The countdown has begun — we’re just about four hours away from the start of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers are essentially on the clock, which means Denver’s pick is a little more than four hours and 10 minutes away.
We’ll update this blog as we can throughout the day, though with the Broncos picking so early, there might not be quite as many updates early on in the draft. Essentially we hope this becomes a gathering place to discuss today’s happenings, so feel free to leave as many comments as you’d like below.
We also have a draft page set up for all of our content throughout the weekend, and here’s a predraft coverage page with everything we provided leading up to the event.
5:55 p.m. MDT: Five minutes until the Panthers are on the clock…we’ll have something on the front of the site as soon as we can after the Broncos pick, which will be somewhere between 6:10 and 6:20 p.m. We’ll try to be more active in the blog as the first round rolls on. In the meantime you can watch the team’s draft war room live. Keep in mind there’s no audio — we can’t give away all our secrets — but you can get a look at John Elway, John Fox, Brian Xanders and the personnel staff at work.
6:01 p.m. MDT: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is fielding a call on his cell phone, and the Carolina Panthers will soon be on the clock. We’ll see if that means the BCS Championship Game winner will be wearing Carolina Blue next year. Now Newton is shaking hands, and it looks like he’ll be the number one pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.
6:06 p.m. MDT: Roger Goodell is stepping up to the podium, and he has opened the draft to the Carolina Panthers. Now Goodell is making it official. He has announced Newton as the number one overall selection, which means the Broncos are now on the clock.
6:13 p.m. MDT: Von Miller is fielding a phone call and appears to be getting emotional. He could be the newest Denver Bronco. The executives in the Broncos’ draft war room are high-fiving and celebrating. General Manager Brian Xanders is shaking hands with Owner/CEO Pat Bowlen, and Miller is wiping away tears. Goodell has just announced that the Broncos have selected Von Miller with the second pick of the NFL Draft.
6:27 p.m. MDT: John Elway just spoke to the team’s official draft party downtown at Jackson’s.
“Von is the first step of bringing back the old Orange Crush defense that you’re all used to seeing,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, and hopefully we can do as well with the rest of the picks as we’ve done with our first one.”
You can read more about Miller here. Check out some of the newest Bronco’s highlights here.
6:34 p.m. MDT: Just to catch you up on the last few picks, after the Broncos took Miller, Buffalo went with Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Darius, Cincinnati went with Georgia receiver A.J. Green, Arizona took LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Cleveland has just traded with Atlanta, and the Falcons have selected Alabama receiver Julio Jones at No. 6 overall. Just to recap — every single player taken in the draft so far, with the exception of Miller, played their college ball in the SEC.
7:07 p.m. MDT: John Fox has just released a statement on selecting Miller: “We are thrilled to add Von Miller to the Denver Broncos. He’s a big playmaker and a leader who is explosive on the defensive side of the ball. It’s crucial in this league to be able to rush the passer, and Von adds that dimension to our defense. He’s also able to drop back into pass coverage. There’s no doubt that his versatility is going to make us a better football team.
“He’s great on and off the field, and I couldn’t be happier with our first pick in the draft.”
8:53 p.m. MDT: Head Coach John Fox is going to speak at the podium at the conclusion of the first round, and Broncos TV will stream it live. I think we’re shutting down the blog for today — tomorrow should be far more active from the Broncos’ standpoint, with three picks on day two. Be sure to check out the draft page for all of DenverBroncos.com’s coverage.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: 2011 NFL Draft
Sledgehammer is a cool tune by Peter Gabriel. I can hear it now playing at Mile High after a sack by Miller. Fun!
This is the view on things Broncos by Adam Caplan from Fox Sports;
CAPLAN’S ANALYSIS: While many personnel evaluators thought the Broncos would wind up selecting defensive tackle Marcel Dareus, Denver got better value with Miller. Miller is perhaps the best pass rusher available for the NFL draft in many years. His positional versatility was clearly viewed as an asset by head coach John Fox and he will line up at defensive end and strongside linebacker in Denver’s 4-3 defensive scheme this season. Now the Broncos can look at improving their secondary or interior defensive line with their next selection.
WOW! Perhaps the best pass rusher in many years.
Analysis by Nate Davis, from USA Today:
Denver Broncos — Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M: The Broncos allowed the most points and yards in the league last year, so his arrival should be a big help. Many mock drafts (including USA TODAY’s) had predicted Alabama DT Marcell Dareus to go here, but Miller (who had 27.5 sacks over the past two years) is the choice. Denver will have to fold him into their newly recast 4-3 defense even though Miller seems better-suited coming off the edge of a 3-4 alignment. Still, he will form a potent pressure tandem with 2009 NFL sack champ Elvis Dumervil, who missed 2010 with a chest injury. Question is, without a bull like Dareus in the middle of the unit, will Miller and Dumervil be engulfed by double teams … or run over by the potent ground games like the ones the Broncos will consistently face from their AFC West foes?
what else is new jamie pukes doesnt like our pick. lombardi liked it and last night gruden on espn said von miller was his best player on his board. adn we did great. lets see what happens today.
