2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Kansas City Chiefs

Perhaps no team, this side of Chicago, lost more talent to injury last season than the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite missing their quarterback and franchise running back however, the Chiefs still managed to win seven games and even make a run at the division title.

Coming off a year in which the Chiefs had double-digit wins and made the playoffs, the 7-9 finish was a disappointment for fans, but not a total loss.

Head Coach Todd Haley, whom the players had apparently tuned out, was replaced with Romeo Crennell who, in his first game as coach, beat the 13-0 Green Bay Packers.

Crennell inherited one of the most talented defensive rosters in football, but the offense remains a problem.

Jamaal Charles was establishing himself as one of the best running backs in football and was one of the most explosive at any position.A major knee injury sidetracked his development, but if he can come back and be close to 100%, the Chiefs offense immediately becomes better.

On the other side of the ball, it's scary to think how good this team would have been last year if Eric Berry had been healthy.

Even with the loss of their former first round pick, the Chiefs finished 6th in the NFL against the pass thanks to the corner player of Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr.

Carr was lost in free agency,  but this secondary still has plenty of talent to be a top-level pass defense.

Adding another safety and a nose tackle in the middle would help boost an anemic rush defense and could make this defense a terror in the AFC.

Offense
It's interesting that a team with a defensive coach spent all of its free agency money this offseason on the offensive side of the ball. Eric Winston was absolutely stolen from Houston, after the Texans inexplicably cut one of the best right tackles in the game.

Kevin Boss was signed from Oakland to try and improve the tight end position, but Boss is really just insurance in case Tony Moeaki can't get all the way back from his ACL tear.

Brady Quinn  and Peyton Hillis were signed to add depth to this team. Both are reclamation projects of sorts, and the Chiefs would probably prefer neither see major time on the field.

Receiver remains a major concern for the Chiefs with Dwane Bowe being franchised and Johnathan Baldwin hardly living up to expectations.

Unfortunately, while the Chiefs desperately need to upgrade that position, they probably have too much invested in Baldwin and Bowe, at least this season, to think about drafting a guy like Michael Floyd in the first round.

Don't be surprised, however, to see the Chiefs draft a running back in the first few rounds to pair with Charles who is at his best when he can be used in a multitude of ways. Dexter McCluster is a talented player, but Kansas City really hasn't figured out yet how to use him and he's not the kind of back you'd ideally pair with Charles.

Key Free Agents: Jackie Battle RB, Anthony Becht TE, Thomas Jones RB, Le'Ron McClain RB (signed w/ Chargers), Ryan O'Callaghan OT, Kyle Orton QB (signed w/ Cowboys), Leonard Pope TE (signed w/ Steelers), Barry Richardson OT, Jerheme Urban WR, Casey Wiegmann C

Defense
When you shut down the defending Super Bowl Champions, stopping a historic run through the regular season, it says something about the way you defend.


Kansas City has one of the best corners in the league not named Darrelle Revis in Brandon Flowers. His partner in crime, Brandon Carr was signed away to Dallas, but Travis Daniels was re-signed and Javier Arenas was a big-time playmaker in the secondary at Alabama, although he hasn't had the chance to show it in the NFL.

Tamba Hali is one of the best rush linebackers in the game and Derrick Johnson has finally shown the ability to play to his immense talents inside. Opposite Hali, Justin Houston showed flashes last year of why he was getting first round buzz and could really improve in his second season.

Getting better up the middle, whether it's a nose tackle or another inside linebacker, could go a long way in improving a rush defense that finished 26th in the league last season.

The ends in this 3-4 defensive line are both former top 10 picks, but neither Glenn Dorsey nor Tyson Jackson have been anything to write home about. The investment the Chiefs made in them may be far enough in the rear-view mirror to justify a high pick on someone like Fletcher Cox if he falls, or they could reach for a nose tackle like Dontari Poe. Either would be an upgrade over what they have.

