Tim Tebow: 4 Ways John Elway's Endorsement Affects Denver's Draft Strategy

In an article by Mike Florio of NBC Sports, Elway is riding along with Tebowmania:

"

Tim Tebow’s not going anywhere, Elway told Arnie Stapleton of the Associated Press.  I mean, he’s going to be a Bronco and we’re going to do everything we can and hopefully he’s that guy.

"

With that being said, it clearly changes the outlook on the way in which Denver approaches the 2012 NFL Draft.

They definitely need to get Tebow some help, however. The defense still needs to improve, and they do have a few veterans that won't be around much longer.

As for how long exactly: who knows?

Nonetheless, the Denver Broncos success does ride on the shoulders of Tim Tebow. And here are four ways in which they can build from the draft because of that luxury.

Scout Top Defensive Prospects

Currently, the Broncos rank No. 20 in pass and rush defense, allowing roughly 365 total yards per game. Now, since the first half of the season that number has improved, but, you can't expect to have consistent success each year if you start off slow and finish strong.

Eventually, it catches up to you and playoff success is limited: Just ask the San Diego Chargers.

Therefore, building defense now is the key.

The Broncos have some aging vets on The Orange Crush in Champ Bailey (33), Brian Dawkins (38), Ty Warren (30), Mario Haggan (31) and Andre Goodman (33).

So, sooner than later some young stud defenders will be taking over. With potential players now—like Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil and Rahim Moore—there's definitely talent to build around. Therefore, expect the Broncos to draft defense in the first couple rounds for depth and future talent.

Let's face it: As much as we'd love to see Dawkins and Bailey play forever, at some point the new guy will take over. And drafting a top defensive prospect will only allow the Broncos to reload, as opposed to rebuild.

Checkout Mid-Round WRs

By the time the Broncos get to make their first-round pick, the nation's top WRs will be gone. So, being that they will miss out on Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Alshon Jeffery—it's not a big deal.

There's a lot of mid-round WR talent that can definitely help boost their passing offense that ranks No. 31 in pro football (averaging just under 160 yards per game). Guys such as Michigan State's BJ Cunningham, Iowa's Marvin McNutt, Arkansas' Joe Adams and Texas A&M's Jeff Fuller can stretch the field and be reliable from the start.

Eddie Royal is a solid slot man, but neither Eric Decker or DeMaryius Thomas are No. 1 WRs. Both are great No. 2 WRs, and need that stud who can consistently beat single coverage and draw double coverage more often than not.

Thomas and Decker are still developing and have become proven NFL WRs, but neither have proven the potential to be that guy defenses continually need to prepare for. Get them someone like that and the Denver passing game has an array of targets for Tebow to rely on.

Make no mistake about it: The Broncos passing game has potential, but they're one guy short of really taking off as a completely explosive offense.

Negate from Drafting a QB

Obviously with Tebow being under center and Brady Quinn as his backup, there's no need for Denver to draft a QB. In addition, they still have Adam Weber on the practice squad, who finished his collegiate career as the Minnesota Golden Gophers all-time leader in passing yards and TDs.

So, if ether Tebow or Quinn get injured, Weber has the potential and tools to keep Denver moving along.

What's interesting here is what could happen in 2012. Now that Tim Tebow is being given time to develop, how will he perform?

And based on what happens in the fall of 2012, what does the future hold? What direction does Denver go in if Tebow does not produce? Do they draft a QB in 2013 or give him another full year to develop?

We've come to realize that getting your franchise QB going sooner than later does pan out quite well. However, you're set back a lot if the guy ends up busting.

There's an investment Denver is making with Tebow. Depending on how he does in 2012, however, will be the catalyst that determines the immediate future of the Broncos' success.

Trade Away Some Picks

Aside from a couple top defensive prospects and a WR that can stretch the field, the Broncos really don't need too much else.

The defense has significantly improved since early on, so that will be a momentum builder for 2012. Add in a stud prospect or two and The Orange Crush becomes a more all-encompassed unit.

Offensively, the ground game is fine, and for as hard as we all know Tim Tebow will work in the offseason, his mechanics will develop and the passing game will improve. It's not like his pass protection is awful, either.

Combine that with his ability to buy time, and the Broncos don't need a lot to build a complete team.

That being said, have a safety net if the 2012 season backfires. Trade away some of the 2012 draft picks and load up for 2013. Worst case-scenario: They have more guys coming in to training camp.

In turn though, that will only increase the odds of fielding a more talented team. Here, the law of averages is to Denver's advantage.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27