Next pick has got to be Leshoure or Paea. In either case, I’ll be content.
Damn glax. I didn’t really believe you’d go through with the drinking game…
Baylin, I share your sentiments about the glory days. Though mine began in the early eighties. Lol.
This is the analysis from College Football News:
OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M 6-3, 246
Overall Pick No. 2
Basically, Denver is telling Robert Ayers to become a player. A&M fans get mad about this, but it’s not really a rip; Miller is not going to be a great linebacker. He’s going to be a devastating pass rusher who comes up with one or two really big plays per game, but is he going to be a leading tackler type of playmaker? No. the Broncos seem to think he’s going to be a superior three-down player, but he’s going to be in Honolulu on a regular basis because his sack totals will be ridiculous. Get a block on him, though, and he’ll be neutralized.
CFN Analysis: He was really a defensive end in college and will have to prove he can be a full-time star in more space in a true outside linebacker role. While he won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker, he didn’t always look natural in workouts making the transition; too many scouts were glossing over the concerns because they’re blinded by the athleticism and the pass rushing skills. Yes, he blazed through the short runs and put up great times, but he didn’t always appear to move instinctively well enough in outside linebacker football drills. Not a defensive end at an NFL level, he might be faster than anyone he’ll line up against, but he doesn’t have the bulk to work on every down up front. He might turn out to be a very, very expensive one-trick pony, but that one-trick could be dominant enough to send him to Honolulu on a regular basis. With his speed and burst, he should be an absolute terror at getting to the quarterback and being a game-changer. Is he going to be a top-shelf, all-around outside linebacker? Probably not, and it’s not always a sure-thing that some players can make the little position adjustments needed to shine, like former Wake Forrest “sure thing” Aaron Curry.
As you guys can see, a little bit of everything about this pick and a little of truth in all of it. Always good to see different points of view, specially from some outfit who specializes in College Football.
Ok, I’m info’d out, LOL.
Royalty…
I have already said that I never have the intention on coming on here and being a pest or argueing. I have been trying to watch my whole “exclamation marks” thing because a lot of people get offended by them. You do not know me what so ever and to say that I am “transparent” is rediculous.
I really do not want to argue. I didn’t come on here with my post and call out anyone. I have said for weeks that I would love Peterson or Miller because they are the top 2 players overall in this draft. I do not know how many people have told me on here that if Dareus is available with our #2 pick that we will take him no questions asked. I respected that because that was their opinion but to have my opinion and others opinion like TRB bashed down and made fun of is bad. I never came out and said your name man, you clearly came out and called me out, AGAIN.
I would love to put all of this nonsense and childlike behavior behind us and really talk about our true passion which is Broncos football.
Also, MUCH appreciated Bay. I value your respect for me to the upmost care.
We’re all Bronco fans and should never be argueing or bickering like little faider fans. Remember, we’re the best organization of them all and we must represent our team to the best of our ability, myself included!
Now, would anyone love to try and get both Paea and Austin??
I would love to grab a couple of good interior guys after the miller pick. Fortify the inside and we are one step closer to rebuilding this defense, with time and experience as well.
Side Note-The lions take Fairley holy crap that line is gonna be one of the best in the nfl
Haha yea Bay…
During the draft, it is always crazy how many blogs are posted all at once. I love it.
And about your “going to bed” comment, haha I was up until 6:40 blogging and looking at videos because I couldn’t get enough of it. Haha remember, a lot of you had blogged about the whole time during the draft and I was just then at 5:00, starting to get my fix…hahaha!!
Also, with the people wanting offensive players in the 2nd/3rd round, I think we still go defense with our first 3 round picks and strap down that DL, but that’s just me. I would love to see LeShoure become a Bronco but with ALL of the FA’s that are out there, guys like Williams will be available who I am sure that Fox will want to scoop up. Also, Rudolph is a huge talent but I will be holding my breath on every play this year when he’s in the game hoping he doesn’t get hurt! He’s had some pretty severe injuries, I beleive if he hadn’t been injury prone in college that he probably would’ve went probably #20-25 in the 1st round.
I am soooo ready for rounds 2-3! My only concern about Bowers is that Fox and Elway have said that we need 4 starters out of this draft.
Can Bowers be healthy enough to be a starter and not have any problems???
Him dropping into the 2nd round could be a huge motivation booster, just like with all the critics who say Tebow cannot make it in the NFL.
Dang, I just checked to see if we play the Lions this year and we do…
Well we can just put Tebow in the shotgun and have him line up 20 yards behind center, haha!!
Now I do know, if Orton is the starter that game, only two words I can say…GAME OVER!!
Orton will be running for his life!
we may have any pick we want when we get to 36. theyre saying qb’s might go the first 3 picks. i like it.
freak, i thought the same thing when lions took fairley. that a mean line. that division is getting better and tougher. some great football games coming out of the nfc north.
haha I know socal…
Bears, Vikings, and Packers better watch out.
I love it also because Cutlers job just got that much harder and he plays the Lions twice a year!! Here’s to seeing Fairley getting some sacks on him this year and most of all…
HERE’S TO MILLER PUTTING CUTLER ON HIS BACK ALL GAME THIS YEAR!!!
