The Denver Broncos Begin the Kyle Orton Era: A Message to All the Haters

I've been reading blogs from all across the cyberworld, and I have to say, I'm extremely let down by the reaction of the Broncos fans.

Let's get one thing straight; Jay Cutler never should have been on the trading block, but he also should have never let it get this far.  

It's absolutely ridiculous to put every ounce of blame on Josh McDaniels and Pat Bowlen for this situation. Cutler had many opportunities to reconcile, but decided to ignore his superiors and force Denver to trade him.

Also, to all those who think Denver is considering drafting a quarterback in round one this year—much less trading both of their picks to move up for one—I have to respectfully disagree.

If the Broncos intended on using a first-round pick on a quarterback, would they not have forced Chicago to include an extra draft pick in the trade as opposed to Kyle Orton? 

Orton has one year left on his deal, and if it doesn't work out with him and the Broncos in 2009, Denver can use one of its two first-round picks in 2010 on a quarterback in a much deeper class.

In all likelihood, Kyle Orton will be Denver's starting quarterback in 2009, and hopefully he plays well enough to warrant the job past one season.  

Josh McDaniels obviously knew who he wanted, if he wasn't going to have Jay Cutler, and he went out and got him.  After all, he took two nobodies, named Tom Brady and Matt Cassel, and turned them into star quarterbacks.

The Broncos could and likely will invest at least one draft pick on a quarterback, but it's doubtful their name will be Stafford, Sanchez, or Freeman.  

What's more likely is that Denver takes a late-round flier on someone from Orton's Alma mater, Purdue, or perhaps a Painter named Curtis.  

Curtis Painter fits the Mc-Belicheck mold.  He is nonathletic, unheralded, and will likely have a chip on his shoulder heading into the NFL. 

Some of you may be uneasy about Orton now, but don't be Denver fans.  

Numerous Bears fans will attest that aside from a Pro Bowl appearance, his resume is superior to Cutler's. In 33 starts, Orton has a record of 21-12, and last season, he threw 18 touchdowns with a group of nobodies at the receiver position.

And now?

Orton inherits an offense that features the AFC's best offensive line, a stellar group of receivers in Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson, Tony Scheffler, and Daniel Graham, and a running back corps that includes Peyton Hillis, Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, LaMont Jordan, and Ryan Torain.  Clearly there will be no lack of playmakers for Orton.

As for Denver's draft options?

As it currently stands, Denver has nine picks in the first three rounds of the next two drafts, including five in the top 84 for 2009.

The Broncos have been closely monitoring former Ohio State star Malcolm Jenkins, who has privately worked out for the team on three separate occasions.  If Jenkins falls, he will likely be the 12th overall pick in the draft. 

Depending on what San Diego does at 16, whether they go with Tyson Jackson or Rey Maualuga, I fully expect Denver to take the leftover of the two.

After the first round of the draft, Denver could very well have its future starters at cornerback, middle linebacker, or defensive end.

In round two, look for Denver to pursue Missouri defensive lineman Evander "Ziggy" Hood, or Ohio State players James Laurinaitis and Brian Robiskie.

Denver then still has two picks in round three as well as six more selections on day two.  

There was speculation that Denver would be interested in Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji, but he recently tested positive for marijuana use.

Clearly, the Broncos made a great trade for the situation that was presented.  They received the very best deal they could have, and came away with four first-round picks in the next two drafts.  

Not bad, eh?

Still, Denver will miss Jay Cutler on the field.  He was a great performer and a great athlete, but he has never been a winner.  

Until Cutler wins, the jury is still out. 

Kyle Orton has won.  He has seen the Super Bowl.  He has led a team to the playoffs.  He knows what he is doing.

A trade that once seemed even impossible for the virtual world of Madden has now happened, and the sports world has been taken back.  

Both Denver and Chicago will boast new signal callers for 2009 and beyond.

It's a shame that the Broncos and the Bears don't play each other frequently, but they do have a preseason game against each other in the third week of 2009.

Good riddance, Jay Cutler!

Welcome to Denver, Kyle Orton.  

We have your back.