In the latest installment of the Aerys Huddle, I joined my fellow Aerys Sports NFL writers in discussing draft needs in Rounds 2-7 and offseason report cards.

I’ve only included my answers below, but you can read the thoughts of all the Aerys Sports NFL writers here.

And in case you missed it, read Part I here to learn what I think the Denver Broncos should do at No. 25.

With the #57 pick, the Denver Broncos select RB, LaMichael Miller**

**Okay, so there is no ‘LaMichael Miller,’ but there is LaMichael James and Lamar Miller. Read on… I’m truly stumped here, because I can make the case for so many positions, but in the end, I opted for running back in round 2.  If Miami’s Miller is available at #57, then Denver should draft him.  If not, then James could be an intriguing option.  In no particular order, the other positions Denver should address are: CB, QB, OL, WR, and maybe DE for good measure.

Um yeah, so the addition of Manning alone makes this a no-brainer. Grade: A

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

This time next week we’ll know for certain who is the Denver Broncos first round NFL Draft selection.

Until then, we have only mock drafts and more posturing than you can shake a stick at to pass the time.

I recently joined my fellow Aerys Sports NFL writers to discuss next week’s NFL Draft, free agency, and other miscellaneous offseason musings.  You can read Part I of our latest Aerys Huddle installment here, but for those with short – or at least Broncos-centric attention spans – I’ve included my contributions below, never mind that my  draft projection at No. 25 has catapulted into “Top 10″ discussion.

Without further ado…read and judge away…

No. 25: Denver Broncos - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

For the record, I don’t fancy myself as a Mock Draft expert.  In fact, this was significantly easier last year when the Broncos drafted No. 2 overall, because:

1) We all knew the Broncos would select a defensive player, and

2) Only a few defensive players were truly deserving of going that high in the draft.

Mere weeks ago, it was widely assumed – with little debate – the Denver Broncos would go one of two directions with pick No. 25: defensive tackle or cornerback.

Peyton Manning changes everything.

There’s ongoing talk, at least in the blogosphere and sports radio circles, suggesting the Broncos award Manning by selecting an offensive player in round one – either a running back to complement Willis McGahee or a wide receiver, because, well, the Denver has now adopted the “pass first, ask questions later” philosophy.

I can certainly see the merit of that argument; however, I’ve advocated for a DT for so long that in good faith I simply cannot back down.  The Broncos defensive line needs some bolstering in the trenches.  Enter a young, talented, line-stuffing DT.

Ty Warren, who missed all of last season, returns, and Denver recently signed ex-Bronco Justin Bannan, so yes, the Broncos have DTs, but no one qualifies in elite or game-changing status.

Cox is among as many as six defensive tackle prospects listed as first round caliber, though chances are at least three of those players slip to the second round.

Alternative Options: If he’s unavailable, the Broncos have several other options at DT, such as Michael Brockers, Dontari Poe, and Jerel Worthy.

Care to weigh in?  Are you like me and still think DT in Round 1, or do you think offense first under Peyton Manning?  Share your thoughts.

Part II insights will be posted later – where I forecast later rounds and grade the Broncos’ offseason thus far. (Hint: That grade will be high.)

Chillin' with Miles at last year's Denver Broncos NFL Draft party. (personal photo)

Broncos NFL Draft Party

The Denver Broncos are holding a draft party to celebrate their newest Bronco. As you may remember, I attended last year’s party at Jacksons, but this year’s party is at The Tavern Downtown starting at 5:30 p.m.  Several Broncos players past and present are scheduled to attend, along with cheerleaders, and there’s even a special video message from John Elway just moments after the team’s No. 25 pick.  You can also enter for prizes, and expect the usual giveaways.  The event is free and open to the public.

For more details, visit the team’s 2012 NFL Draft Party headquarters.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

Want to join the Tebowing craze?  You have the namesake’s full consent.