Key Free Agents: Jovan Belcher ILB (re-signed w/ Chiefs), Brandon Carr CB (signed w/ Cowboys), Travis Daniels (re-signed w/ Chiefs), Wallace Gilberry DE, Kelly Gregg NT, Jon McGraw S, Sabby Piscitelli S,

Draft Targets

Needs: WR,NT,S,TE,OL,RB
Round 1 (Pick 11): Luke Kuechley ILB Boston College (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 10)

Is this the safe choice? Maybe it is, but that doesn't make it a bad choice. Romeo Crennel has already failed as an NFL head coach which puts more pressure on his run in K.C. He needs to add solid player to his roster with this pick, preferably one without much risk. And let's not pretend like Kuechley isn't an elite-level prospect. He's a top 10 talent, with outstanding instincts and leadership skills. He flashed better-than-expected athleticism at the combine and people who think he doesn't have enough "upside," proabably haven't watched him play. Kuechley could follow the Zach Thomas playbook in the right defense: a tackling machine with great awareness and leadership, despite not possessing elite athleticism. Getting a corner like Dre Kirkpatrick might make sense here too, especially with Peyton Manning heading to the AFC West.

Round 2 (Pick 44): Lamar Miller RB Miami (Fla.) (Pos. Rank: 4, Overall Rank: 44)

In a perfect world, a physical back would be here to pair with Jamaal Charles' dynamic, big-play ability. Miller is a home run hitter, but isn't a consistent between the tackles runner. He does have good balance and burst, but his vision is mediocre and he has to get lucky in order to pick more up than is blocked. Perhaps that has to do with the fact he was only a one-year starter at Miami and with some experience he'll get better. He certainly has the athletic talents to be a starter in the NFL if his feel can improve. Kansas City has interest in some of the quarterbacks in this draft and Brandon Weeden could get a look here too.

Round 3 (Pick 74): Markelle Martin S Oklahoma State (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 75)

I love this pick for the Chiefs to pair Martin with Eric Berry. Berry is a physical safety who loves to hit and make big plays. Martin is more of a deep safety who uses his ball skills and range to make plays in the defensive backfield. Martin was, for much of the year, considered the top safety prospect in the class, although his play trailed off due to some nagging injuries. As a playmaker, Martin has few piers in this defensive back class, although he's not suited to playing slot receivers in man coverage. He's better reading and reacting where he can use his speed to make plays. Martin and Berry would also make a pretty pulverizing safety duo with both looking to knock guys out coming across the middle.

Overall

This wouldn't be a sexy draft for the Chiefs, but it would be an effective one. Kuechley is a guy who can start for this defense for the next decade and Martin, if he can stay healthy, can be an excellent starter as well. Miller, assuming the Chiefs can keep Charles, may not be a starter on this team, but has the talent to be a starting-caliber player particularly behind an offensive line that got a lot better with Eric Winston. The value (0) isn't outstanding, but it's above average and would fill needs at three critical positions. If Charles can't come back 100% to start the season, having a player like Miller would be important to providing balance for this offense, even if he's not a long-term starter. Martin and Kuechley both could be Day 1 starters.

Final Thought

It's hard to know what will happen in the NFC West because we don't know how good the Broncos can be with Peyton Manning, nor do we know what state the Chargers and Raiders really are in as we head into 2012. Kansas City has as much talent as any of those teams and probably has the best defense of that group. If you told me the Chiefs would win the division and make the playoffs, I wouldn't be surprised. Likewise, if you told me they'd go 5-11 and finish last, I also wouldn't be surprised. The AFC West is truly up for grabs and the Chiefs, just a season removed from winning a division title, have as good a chance as any to take it down again. If the Chiefs are healthy, they might just be the best team in the West. Making a few key moves and adding the right pieces in the draft could solidify their standing as a playoff team, while failing to do so could topple them from the standings. This is one of the more enigmatic teams in the league as we enter 2012.

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectuctus: Oakland Raiders

With a new general manager and head coach and Al Davis' death signaling a regime change in Oakland, the Raiders may, for the first time in decades, take a step toward rebuilding.

Al Davis was famous for his "Win baby, win," slogan, but the Raiders, for the better part of the last decade, have failed to do much of that.

Dennis Allen takes over as coach of a team with a veteran quarterback at the end of his career and a few blue-chip players, but little else.

Reggie McKenzie, who learned at the feet of Ted Thompson in Green Bay, has shown he can dismantle a team. Now, he'll have to show he can build one.

Unfortunately, the damage has already been done to a large degree, especially when you consider McKenzie doesn't have his first three picks in this year's draft, only the Raider's compensatory selection at the end of the third round.

McKenzie has made a number of small moves to supplement the talent on this team, build depth, much like Thompson might. The big name players likely won't be in play very often in Oakland. They will likely be a draft and develop team.

