5 Draft Prospects in 2012 That Make Sense in a Tebow-Led Offense

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Well, John Elway seems to have officially endorsed Tim Tebow as the Broncos quarterback of the future.

So, since Tebow is going to be the guy under center, for better or worse, the Broncos need to figure out how to make an offense under Tebow perform as well as it can, and the obvious way to do that is through the draft.

Which players can the Broncos pick up in 2012 to help out Tim Tebow? Read on for five suggestions.

1. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

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Tim Tebow has been a nice complement to the Broncos run game, but you know what would make it even better? An every-down running back.

Lamar Miller has been stellar at Miami this season, and he's probably the second-best running back in the draft (behind only Trent Richardson). Miller is just the right size for a three-down back, measuring 5'11" and 212 lbs. He also has great breakaway speed, enough power to break tackles and enough quickness to avoid contact.

He can do it all, and having him available to run the ball and make something happen could greatly reduce the chances that Tebow gets injured.

2. Chris Rainey, RB/WR, Florida

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Of course, if they didn't feel like using a first-round pick on a running back, they could look to the late rounds to pick up run help. Why not go after one of Tebow's former teammates?

Chris Rainey started the year impressively, but fell off in the latter half. His big problem is his size, but if he can pack on a few pounds in time for the combines, he might be an option.

What makes him appealing for an option offense is that he plays a hybrid wide receiver/running back position. He can line up at either position, participate in trick plays or line up in the backfield and give Tebow the option to change what he'll do.

If you're going to run a defense built around Tebow, you have to have a few other guys that can play two positions.

3. Drake Dunsmore, FB/RB/TE, Northwestern

Speaking of hybrid players, how about a hybrid running back/fullback/tight end?

He plays tight end right now—and he's having a good season. He's an excellent blocker, and at 6'3" and 235 lbs., he ought to be a very good fullback. And of course, he could also run the ball occasionally.

Having a player like him in the backfield just makes your offense even more versatile, and if you're around a quarterback like Tebow, it's all about versatility.

Like Rainey, Dunsmore would be a late-round pick, and also like Rainey, he could be lined up anywhere and the defense still wouldn't know what to do with him.

4. Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami

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Of course, one of the best things you could do for a quarterback would be to give him a good target to throw to. One good one would be the 6'5" Streeter out of Miami.

Denver is going to be in the playoffs, which means that they'll be picking late in the draft. That will keep all the top prospects off the board, and since I doubt the Broncos will use their first pick on a wide receiver, the best they'll have in the late second round is Streeter.

Streeter isn't huge, but he is tall and fast—and that's something every quarterback likes.

The Broncos traded away Brandon Lloyd early in the season—their best receiver—so they could use a bit more help at wide receiver.

Streeter already declared for the draft, so he'll be available in April, and I found a photo of him Tebowing. Come on! That's a fit.

5. Defensive Players

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Let's be realistic: The reason Tebow has been able to do what he's done in the fourth quarter is because the Broncos defense kept the other team off the board, keeping the Broncos in the game. When they couldn't (see the Patriots game), Tebow couldn't keep up.

The answer to helping a Tebow-led offense could simply be to do what you can to keep a top-notch defense. If your defense is good enough to keep the other team from scoring, maybe Tebow can keep working some magic.

The Broncos could still use a lot of help at defensive tackle, and another good corner would help, too. Keeping a great defense puts less on Tebow's shoulders, and that might be the best way to keep that offense going.