Turns out, the Broncos quarterback is a fan of the prayer posing fad, though he’s surprised the viral sensation has grown so quickly.  He also admits some Tebowing-ers (is that even a word?) may mock him, but Tebow – no surprise here – sees the bright side, telling The Denver Post:

He's fine with it, so go ahead and start Tebowing. (personal photo)

“It’s not my job to see peoples’ reasons behind it, but I know (of a kid) with cancer that tweeted me, ‘Tebowing while I’m chemoing’ — how cool is that?  That’s worth it right now. If that gives him any encouragement or puts a smile on his face, or gives him encouragement to pray, that’s completely awesome.

“It is serious, for me.  At least it’s being talked about, and that’s a cool thing. If I can help be an example of that, then I look at that as a blessing.”

Now that’s a costly play!

The NFL has fined Broncos running back Willis McGahee $7,500 for his facemask of Dolphin Sean Smith.  It’s also the play where McGahee broke a metacarpal in his right hand.

But the NFL announced better Broncos news today!

Denver’s rally to beat the Dolphins has been named GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week, beating out Jets’ receiver Plaxico Burress’ three-touchdown day and Pittsburgh’s 95-yard touchdown play with Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Wallace.

Denver’s win will face off against the league’s 16 other weekly winners for the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year.

Who’s ready for Round III?

Check out the third and final installment of Aerys Huddle.  I joined the NFL writers of Aerys Sports to discuss numerous topics, including a drop-off in defense, referee errors, HGH testing, and Super Bowl predictions.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

DHF Home

Slow day.  Snow day.  Frankly, I’m not a fan of either, but there are a few miscellaneous Broncos-related nuggets to share.

About those aforementioned enemy lines…

For all things Lions (and to give a shout out to my Aerys Sports colleague), be sure to visit Barry Sports Memorial Blog for coverage and news (i.e. Matthew Stafford’s injury)  from a pro-Detroit perspective.  Just make sure you come back here, since you are a Broncos fan, remember?

Shout out to my Aerys Sports colleagues II…

It’s the return of Aerys Huddle!  I joined Aerys Sports’ NFL writers to discuss league news and headlines. In Part I, we tackle the Colts’ nightmarish season, a surge in penalties, turning the season around, and the biggest surprises and disappointments through Week 7.

Sack negated…

Better late than never.

Elias Sports Bureau has taken away Kendall Langford’s sack on Tim Tebow from Sunday’s game, according to The Denver Post.  The play, which resulted in a Tebow fumble recovered by Matt Willis, has now been changed to a tackle on a rushing attempt, putting the Dolphins sack total from Sunday at six.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

DHF Home

Coming up later today on DHF, a full wrap of our latest Aerys Sports NFL chat.  Last night, I joined my fellow writers to discuss league issues, including the lingering lockout, rookie expectations, and player etiquette.

In the meantime, enjoy today’s collection of Broncos headlines.

Wonder what Broncos players are doing this offseason?  The Denver Post has a story we should all be proud of.

Also from The Denver Post, a lockout-related Q&A.

NFL Mocks reviews the Broncos’ 2011 NFL Draft class.

Former Broncos draft pick Maurice Clarett has a warning for fellow Buckeye Terrelle Pryor: don’t follow in his footsteps.  CBSSports.com has the story.

Former Broncos safety Steve Trimble died at the age of 53.  More from Cumberland Times-News.

Iowa State Daily reports Kyle Orton was recently in his native Iowa for a football camp.

It’s ESPY season, and ESPN Page 2 has more on some of the athletes – including Tim Tebow – in town for the festivities.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

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In what’s quickly become one of my favorite online traditions, I recently joined my fellow Aerys Sports NFL writers for a chat on the league’s biggest topics.

Serving as moderator of awesome for this week’s chat was Kristine of The Green Room.  She has the entire transcript posted on her page, which I’ve also linked here.

Part I - Which (troubled) veteran WR would you rather have on your team (Ignoring need): Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress, T.O., or Chad Ochocinco?

Part II - With the lockout still in place and the future of training camps and free agency in the air, what team is at the biggest advantage? What team is at the biggest disadvantage?

• You’ll have to read for my response, but if anything, the Denver Broncos fall under the category of latter.

