Around the web: Do dreams come true?

Last night I dreamed the Broncos traded Brandon Marshall to the Redskins. It wasn't one of those dreams when you know it's fake, it was very realistic and vivid. Only when I woke up this morning did I realize it didn't in fact happen. Although, this morning Jonathan Douglas of BroncoTalk suggested that it could in fact happen. Even Bill Williamson got into the action reporting, "that the Redskins could still make a run at Denver’s restricted free-agent receiver."

In jersey number news, Brady Quinn will be wearing ... Number 9! Apparently Jabar Gaffney Really didn't wanna give it up, or his price was to high, Or maybe Numbers aren't a big deal to Quinn. It should be noted (and was by Ian Henson) that Quinn topped Kyle Orton. His number 9 is one above 8 (Kyle's number). Should we make anything of that? No, but we do anyway. Alphonso Smith also changed his number, snatching Peyton Hillis's old #22, and four other Broncos changed theirs too.

The DenverPost's Mock Draft says Denver could use Rolando McClain, but if he's not there trading down for Florida center Maurkice Pouncey is an option. Shutdown Corner's Mock also have Denver selecting Pouncey, while NFL.com has Texas' LB Sergio Kindle going at #11.

Trash Talk Alert: Jamal Williams looks forward to the chance to hit Philip Rivers. Many fans on our facebook page added that they would love a chance to as well. Who wouldn't?

Quarterback Kyle Orton has been attending the Broncos offseason program, MHR points out he's a good leader for being there. I'll add, he is a class act.

One of our favorite reporters, Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post re-watched the Broncos 2005 divisional game against the Patriots, and concluded: Things change Very quickly in the NFL.

That's all the links we have for now, fan Broncos Zone on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter for more Bronco Coverage 24/7.

Shanahan has been busy

After taking a year off from football, Mike Shanahan signed with the Washington Redskins as the new Head Coach this offseason. He is trying to turn the team around, and is well on his way to doing it. Among the Redskins signings include; DB Phillip Buchanon, backs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, and QB Rex Crossman.

Shanny is known for being a big spender, and he hasn't lost his reputation in Washington. Today, he traded 3 draft picks to the Eagles for QB Donavon McNabb. To go along with that, he owns the 4th overall pick in the draft. Jason Campbell is also still on the roster, giving Shanahan a trade option.

The NFC East has always been competitive, and it looks like that will continue into 2010. The Redskins are well on their way to getting back on track, under the guidance of the Broncos former coach. Football season can't come soon enough! Happy Easter to McNabb, Shanahan, and all of you.

Top 11 available at pick #11

I'm not going to do a Mock Draft, instead, I've made a list of the top 11 players for the Broncos that probably [possibly] will be available when Denver is on the clock. Here they are:

#1 Mike Iupati - Guard, Idaho
Picking him at #11 may be a bit high, but Denver could trade down to get him. In reality, #11 isn't too high though, when you build a football team you start in the trenches, having a strong line is a must. Just ask Knowshon Moreno. Iupati is 6′5 & 335 pounds, he is just to perfect for the Broncos to select.

#2 Rolando McClain - LB, Alabama
All of Bronco Nation (well, 45% of the fans I've talked to) are screaming for McClain. I for one haven't really seen anything in him to make him a worthy 11th overall pick, but the man can play. He's compiled 275 tackles in just three seasons. To date, the Broncos don't have a starting MLB to play along side D.J. Williams, McClain would be a very nice compliment.

#3 Dan Williams - DL, Tennessee
In many Mocks Williams has fallen (and oddly risen, he's all over the place), Denver signed three defensive linemen this off season, so this pick doesn't make sence. Wrong. I love the Broncos signings on the line, but be realistic; how much longer can a turning-34-year-old Jamal Williams get it done? And do you really expect Ronald Fields to be the guy? Denver could use a good DT, and Williams would fit the Broncos' 3-4 very well.

#4 Maurkice Pouncey - Guard/Center, Florida
The logic for Pouncey is about the same as it is for Iupati, Denver needs a good Guard, and both players are versitle, Scout.com had this to say of Maurkice: "Once Pouncey locks onto a defender, it's over. He has great drive and tenacity. He moves his feet well and keeps a solid base underneath him." I like that kind of player.

#5 Joe Haden - CB, Florida.
Haden may not be avaialbe at #11, but we can dare to dream. Champ Bailey's contract ends after this season, and he and Andre' Goodman are entering their early 30's. Last draft the Broncos selected Alphonso Smith and signed Nate Jones this offseason, but coaches are always looking to upgrade at Every position, Haden would be an upgrade. He also is a great special teamer. He could be the next shutdown corner, or just a solid one, either way, Denver could use him.

