The Josh McDaniels era in Denver got off to an incredible start, then came crashing down just as fast. After winning his first six games in 2009, McDaniels was fired near the end of a 4-12 season, which landed the Broncos in the second slot of the 2011 NFL Draft.
The Broncos offense was as potent as ever, but the defense was terrible. It did not help that Elvis Dumervil, who recorded 17 sacks in 2009, was sidelined the entire season due to injury. Dumervil is expected to return, and with the second overall selection in the draft Denver added the best pass rusher on the board in Von Miller, the outside linebacker from Texas A&M. Miller was rated as one of the three best prospects in the draft, and he will be a three down player who can defend against the run as well as get after the quarterback. With Miller coming from one side and Dumervil the other, the Broncos will have a formidable pass rush for new head coach John Fox.
The pass defense got help in Round 2 with the selection of Rahim Moore, a safety from UCLA. Moore was the top rated safety in the draft, and is an instinctive playmaker with a knack for getting to the ball. He will team with fourth round pick Quinton Carter to for a safety combo in Denver for many years.
The offensive line got an upgrade with the selection of Orlando Franklin, a tackle out of Miami. Ryan Clady has the left side anchored, and Franklin will work the right to protect either Kyle Orton or Tim Tebow, whoever winds up starting for Denver in 2011.
A late round sleeper pick looks to be Virgil Green, a tight end selected in Round 7 out of Nevada. Green fought injuries throughout his career, but he is a talented receiver who will be a sure handed option for the Broncos offense.
Draft Grade: B+
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