Good morning.  Perk up with these Broncos headlines:

We needn’t worry; Tim Tebow is staying in shape this offseason.  Need proof?  Check out this photo on USA Today.

Denver mayor-elect Michael Hancock has weighed in on the issue at the heart of all Denverites – Tebow or Orton?  See his interview with KUSA here. 

Former Broncos safety Tyrone Braxton met with children at a Colorado Springs youth camp, reports Colorado Springs Gazette.

The son of a former Denver Bronco is among the nation’s top high school football players.  Charlotte Observer has a profile.

Denver Westword writes the Broncos have been sued by an insurance company over claims by past players – including a Hall of Famer.

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If the upcoming week brings better weather, then I am relieved it’s Monday.

Yeah, I went there.

I’d like to know my recent spring/summer clothing purchases will actually see the light of day soon.  (Apologies for the girl talk, but it’s true.)

Let’s further muddy the waters by talking about quarterbacks not even yet in the NFL.  The Denver Post‘s Mark Kiszla answers reader questions about some names to watch in 2012.

Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is faced with the challenge of turning around the league’s worst defense, but as The Denver Post reports, the NFL Lockout is making a difficult task even more difficult.

Scout.com looks at the AFC West team rankings following the NFL Draft.

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At least Denver’s weather was pleasant Friday.

Saturday?  Eh, not so much.  Thank you, Rockies and your epic meltdown for making matters worse.

Moving on…

Former Broncos and current Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall has mostly healed from last month’s stabbing, and should resume physical activity very soon, reports NFL.com.

Tis the season for Hall of Fame nominations – or so it seems by the recent spike in these stories.  The latest is from Georgia’s Americus Times-Recorder and involves former Broncos coach Dan Reeves.

Raising Zona weighs in on the Cardinals quarterback woes.  Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton’s name has tossed around as a potential trade.

It’s like adding salt to a fresh wound.  ESPN can’t let us forget about Josh McDaniels’s failed time in Denver.

The New Orleans Saints had the best NFL Draft from 2006-2008, reports Louisiana’s KPEL (sports radio 1420 AM), but the Broncos received high marks.

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Head coaches know it’s important to stay in the front office’s good graces, but there’s approval perhaps even more important -

Fans.

Broncos’ head coach John Fox, playing the role of un-Josh McDaniels, reached out to some 6,500 season-ticket holders in Monday’s conference call – the second of three put on by the Broncos.  Fox answered more than 30 questions.

Fittingly, first on the list, if a team needs defensive line help, why ignore those players in the NFL Draft?  Fox’s answer, according to The Denver Post:

Fans are supportive of Von Miller's selection (as seen here from Jackson's Thursday night), but are puzzled about the DT omission. (personal photo)

“We haven’t had free agency yet, but there will be that [at] some point.  That will be the area that we address. It is full of a lot of talented players.  It’s not that we didn’t try to acquire a defensive lineman in the draft.  The way it fell, we didn’t want to reach for need.”

“What I remind all the fans is there’s really two pools of players that we have to improve our team each year. We just completed that one through the college ranks, the draft. We have not had free agency at this point. There will be one at some point — I can’t predict when. But at that point when we get into that market that will be an area that we address. It’s an area that is filled with a lot of talented players.”

Another free agency target for Denver is running back.  Fox said the Broncos wanted to select a running back in the draft, but the plan didn’t come to fruition.

DeAngelo Williams, we’re waiting for you…

Despite earlier announcements that Kyle Orton was the “if the season started today” quarterback, and John Elway’s recent praise of Tim Tebow, the Broncos are expectedly tepid about naming a starting quarterback.   Fox said the decision would be made later:

“First of all, these guys are all new to me. I’m familiar with all three players, evaluated them coming out. I know them from afar. As I get to know them, watch them practice, watch them compete. That’s when you start ranking them 1-3.”

Fox believes the Broncos will improve in 2011, but wouldn’t estimate how many wins next season.  Among his 2011 goals, following in Kansas City’s footsteps by completing the AFC West worst-to-first shift.  Fox added he’s especially optimistic about defensive improvement, citing a significant turnaround made during his time with Carolina:

“When I was in Carolina, we went from 31st in defense to second in just one year. I think that can be done. I’m not making any predictions, I’d rather understate and over-perform, but it can be done. I have the utmost confidence in our staff and the players.”