Unfortunately for McKenzie, he doesn't have the credibility of a hall of fame quarterback and the talent of a double-digit win team that Thompson had when he arrived in Green Bay.

On the other hand, the Raiders just missed the playoffs in 2011. Oakland has one of the best fan bases in sports and they will suffer through a season or two of losing if the Raiders can nab the right players at the top of the draft, something this team hasn't done lately.

That means this season will be something of a free pass for McKenzie, since he's hamstrung by the bad personnel decisions and silly contracts handed out by his predecessors. Unfortunately for him and for the Raiders, there are still plenty of holes to fill.  

Offense
If Darren McFadden can get healthy and stay healthy, the Raiders will be a dangerous team in 2012. McFadden was just beginning to show his vast potential when injuries cost him most of last season. There are some other young running backs on this roster with talent like Taiwan Jones, which should mitigate the concerns over losing Michael Bush. 

Oakland's offensive line was actually one of the better groups in the league last year. They finished 5th in pass protection according to Football Outsiders and 14th in run blocking. Mike Brisiel was signed from Houston, which likely moves Steve Wisniewski back to his natural center position.

Having the flexibility to move him should make sure there is minimal drop-off after losing Samson Satele to the Colts in free agency.

This offense is desperately lacking in skill position players. The Raiders best receiver last season, Chaz Schilens, wound up in New York. Oakland hasn't had an elite receiver since Randy Moss although Darrius Heyward-Bey finally showed some glimpses last season.

Getting a tight end and a few receivers to get this offense some balance will go a long way in deciding just how dynamic this offense can be. With the running game being so solid, having even average receivers would be adequate, but this team doesn't have many.



Key Free Agents: Khalif Barnes OT (re-signed w/ Raiders), Kyle Boller QB, Kevin Boss TE (signed w/ Chiefs), Michael Bush RB (signed w/ Bears), Jason Campbell QB (signed w/ Bears), Cooper Carlisle G (re-signed w/ Raiders), Rock Cartwright RB (signed w/ 49ers), Stephon Heyer OL, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Samson Satele C (signed w/ Colts), Chaz Schilens (signed w/ Jets),


Defense
Oakland was more aggressive addressing its defensive needs this offseason, perhaps understanding the limited number of draft picks.

The Raiders added players at every level of the defense, including three defensive backs: Shawntae Spencer, Pat Lee and Ron Bartell. None of these corners are starters at this point, but they do have some potential. 
 
Phillip Wheeler was signed from the Colts and Dave Tollefson from the Giants to help with the pass rush, which wasn't effective from the corners last season.

Losing a handful of players from a pretty physical front seven will be a concern, but the interior lineman are arguably the best in football and Rolando McClain is one of the young defensive stars in the game.

Adding a pass rusher and an outside linebacker would go a long way in improving a defense that finished no higher than 27th in any of the major categories.

Oakland, in a division that just got tougher with Peyton Manning, isn't in a position to simply add a few pieces and be in position to compete for a championship.

More than the offense though, the defense has quality players like Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Tyvon Branch and Rolando McClain. It won't take much to get this team back to playing solid defense.
 
Key Free Agents: Daryl Blackstock MLB, Desmond Bryant DL, Quinton Groves OLB, John Henderson DT, Jarvis Moss DE, Stanford Routt CB (signed w/ Chiefs), Trevor Scott DE (signed w/ Patriots), Lito Sheppard CB, Kamerion Wimbley OLB (signed w/ Titans),

Draft Targets

Needs: WR,TE,OL,DE,LB,CB
Round 1 (Pick 17): Traded to Bengals for Carson Palmer

Round 2 (Pick 48): Traded to Patriots in 2011 Draft deal

Round 3: Used in Supplemental Draft on Terrelle Pryor

Round 3 (Pick 95 Compensatory): Marvin McNutt WR Iowa (Pos. Rank: 13, Overall Rank: 96)
If the Raiders are high on a quarterback like Nick Foles or Brock Osweiler and he falls to them here, it isn't out of the realm of possibilities for them to take a quarterback here. Remember, this new regime isn't responsible for the Palmer trade or the Terrelle Pryor pick, meaning they could take the risk if it meant drafting a "quarterback of the future." If they choose a different route, McNutt is a solid value and has the chance to be a decent #2 receiver in the NFL. He isn't devastatingly fast, but can get open by running crisp routes. He also has the strength to get off of press coverage, as well as terrific hands. With the deep speed of Heyward-Bey, McNutt could be a solid compliment.

