2012 NFL Draft Projections: How Peyton Manning Affects Broncos' Strategy

Peyton Manning has reportedly chosen the Denver Broncos, and the decision immediately puts the team into win-now mode.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that the Broncos will not only sign Manning, but will also look to trade current starter Tim Tebow.

With Tebow, Denver had a unconventional offense that was able to sneak up on enough teams to reach the playoffs with an 8-8 record.

Now, the Broncos are legitimate contenders in the AFC for the next few seasons.

There are a lot of needs on this young team, but the front office could have drafted for value as the core could grow together into a solid unit.

Now that the team is ready to sign a future Hall of Fame quarterback, the Broncos need to select players in the draft that can help right away.

Manning will be 36 years old next week, and the window for a championship will close quickly. 

Veteran free agents will certainly be willing to take a pay cut in order to play with the quarterback, but the rest of the holes will need to be filled with rookies.

With the No. 25 pick, the Broncos should look to improve the offensive line.

Manning has never been known as a mobile quarterback, but it will be more important than ever to protect the man that missed all of 2011 due to multiple neck surgeries.

Tackle Ryan Clady is one of the best in the league at his position, but as a team the Broncos gave up 42 sacks, the ninth-most in the NFL.

Other options for the draft include picking up a defensive tackle or cornerback that would be able to play immediately.

An interesting long shot would be for the Broncos to use the first-round pick to acquire stud receiver Mike Wallace from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It would immediately give Manning a go-to threat at receiver that is more consistent than the Broncos' Demaryius Thomas.

While this would hurt the future, it would make the offense one of the best in the league to pair with an already solid defense.

If the Broncos are truly going all-in for a Super Bowl, this might be the best option.