with us is also futile.

- They stay true to their board.

- Fox likes linebackers!

- Dennis Allen had obvious input into this draft. We drafted players who force turnovers and fit his scheme.

- They made a concerted effort to pick players of high character.

- They don't read our mock drafts!

7. There is so much that we, as internet Bronco fan geeks, don't know from merely reading reports of and watching games of Ryan Harris. I feel he is a good player, but I don't know the whole story. If I had to speculate, I believe Ryan Harris was made expendable for several different reasons: First, injuries. Second, he was not a violent player, he was perceived as soft. Third, while he seemed like a good pass protector, he happened to be a below average run blocker. My living in my Mom's basement scouting report would rate him as a good pass protector, below average run blocker, plays soft, quick feet, does not have the requisite lower body build (no ass) to drive defenders off the line, does not make many secondary blocks.

8. Here are some moves I would consider after the lockout is lifted:

- Kyle Orton for Albert Haynesworth

- Kyle Orton, Ryan Harris (tendered) for Albert Haynesworth and a 2012 second or third rounder

- Kyle Orton to an unknown team for a 2012 2nd rounder

- Sign Brandon Mebane (which will cost a ton)

- Sign Deangelo Williams (some assumed he was going to the Dolphins but they just drafted a 2nd round RB)

- Mario Haggan for Amobi Okoye (we might have to add a late draft pick)

- Sign Tim Hightower (he is likely gone from the Cardinals after they drafted an early round RB)

- Sign Zach Miller

- Sign Bo Scaife

Can you guys think of other moves? This is all off the top of my head.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.