Overall

It's hard to judge this draft because the Raiders only have one pick. The value of that pick is pretty decent (-1) and there are only two players on my board rated higher in this scenario. I can't blame McKenzie and Allen for the lack of early picks, but unless Pryor can be a starter, that was a wasted pick. It's also hard to imagine any scenario where the Palmer trade yields value given that at #17 this year, the Raiders could be getting a long-term starter rather than a veteran rental for a team not ready to compete. 


Final Thought
Oakland isn't likely to be in the playoff chase in 2012 as they were in 2011. The AFC West will be better and the Raiders simply don't have the talent to compete. Making matters worse, the Raiders don't have their top picks, meaning they won't add any significant talent through the draft. The small upgrades made through free agency should improve the defense, but the offense lost some key contributors and may have a tough time scoring points. If the defense can play to its talent level, this may actually be a better team than it was last season, but its unlikely the record will reflect that.

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: San Diego Chargers

Fans in San Diego (they have those right?) may not recognize their team in the 2012.

Turnover has marked the offseason to this point and with a top 20 pick, even more new faces will likely be headed to this starting line up.

The days of Jamaal Williams and Shawne Merriman dominating opposing offenses are long gone.

LaDanian Tomlinson hasn't been in San Diego in two years and his presence has been sorely missed.

Adding Eddie Royal, Robert Meachem and Roscoe Parish makes this team significantly more explosive, but the team's best offensive playmaker, Vincent Jackson is heading to Tampa.

Between those three, this receiving core is much deeper and has a trio of guys who can all win 1-on-1 match ups. They'll simply get it down in a much different way. 

Defensively are where the biggest questions stand for the Chargers. Antwan Barnes is one of the most underrated pass rushers in the NFL, but outside of that, San Diego doesn't have dynamic players around him.

Last year's first round pick Corey Liuget hardly lived up to his name and the Chargers struggled to generate pressure last season.

The secondary is also average at best and could use some young talent.

In the AFC West, the margin for error is a little larger with Oakland rebuilding and the Chiefs in considerable flux. We don't know what Peyton Manning will give Denver, leaving the Chargers with an opportunity to win the division and get back into the playoffs.  

Norv Turner's job is probably on the line if they miss out.

  
Offense
No team re-tooled their offense like the Chargers this offseason. No single player is as good as Vincent Jackson, but the sum of the parts will make this team more consistent.

Adding Dante Rosario was an underrated move as was Le'Ron McClain. Bringing in another tight end could be an option given the age and fragile health of Antonio Gates.

The offensive line is a question, with Jared Gaither being re-signed but Marcus McNeil, a former #1 pick, being allowed to walk.

Along with getting better upfront, the Chargers do need more help in the backfield since Ryan Matthews hasn't shown anything special, nor has he been able to stay healthy. 

Special teams, which have been a joke in southern California, should get better with Parrish and Michael Spurlock who were signed this offseason.


Key Free Agents: Patrick Crayton WR, Jared Gaither (re-signed w/ Chargers), Jacob Hester FB, Vincent Jackson WR (signed w/ Buccaneers), Randy McMichael TE (re-signed w/ Chargers), Marcus McNeil OT, Mike Tolbert RB (signed w/ Panthers), Bryan Walters WR (signed w/ Vikings),

Defense
This is where San Diego must get better. The Chargers signed hard-hitting, but inconsistent safety Atari Bigby as well as run-stopping outside linebacker Jarrett Johnson from Baltimore. 

Neither is a big-time playmaker, but both could help this defense next season.

San Diego needs the help too, since they probably only have one blue-chip player on this defense in Eric Weddle, although Barnes is a unique and dynamic talent.

Linebacker, though, is a spot of considerable weakness for San Diego and getting a pass rusher as well as an inside 'backer should be a focus for the Chargers.

Adding some depth at corner is also a must given the depth of receivers in the AFC where the Chargers hope to compete.

Essentially, the Chargers need help everywhere and basically can't go wrong with whichever position they choose to target this offseason.


