Tim Tebow: 5 Players Drafted by the Broncos That Can Help Tebow Most

This entire offseason we wondered if the Denver brass would actually hand the starting quarterback reins over to Tim Tebow. Just prior to the draft, we heard that John Elway was ready to hand it all over to last year’s first round pick.

Tebow has the ability to be an extremely successful, winning quarterback in this league. He is a motivational leader with fantastic abilities on the field. He improved every game to end the 2010 season and is one of the hardest working young players in the game today due to the constant scrutiny and desire to excel.

Denver concluded the draft weekend boasting one of the top drafts of all 32 teams. John Fox, John Elway and Denver fans across the world should be thrilled with the crop of talent that fell into their laps. I fully expect them to make a run at the division title next season with the rookies they selected.

At the end of the day, it will always come down to Tim Tebow. The team will only go as far as he can take them. Which rookies from this excellent Denver draft class will help him the most?

5. Rahim Moore, S

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Height: 6’0”

Weight: 202 lbs

Career Stats: 180 tackles, 1 sack, 14 interceptions

Combine Results:

40-yard Dash – 4.62

Bench Press – 11.0

Vertical Jump – 35.0

Broad Jump – 115.0

3 Cone Drill – 6.98

20-yard Shuttle – 3.96

60-yard Shuttle – N/A

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Rahim Moore is my No. 1 safety in this draft as he is clearly the most talented player overall at the position.

He can truly do it all and is one of the best ball-hawking defensive backs in this draft. He has the ability to bring down any ball with his high-football IQ and cover skills. He joins a talented secondary led by fellow safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Champ Bailey.

Bailey and Dawkins are two of the most respected defensive backs in the history of the game who, despite their age, are still playing at an extremely high level. Together, they will help Moore hone his talents and become one of the top safeties in the game.

His abilities on the field will create more opportunities for Tim Tebow and the offense. With his ability to create turnovers and blow up offensive game plans, the offense will have more time to gain chemistry in games, instead of on the practice field.

4. Von Miller, OLB

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Height: 6’3”

Weight: 246 lbs

Career Stats: 178 tackles, 33 sacks, 1 interception

Combine Results:

40-yard Dash – 4.53

Bench Press – 21.0

Vertical Jump – 37.0

Broad Jump – 126.0

3 Cone Drill – 6.7

20-yard Shuttle – 4.06

60-yard Shuttle – 11.15

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Von Miller was my No. 2 overall prospect in this year’s class. Although the Broncos are heading to a 4-3 defense, he will still prove to be an elite pass rusher working behind the returning Elvis Dumervil.

Together, their pressure on opposing quarterbacks will cause quick decisions and errant throws, which will ultimately disrupt offensive game plans and create turnovers. Von and Elvis will anchor this improved defense with their elite athleticism.

Tim Tebow and the offense will be on the field longer to put pressure on the opposition. Timmy will gain much needed experience in extended playing time in his sophomore season.  

3. Julius Thomas, TE

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Height: 6’5”

Weight: 246 lbs

Career Stats: 29 receptions, 453 yards, 2 touchdowns

Combine Results:

40-yard Dash – 4.68

Bench Press – 16.0

Vertical Jump – 35.5

Broad Jump – 111.0

3 Cone Drill – 6.96

20-yard Shuttle – 4.31

60-yard Shuttle – 11.95

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The friendliest target for a young quarterback in the passing game is an athletic tight end. They can quickly become a security blanket for any quarterback in the league, but their mismatch against linebackers and safeties makes them an ideal target for young quarterbacks adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

Julius Thomas is a huge target with fantastic athleticism. The Broncos will hope he can become their Antonio Gates with his excellent ability to go up and get the rock. He has very good speed and will be a difficult matchup for most linebackers, and his size and frame will make him an even more difficult matchup for safeties and nickel cornerbacks.

2. Orlando Franklin, OG

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Height: 6’6”

Weight: 316 lbs

Combine Results:

40-yard Dash – 5.2

Bench Press – 26.0

Vertical Jump – 28.5

Broad Jump – N/A

3 Cone Drill – N/A

20-yard Shuttle – N/A

60-yard Shuttle – N/A

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The Broncos grabbed one of the top interior linemen in the entire class in the second round to make sure Tim Tebow has enough time to throw in the pocket. Just as important, Franklin has the size and strength to create a push up front to assist Tebow in short yardage situations and open lanes for him to scramble.

Orlando will join one of the top offensive lines heading into the 2011 season. They underachieved last season, but with Ryan Clady leading the unit, they will have an excellent all-around line to anchor this offense. This line will give Tebow ample time to read the coverage and target the right receiver.

1. Virgil Green, TE

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Height: 6’3”

Weight: 249 lbs

Career Stats: 71 receptions, 911 yards, 11 touchdowns

Combine Results:

40-yard Dash – 4.64

Bench Press – 23.0

Vertical Jump – 42.5

Broad Jump – 130.0

3 Cone Drill – 6.9

20-yard Shuttle – 4.4

60-yard Shuttle – 11.63

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Denver grabbed Julius Thomas earlier in the draft due to his size and potential, but Virgil Green was a pure steal in the seventh round. He is one of the top-five tight ends right now in this class. He has the ability to become Tim Tebow’s favorite target with his receiving abilities.

As Denver waits for Thomas to come into his own as a top-tier tight end, Green will be able to start as a rookie and be a safety net for Tebow. He is a proven receiver out of Nevada and worked with a quarterback fairly similar to Tim in Colin Kaepernick. Green could become the top option out of the gate with his all-around talents and ability to exploit defenses.