Part III - A double dose of questions

1. It appears that the NFL is going to win the case in the 8th Circuit Appeals court. That being said, what is your prediction on how things will proceed to get us to the 2011 Season (if at all)?
2. Whose marriage will last longer: Matt Ryan and Sarah Marshall, Ben Roethlisberger and Ashley Harlan, Tony Romo and Candice Crawford or Jay Cutler and Kristen Cavalari?

You’re always welcomed to share your thoughts, opinions, or even suggested questions for our upcoming chat.  We’ll reconvene in a few weeks.  Perhaps by then we can discuss the newly-agreed on CBA.  Here’s hoping.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

The wonderful Aerys Sports NFL ladies (myself included) are at it again; we love to chat about the sport we love.

The third installment of “Aerys Huddle” online chat was last night.  A special thank you is in order for Rams writer Patty who served as moderator – and a fine one at that.

I wouldn’t expect anything less from this crew.  As in the past, I encourage you to visit our other NFL sites, so long as Denver Horse Force remains your favorite.

I’m kidding…or am I?

We addressed three NFL-related issues last night.  As expected, in what’s become our regular feature begrudgingly, we shared our thoughts on the ongoing NFL lockout.  Not surprising, we’re ready for that dubious chapter to end once and for all.  Read more on that subject on The Pigskin Arch here.

Needing a break for the lockout drama, we lightened the mood to discuss our ‘Hard Knocks’ dream team.  As you know, the Buccaneers passed on the offer to star in the HBO show earlier this week.  Which team should be next in line?  Of course, I made my pitch for the Broncos, knowing full well that’s unlikely, but a girl can dream, right?  Read the other teams you think we should consider here.

Lastly, brining our chat full circle, we addressed the currently-on-hiatus free agent market.  Sadly, none of us is affiliated with our respective teams in a professional, decision-making capacity, but why should that stop us from making “wish list” decisions?  Go here to find out which player I think Denver should seriously pursue once free agency begins.

You’ve read what we think.  Now it’s time to share your thoughts.  We’re always open to question suggestions, or even the “you got it wrong” response.  Just chime in.

The Aerys Huddle is now on its bye week.  See you in a few weeks!

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @Aerys_Broncos and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

DHF Home

Aerys Huddle has…rehuddled.

For those unfamiliar with the format, Aerys Sports NFL writers participate in an online chat every other Tuesday.  Not surprising, last night’s discussion was all things NFL Draft – specifically which players we think our respective teams will draft in Rounds 1-3.

The transcript is available on the Philly Sports Muse site.  To see which players I “drafted” for the Broncos, click here for Round 1 and here for Rounds 2 and 3.

Thank you to those who shared their thoughts with me via Twitter or Facebook.  A reminder, I will be at Jackson’s tomorrow for the Broncos’ NFL Draft party, providing live updates on Twitter.

DHF Home

You might remember Sunday, during my stream of consciousness entitled “Making the Most of NFL Doldrums,” I alluded to changes coming to Denver Horse Force.  I was somewhat cryptic regarding many specifics, but as promised, I will share details once those details are sorted out.

So without further ado, let us usher in the newest feature: Collaboration.

Tuesday night, Aerys Sports’ NFL writers held an online chat.  We shared our thoughts on a variety of topics, such as the lockout and team loyalties.  Aerys Sports’ resident Bears writer Colleen served as moderator for our maiden chat, and she has posted Part 1 of our transcript on her site, Blogger of the Midway.

Aerys Huddle is poised to become a regular event, and personally, I’m incredibly excited.  We already voice our opinions on our respective sites, so collaborating is the next natural step in the process.  It’s also a wonderful opportunity to further foster relationships with my co-writers.  We’re scattered throughout the country, so this is our only way to truly connect for now.

I encourage you to read Aerys Huddle, and if you ever have a suggestion for a topic, share it with me on DHF’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/denverhorserforce or Twitter – www.twitter.com/Aerys_Broncos.   I also recommend visiting Aerys Sports’ other NFL sites, because these writers deserve readers and recognition.  Just remember to come back to Denver Horse Force.