#6 Sean Weatherspoon - ILB/OLB, Missouri
Elenventh overall may seen a little high for Weatherspoon (because it is) but I'm biased, I'm a big fan of his. What he brings to the table that McClain doesn't is outstanding playmaking ability and athleticism. He is good in blitz packages and pass coverage, he is a risk, but one I think is worth taking.

#7 Taylor Mays - S, USC
Again, I'm just a big fan. But there is some simple logic, too. The Broncos' have 3 talented safeties [Dawkins, Hill, and McBath] but two of them are over 30, and Dawkins will slow down sometime (contrary to the belief that he Is an X-Man and will never slow down). Taylor could have an immediate impact, while learning from the best. When Hill and Dawkins are done, a McBath/Mays safety combo would be pretty wicked.

#8 Dexter McCluster - WR/RB, Mississippi
McCluster won't be picked in the first round, but he's one of the best avaible at #11 for the Broncos. He is a RB, but also a WR. IF Brandon Marshall were not to play in Denver this season (I believe he will) the Broncos could use another WR, McCluster would work. He would also be a good compliment to Moreno and Correll Buckhalter. He won't be Denver's first pick, but I could see Denver going after him.

#9 Derrick Morgan - DE, Georgia Tech
The Broncos don't have a good true Defensive End, they could really use one. Most of the Broncos pass rush came from their linebackers in 2009, which is not necessarily bad, but having a down linemen rush is vital in the NFL. Morgan is one of the best Ends in the draft, he's a great pass rusher, and can stop the run, he would be a good fit for the Broncos D-line.

#10 Brandon Spikes - LB, Florida
Another linebacker, he's aggressive, and extremely athletic, he's exactly what inside 3-4 linebackers are supposed to be like. If McClain is off the board, or Spikes slips till the 2nd round, the Broncos selecting Spikes wouldn't be surprising.

#11 Tim Tebow - QB, Florida
Whine moan and groan about his trowing technique, that doesn't really bother me. His stats are off the wall, and he is a winner. Sure he's not a great pocket style NFL QB, but I believe he'll succeed in the NFL (he'll have a better career than Jimmy Clousen). If I was an NFL team I would never let Tebow fall into the 2nd round, he is too talented a player and great leader. If Tebow is going to have success as a Pro QB, he can't be drafted by a team that is looking for him to be their savior (like the Jaguars) he needs to be drafted by an well established team with a franchise QB (like the Patriots). So why do I have him as a good selection for the Broncos? 1) Denver is still looking for the next John Elway, Orton isn't and Quinn probably isn't either, Tebow could be. Sure Tewboy doesn't have the arm, but he has the skill and heart, he's been working on his throwing style, and mechanics. 2) I'm a Tebow fan, I'm biased. I believe he could thrive under McDaniels and become a big star in the NFL.

Conclusion; 7 of the 11 players are defensive players, obviously Denver needs some defensive help. Also, they need some O-line depth. I didn't notice, but 5 of the players are from Florida, that is some program they have going. I am Not a Dez Bryant fan, I like to compare him to Michael Crabtree. If you like Bryant, read this. I wouldn't be surprised to see Denver select any one of these players with the 11th pick, but I also whouldn't be surprised if Denver didn't pick any of them. Josh McDaniels may just have a plan to draft the BPA (best player available) or he may have a man crush on a random player. Nobody knows. But there are my top 11 for you, let me know in the comments section how dumb or genius I am.

Around the web: April's folly

Back in March I got a sick idea to start a trade rumor about Brandon Marshall for Phillip Rivers. I took a screenshot of ESPN's AFC West Blog, and edited the text in it using Picasa. I posted it on our Twitter page yesterday. I wasn't satisfied with that, I also posted it on our Facebook page, and on MHR and BFB. As you can imagine the rumor got many mixed reactions, about half of the comments simply read: "April Fools". Although there were some who admitted they believed it for at least a few minutes, there were also many who took it upon themselves to tell me how dumb and lame it was and I am. The story did get on SI.com, they linked back to the story, that was cool.

In other [Real] news, the Broncos 2010 Preseason Schedule is Set. They will face the Bengals and Viking on the road, with the Lions and Steelers traveling to Mile High. The Steelers game will be Nationally televised.

The Broncos recent signings please DB Andre Goodman, as well as the rest of Bronco Nation. The Broncos have had a good offseason so far.

Many fans (including me) believe Jason Elam should make the Hall Of Fame, as does Woody Paige.

Could the Broncos draft Toby Gerhart? BroncoMadness.com has Denver selecting him in the second round in their mock.

Competition. It's a buzz word for every NFL team this time of year, and the feeling around Dove Valley is no different.

Mike Shanahan and the Redskins have signed Willie Parker. Parker joins former Bronco Clinton Portis and former Chief Larry Johnson.

Football season is closer than it seems, after the draft time will fly by! We're counting down the days till we get to see the Broncos run onto the field to start the 2010 season!