Key Free Agents: Everette Brown DE (signed w/ Lions),Luis Castillo DE (re-signed w/ Chargers), Stephen Cooper ILB, Na'il Diggs LB, Antonio Garay DT (re-signed w/ Chargers), Steve Gregory (signed w/ Patriots), Tommie Harris DT, Nate Triplett LB

Draft Targets

Needs: OLB,DB,OL,LB,DL,RB
Round 1 (Pick 18): Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 17)

Heading into the Senior Bowl, I had Upshaw as the top outside linebacker prospect in this draft, but he showed impressive power at the point of attack, which caused me to re-categorize him as a defensive end. Most scouts have done the same, although Upshaw is a better fit in a 3-4 defense like San Diego. A violent and powerful rusher, Upshaw would be a perfect compliment to the relentless speed and quickness of Barnes. A safety like Mark Barron to pair with Weddle would be a solid move as well, but given the value and the need, Upshaw makes more sense.

Round 2 (Pick 49): Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska (Pos. Rank: 6, Overall Rank: 48)

Given Dennard's relative lack of speed and his affinity for physical play, some scouts believe Dennard is a safety in the NFL. San Diego could use him as a safety or a corner depending on the situation and because he'll likely be used in sub packages as a rookie, the Chargers will have a chance to decide where Dennard fits best long term.  If Lamar Miller falls to the Chargers here, he'd make a lot of sense as well,  but Dennard plays a position of greater need and his versatility enhances the value of this pick.

Round 3 (Pick 79): Mychal Kendricks ILB California (Pos. Rank: 4, Overall Rank: 79)

Kendricks is shooting up draft boards after torching the turf at the combine. The Chargers like linebackers, even on the inside, with quickness and Kendricks has that in spades. With limited playmakers inside, the Chargers could really use Kendricks, who is nimble enough to fill gaps in the running games as well as to be effective in coverage. Kendricks has reportedly not done well with pre-draft interviews and his instincts are a question, but his athletic ability is unquestioned and if the Chargers are willing to wait, he could be a steal at 79.

Overall

Even if Upshaw is the only pick, this draft would have been a success. Upshaw falling to them is an ideal situation for the Chargers. Everything else is gravy and while Dennard and Kendricks may not be Day 1 starters, both could be in the line up down the road. The numbers say this is a slightly above average draft (1+), but because the needs on this team are so specific, adding players with talent at those positions has to enhance the true value and impact of the draft on this team. Upshaw is the kind of player who could come in as a rookie and make a Pro Bowl team much like Brian Orakpo or Clay Matthews did a few years ago.

Final Thought

If the Chargers do get one of the elite pass rushers in this draft, the Chargers could be an extremely dangerous team. Normally seen as a favorite, San Diego may be riding under the radar with Peyton Manning heading to Denver and so much attention being paid to the returning playoff teams. Given the dynamic offensive talent the Chargers added, this offense will be even better and Phillip Rivers will almost certainly play better. With a set of pass rushers to get after opposing quarterbacks, this team could be a bounce back team and make a run in the playoffs. When this team gets rolling, they could be scary.

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Denver Broncos

It doesn't make sense to talk about the 2012 Denver Broncos through the lens of the '11 team since Denver traded the mania that had defined their season to New York.

Oh, and they signed a 4-time MVP and all-time great to replace him.

By signing Peyton Manning and trading Tim Tebow, Denver put itself at the center of the biggest player moves this offseason.

Had Tebow been replaced by almost anyone else, the level of vitriol among Broncos fans likely would have been significant. When you are able to put Peyton Manning, one of the best to ever play the position, at the media podium though, those attitudes must be tempered.

Tim Tebow was a big reason for the Broncos going from a 1-4 team to a playoff team and his knack to help win close games was a big reason why.

Manning, now under center in Denver, will have the fewest weapons of his career, but some young players who could really benefit from Peyton's unique talents as a communicator and leader.

The Broncos defense isn't exactly terrifying, but Manning has played with worse.
  
Offense
As a run-first offense, the Broncos were terrific last year, finishing at the top of the league rushing the ball. Losing Tim Tebow's numbers there will hurt, but the Denver offensive line is solid and should do a good job of both protecting Peyton and opening up running lanes.

Added Andre Caldwell on the outside and Jacob Tamme at tight end will mitigate, to some degree, the losses of both of Denver's top tight ends and their slot receiver Eddie Royal.

That being said, getting better skill possession players to pair with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are a critical part to making this offense better around Manning.

A running back should be part of the offseason plan as well with the aging Willis McGahee starting.

Peyton immediately makes this offense better just by showing up. Denver will again be a playoff threat thanks to what will undoubtedly be a better passing offense this season.