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The NFL prospect carousel spins on at Dove Valley, and this week’s lineup includes two frontrunners for the second overall draft pick.

As posted by John Elway on Twitter, Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson are among 13 players visiting the Broncos over a 10-day span.  Dareus and Peterson are reportedly even visiting Dove Valley the very same day – Wednesday – according to Mike Klis of The Denver Post.

How intriguing?

I'd imagine Dareus' teammates didn't enjoy lining up across from him at the 2010 Crimson Tide spring game. Dareus is wearing #57.

If recent mock drafts are any gauge, Dareus will likely become the next Denver Bronco, a decision I fully support.

Today.

Beyond that is anyone’s guess.

That puts the official tally of players I’ve championed at four, a painfully obvious indicator I’ve adopted the “flavor of the month” philosophy for my dream draft scenario.

Regular Denver Horse Force readers may fondly recall oh-so-long ago when I declared Patrick Peterson the “it” player for Denver.

Ah yes, early March.  I was all about Peterson.

Then.

That’s cooled off, but he remains a viable option.  John Elway believes Peterson is perhaps the best athlete in the draft.  His knock?  It’s not that dismal Wonderlic score; it’s where Peterson plays on the field.  Denver has far greater defensive needs closer to the line of scrimmage, which makes someone like Dareus, Auburn’s Nick Fairley, or even Texas A&M’s Von Miller, a better fit.

Take a look at Dareus’ numbers last season at Alabama, and keep in mind he was suspended two games:

• Tackles: 34
• Tackles for loss: 11
• Sacks: 4.5
• Pass breakups: 4

The Quarterback Question

It’s another hot draft day debate in Denver:  Should the Broncos invest an early round draft pick on a quarterback?

America, it’s your chance to decide…just know that your ESPN vote means absolutely zilch to the Broncos’ decision making powers that be.

At last check, some 2,400 people had voted, and the results were overwhelmingly against Denver drafting a quarterback.  It seems John Clayton’s “yes” argument isn’t compelling enough.

Event of the Year

Don’t worry.  This is NOT a Prince William and Kate Middleton wedding update, because, and I cannot be more frank about this, I don’t care.  I do care about Shannon Sharpe, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.  Invitations have been mailed out for his induction ceremony.  Former Broncos tight end Byron Chamberlain showed off his invitation on Twitter this afternoon:

Love the Bart Scott reference, by the way.  As for that invitation, here is it, courtesy Chamberlain:

The HOF induction invitation, as posted on Twitter by Byron Chamberlain (@bc_chamberlain)

We finally get our first look at the new life-sized Tim Tebow statue unveiled this afternoon in Gainesville, Florida.

Perhaps not surprising, Tebow isn’t throwing the ball; he’s running with it.  Lifetime Gators fan Candi Mellow shared this picture of the statue on Twitter:

Tim Tebow's statue was unveiled this afternoon in Gainesville, Florida. (Courtesy Candi Mellow via Twitter - @themellowmom)

Tebow’s likeness was one of three unveiled during halftime of today’s UF spring game.  Statues of Florida’s other Heisman Trophy winners, Steve Spurrier (1966) and Danny Wuerffel (1996), were also dedicated – all paid by private donations.

Orlando Sentinel reports all three honorees participated in the halftime ceremony.  Tebow told the crowd:

MY OFFSEASON ‘TO-DO’ LIST

By Tim Tebow

• Be focus of 60-minute ESPN “Year of the Quarterback” special: √
• Establish charity golf tournament: √
• Show off modeling/acting skills for Jockey: √
• Voted cover of Madden 12: Eh, maybe next year.
• Release autobiography by age 24: √
• Have statue dedicated at alma mater: As of Saturday, √

As if Tim Tebow needed another boost to the never-ending publicity machine.

The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner will have his life-sized likeness unveiled outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during halftime of the Gators’ spring game tomorrow.  Fellow Florida Heisman Trophy winners Steve Spurrier (1966) and Danny Wuerffel (1996) will also be honored with statues.

