Ex-Browns GM Tom Heckert Joins Broncos Staff

The rich get richer. In this case that saying applies most directly to the Denver Broncos.

Former Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles general manager Tom Heckert, Jr. has been hired as Director of Pro Personnel, the NFL Network's Albert Breer reports:

Ex-Browns GM Tom Heckert will be director of pro personnel in Denver ... Taking the spot just vacated by Keith Kidd.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 7, 2013

Keith Kidd, a hire from the Josh McDaniels era in 2009, served as Director of Pro Personnel for the Broncos for four years. News broke last week that Kidd's contract was not being renewed.

Heckert has an extensive NFL pedigree and at least seemed to be in demand after being fired by the Browns. Andy Reid was said to want Heckert, to replace Scott Pioli. Heckert was also apparently wanted by the New York Jets (but Heckert canceled his interview).

Quick hits on Heckert:

• Ten years with the Miami Dolphins (1991-2000), nine as both a pro and college scout.
  
• Promoted to Pro Personnel in 2000.
  
• Director of Player Personnel 2001-02 with the Philadelphia Eagles, before being promoted to Vice President of Player Personnel in 2003. Over the course of five years he helped Reid assemble a team that went to four straight NFC Championship Games (2001-04) and one Super Bowl.
  
• Promoted to General Manager in 2006 with the Eagles, by 2009 13 of the 22 starters in Philadelphia were Heckert draft picks. In 2010 he became the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, despite minor successes in Cleveland, former team president Mike Holmgren received most of the attribution. With the Browns Heckert helped to draft Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Josh Gordon, Greg Little, Travis Benjamin, Trent Richardson, Phil Taylor and Brandon Weeden.
  

In an offseason that has seen many great signings for the Broncos, this may be the definitive one in assuring Denver's long successful future.