Key Free Agents:Daniel Fells TE (signed w/ Patriots), Dante Rosario TE (signed w/ Chargers), Eddie Royal WR ( signed w/ Chargers), Brady Quinn QB (signed w/ Chiefs), Matt Willis WR

Defense 

Denver, for what they added on offense with Manning, stands to lose a truckload on defense. All of the beef Denver had - which wasn't much to begin with - is headed out the door with Broderick Bunkley and Marcus Thomas both hitting free agency.

Even Denver's back-up defensive line with Derrick Harvey and Ryan McBean stand to walk, leaving the Broncos to with a literal hole in their defense.

Added Tracey Porter and Mike Adams can improve a secondary that, outside of Champ Bailey, doesn't have much in the way of talent. Getting deeper at defensive back, given the elite offensive teams in the AFC, is always something to be mindful of as well.

Linebacker is an area of strength for this team with Von Miller coming off a dynamic rookie season and both Joe Mays and Wesley Woodyard re-signing.

This is an athletic group of linebackers that, if given some big bodies up front, can do plenty of damage in space.

Getting better in the front four has to be a priority for the Broncos this offseason.

Key Free Agents: Broderick Bunkley DT (signed w/ Saints), Brian Dawkins S, Mario Haggan OLB, Derrick Harvey DE (signed w/ Bengals), Jason Hunter DE, Joe Mays ILB (re-signed w/ Broncos), Ryan McBean DL, Marcus Thomas DT, Wesley Woodyard LB (re-signed w/ Broncos)

Draft Targets

Needs:WR,DB,DL,TE,RB

Round 1 (Pick 25): Kendall Wright WR Baylor (Pos. Rank 3, Overall Rank: 23)

Wright was a sliding prospect after he run above 4.6 at the combine. His 4.4 40's at his Baylor workouts quelled some of those concerns and Wright's tape shows a player with explosive capabilities regardless of what his times say. Wright reminds me of Packer wide receiver Greg Jennings, although Wright isn't quite as smooth in and out of breaks. With big, physical receivers in Decker and Thomas opposite him, Wright is an ideal fit to play in the slot for this Denver team.

Round 2 (Pick 57): Trumaine Johnson CB Montana (Pos. Rank: 8, Overall Rank: 58)

Champ Bailey is a Hall of Fame corner, but turns 34 this offseason and isn't the dynamic player he once was. Johnson isn't a ballhawk, but can be dynamic with the ball in his hands and returned kicks at Montana. At almost 6-2 and over 200 pounds, Johnson has the strength and speed to stick NFL wide receivers despite coming from a non-FBS school. If a defensive tackle falls to the Broncos here, there's certainly a possibility to draft one, but Johnson has better value than any available in my mock here.

Round 3 (Pick 87): Mike Martin DT Michigan (Pos. Rank: 11, Overall Rank: 85)
It may seem strange to see Martin here when, just a few days ago, I had him to the Packers with their third round pick, but these mocks are constantly evolving. Martin fills too big an obvious need to get past Denver here and while the Broncos would ideally want a player with a little bit better bulk, playing a 4-3 defense allows Martin to play alongside an end and tackle which masks some of his size limitations. Being in a 4-3 also helps make up for Martin's lack of ideal arm length because most of his movement will be confined inside. Martin is still one of my sleepers and would be a solid contributor on this defense. 

Overall 

Denver has some obvious needs at receiver and on defense, all of which are addressed here. Wright and Martin could be Day 1 starters while Johnson would have a chance to get significant playing time early. Based on value this is a decent to good draft (+3), but when you account for the fact that the team's biggest needs were also addressed, it becomes an excellent one. If the Broncos are able to find a suitable inside partner for Martin and another running back, the Broncos would have a pretty solid personnel base heading into 2012.

Final Thought

Tim Tebow went 7-4 with this team last year and the guy completed 46% of his passes. Another 8-8 season seems like the basement for this team assuming Manning can be the starter for 16 games. Even a much tougher schedule doesn't seem like it should hold the Broncos back from at least fighting for a wild card spot. If they can add a few skill position players and some beef on the defensive line, this is a balanced team. With Manning running the show, I expect they're also a team no one will want to play in December and January. While likely not a true "contender" in terms of the the NFL's tiers, Denver is at least a dark horse. Expect them to be dangerous.