While watching the draft, I was going back and forth between the NFL network and ESPN. My favorite part of the entire draft was watching Gruden rip into Mel Kiper for tearing down a kid that just got drafted because he thought he got picked way before he should have. That was worth the price of admission. A little bit of that going here today because we didn’t pick your guy. Pathetic.
I’ve had thoughts of VON and DOOM crushing Phillip Rivers twice a year running through my head all day!!! Excitied about getting to Cutler when we play them this year too. Dr. Doom’s full name is Von Doom
So here’s to BARON VON DOOM in 2011
I gotta say, the first thing I noticed when I watched Millers highlights and stuff was how fast his first step was. This guy seemed to fly across the line like a true man amongst boys, and I can only hope it translates to the big leagues. My hope was for Dareus as I’ve said before, so we can begin to stop the run, and honestly I don’t see how Von Miller helps us there, but having Dumervil on one side and this guy coming from the other side on passing downs is gonna be fun to watch. Lets shore up that d-line and I’ll be happy. Oh and maybe a quick twitch type running back too.
morning fellow fans,
I like the Martez Wilson optimism…Him along with Miller and Dj would bring back the days when we had Al WIlson, Ian Gold, and Dj athe LB positions.they made up one of the meanest,fastest,and deadliest LB trio.
But, a DT seems like the logical pick at this point.
Question: kind of underrated..BUT What do you guys think about the Chiefs pick (Jon Baldwin)? Him w/ Bowe and TE Moeaki are all BIG receivers. Will it change our draft boards? A DB in the next few picks?
I think Brandon Burton will be a steal.
freak, totally forgot about playing the bears this year. hope the fans boo all day long and many sacks for doom and miller. i dont think cassel is that good of qb so they do need help in the offense. also just realize last year we had TEBOW TIME. this year is MILLER TIME. either way its time to start winning.
Don’t worry Nate Davis, the draft has just begun… we will get a DT.. lol!
Hey Bay, those words right there explain why I was against Miller and wanted Peterson … “one-trick pony”. I thought we already had one of those. His name is doom, great in the rush, avg at everything else. Im on board with Miller but to say I dont have doubts will be a lie. Thats why I keep saying the thing I like most about him is his leadership
Im going for Paea, I like Marvin Austin but I need to get at least 1 of my P’s LOL. He is strong as an ox and he is considered a run stuffer. Thats what we need a run stuffer. and for those who don’t know he ran a 5.15 I believe in the 40 but his knee was only 80 percent. He impressed over all at his pro day tho from what I heard and read.
I think Patriots go Bowers. Why? They got a million and 1 picks, whats it to them if they waste one on possibly the biggest steal of the draft if he gets over the knee thing and performs like he is talented enough too. I say they take him at the top of the second round. then it will be only 2 more picks before we pick. Bills already took Dareus so they wont be taking a DT and Bengals might take Mallet (assuming the bills dont). Both Austin and Paea will make it to us. Akeem Ayers is still an option for the patriots as well. TRB out..
Another option is to trade our high second for a 2nd and a 3rd or a 2nd and a 4th but not at the cost of Paea in my book.
anyone watch cam newton’s first interview in carolina. not too good with words. wish him luck. dont know how he is going to do. and what are they going to do with moore and clausen.
The same thing we do with Brady Quin socal. Have them hold the clipboard.
TRB…
I say we draft Paea with our 1st 2nd round pick and then if Austin is there with our 2nd pick, then we take him too!! If he is not there, then I wouldn’t mind trading like you mentioned. But getting Paea and Austin I think is WAY better then getting Dareus. Those two guys are incredible, in my opinion.
REBUILDING THIS D NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!!
potter, lol. that was hilarious. draft aint over yet and it finally feels like the season started unofficially. D all the way.
does anyone know if Von Miller or any other broncos went in today for meetings, workouts, playbooks, etc.
You ask, Lindsay Jones answers:
The Broncos are making their way back into Dove Valley. So far, only fullback Spencer Larsen, who arrived at 6:30 a.m., is the only player to work out. Defensive end Robert Ayers, the second player here at 8 a.m., spent about two hours meeting with coaches, watching film and looking at the defensive playbook.
The offensive line is the best represented position, with starters Chris Kuper, Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton and reserves Eric Olsen and Chris Clark.
Here’s the full (running) list of arrivals, in order in which they’ve shown up:
1. Fullback Spencer Larsen
2. Defensive end Robert Ayers (I’m listing him at his new position in the 4-3 defense)
3. Linebacker Braxton Kelley
4. Center J.D. Walton
5. Cornerback Cassius Vaughn
6. Guard Chris Kuper
7. Guard Eric Olsen
8. Guard Zane Beadles
9. Tight end Dan Gronkowski
10. Safety Brian Dawkins
11. Tight end Richard Quinn
12. Offensive tackle Chris Clark
13. Linebacker David Veikune
14. Linebacker Joe Mays
15. Cornerback Perrish Cox
16. Long snapper Lonie Paxton
17. Running back LenDale White