GatorSports.com reports the statues were funded through private donations and Tebow, Spurrier, and Wuerffel are scheduled to participate in tomorrow’s ceremony.

Take that, Kyle Orton!

Tim Tebow has a statue.  A LIFE-SIZED statue at his alma mater.

I haven’t visited West Lafayette, Indiana in several years (and I’m not complaining), but I don’t recall ever seeing any Kyle Orton shrine outside Purdue’s Ross-Ade Stadium, nor have I heard any rumblings of any such plans in the works.

Not to be outdone, Purdue does have a “big unveiling” of its own at tomorrow’s Black and Gold spring game…

A new Purdue Pete mascot – sans hammer as that was deemed too violent.

Alma mater honors aside, there is still one other item on Tebow’s offseason checklist:

• Become Broncos starting quarterback: ?

Maybe Orton will have the last laugh there.

Purdue makes a big deal out of its 'World's Largest Drum,' but notably has no enshrinement of an alum and current NFL quarterback not named Drew Brees (or Colts backup QB Curtis Painter for that matter).

• Sports Illustrated takes an in-depth look at the death of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, who was shot and killed on New Year’s Day 2007.  Mike Klis of The Denver Post has already read Thomas Lake’s article, and not surprising, said it’s a sobering feature but highly recommended.  Willie Clark is serving a life sentence for Williams’ murder.  The article hits newsstands this week.

• It’s increasingly doubtful Denver uses its second overall draft pick on Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers, but what about the eighth pick?  Right now, Tennessee holds that selection, but SI’s FanNation suggests the Broncos – if genuinely serious about Bowers – should consider trading down.  Tennessee’s quarterback future is hazy, so the team could use the No. 2 pick on that position.  Bowers’ draft stock has dropped because of lingering health concerns, so he could still be available at No. 8.  Denver would presumably get an extra pick as part of the deal.  ESPN’s John Clayton also finds this scenario plausible.  He suggested a similar deal earlier this week, which I wrote about yesterday.

• The upcoming NFL season is still “technically” in doubt, but Invesco Field isn’t going unused.  You may have noticed this sign go up outside the stadium Monday morning:

Hey, it's lacrosse season! (personal photo)

The Denver Outlaws begin Major League Lacrosse play next month, and tickets are now on sale.  I’ve never been to a lacrosse game (on any level), but given my proximity to Invesco Field, I’m a bit tempted.  I’m sure my Outlaws seats would be far closer to the field than my last seats at Invesco – against the Colts in September 2010.

If there is one thing NFL owners and players can agree upon, it’s that the league doesn’t need to make many changes to its publicity strategy.  The doors are locked at Dove Valley, players have no contact with coaches, and yet somehow, the Denver Broncos are on the verge of a bona fide quarterback controversy.

Does John Elway fancy a quarterback much like himself?

When Tim Tebow’s final Hail Mary heave hit the ground as the clock expired in the Broncos’ season finale, the general sentiment in Denver was Tebow will be back, possibly as a starter, in 2011.  Well, funny things are happening on the way to a “maybe season.”  With John Elway at the personnel helm, the Broncos have been awfully curious about the quarterback talent in the upcoming draft.

ESPN’s John Clayton is now thinking this quarterback caper isn’t so much a case of curiosity, but Denver’s modus operandi.  Yesterday he wrote:

“I’m starting to think Elway might take a QB in the second round and call the Tebow selection a mistake. That interest creates tantalizing possibilities on draft day and thereafter.”

Ya think?!

Clayton’s rationale is solid.  He goes on to state Denver may be eyeing a draft deal with Tennessee, allowing the Titans to move into the number two slot to grab Blaine Gabbert, and use a newly acquired pick to snatch a quarterback in the 2nd round.

The theoretical dominoes continue to tumble as Fox31′s Josina Anderson cited sources yesterday, reporting Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick will be in Denver on Wednesday for a workout.

The Horse Force has breeched the “Drafting a QB” scenario recently, but as this idea seems to gain steam, it’s worth revisiting.

Here now, is what is likely at stake for the key pieces in the Broncos Quarterback Shuffle:

John Elway: Drafting a quarterback becomes a referendum on his front office career, especially if the move leads to a Tebow dismissal within the same NFL year.  The biggest hope Broncos fans can cling to right now is Tebow.  Any scenario that drives him out of town before he gets a legitimate shot to prove himself will likely not sit well with fans (especially if he Hillis’s out and turns the Success-o-Meter to 11 with a new team).

If there is a season, Elway would be crazy to let Denver enter it with FOUR quarterbacks on the roster.  That means someone who is currently on the depth chart gets dismissed.

Kyle Orton:  Putting him on the trading block gets the Broncos the most bang for their buck.  As we all know, the Broncos need a variety of personnel upgrades that can’t all be filled in the draft.  Orton provides the most value in a trade as he is a competent quarterback who can win provided he has a decent team around him.  On the other hand, as coaches and executives have said, he’s the best quarterback on the team right now.  Realistically, what chance does Denver have with a rookie, three-game starter in Tebow, and Brady Quinn on the depth chart.

Tim Tebow's future in Denver may be in the crosshairs.

Tim Tebow:  Tebow’s downside is also the thing that terrifies Broncos’ fans of the possibility he could be moved…he’s a “what if” guy.  What if Tebow isn’t meant to play quarterback in the NFL?  What if he REALLY is?  Shunning a guy who already has a super-human work ethic and drive has the potential to haunt the Broncos for a very, very long time.  Conversely, if Tebow truly can’t win consistently in the NFL, the Broncos’ may post 2 or 3 more losing seasons before they call off the experiment.  The uncertainty about Tebow has the Broncos in a tough “worst case” situation.  Giving him an adequate chance to develop could mean another abysmal season.  Moving him puts Kyle Orton back at the helm, and creates a fan base that’s extremely unsure whether a Locker, Mallet, Ponder, or Kaepernick will do any better in the future.

Brady Quinn: Quinn could become the Broncos bailout should the team move for a quarterback on draft day.  Quinn’s trade value would be minimal, but the Broncos could likely acquire a player who may actually see playing time, and to be fair to Quinn, put him in a position where he may see playing time as well.  Drafting a quarterback and moving Quinn allows Denver time to compare Tebow against its new pick, and ultimately decide who gets to stay.

Zooming out the 40,000 foot view, Denver’s Quarterback Quest has felt a bit out of place.  Kyle Orton wasn’t the reason Denver’s offense sputtered, and certainly wasn’t the reason the team lost 12 games.  With no run support Orton had to be Peyton Manning.  He isn’t, and has never pretended to be.  Even Indianapolis can play defense from time to time.

Denver’s new management says it’s committed to fixing the team’s problems.  Plucking a quarterback out the draft may just overshadow the current problems with a new one.

Three days after his so-so pro day in South Carolina, Da’Quan Bowers met today with Broncos’ personnel and physicians in hopes of erasing worries about his knee.

When Bowers is selected depends on his recovery from a meniscus injury.

Bowers was a top-five draft lock after leading the nation with 15.5 sacks last season, but his stock has fallen in recent weeks amid nagging reports his recovery from January’s arthroscopic knee surgery is behind schedule.

Bum knees – or even rumors about bum knees – are red flags for NFL teams.

The Broncos will certainly rely on their medical evaluation of Bowers to decide if he’s still worthy of the second overall pick.  If Bowers is healthy and can replicate his college success, it’s a no-brainer he should be considered.  If not, then Denver should opt for another defensive standout.

Jaiquawn Jarrett visits Dove Valley

Da’Quan Bowers wasn’t the only draft prospect in town today.  National Football Post reports Temple safety Jaiquawn Jarrett also met with Broncos officials.  A three-year starter, Jarrett is known for his aggressive style of play and tackling ability.

But wait – there’s more!

While professional football players are nowhere to be found, Dove Valley is a hot spot this week for the pros-in-waiting.

According to John Elway, the Broncos are hosting more than a dozen players this week:

Among the notables, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, and according to Fox31′s Josina Anderson, Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick.  I’ll have more on Colin tomorrow.