Denver Broncos 2009 Draft Key in Cutler Move
Personnel Choices Will Determine if Trade Becomes Favorable or Flop
Conventional wisdom in the football world often dictates that in a trade, the team obtaining a star-quality player, is most likely the winner. The Broncos' deal with Chicago, sending Jay Cutler to the Bears, would seem to fit that mantra well.
While Denver obtained an additional first-round pick in this year's draft and next, as well as a 2009 third-rounder, it has clearly downgraded its tangible on-field talent at quarterback. The Bears obtained a Pro Bowler, while shipping a young but oft-maligned Kyle Orton to Denver to battle it out with Chris Simms for the signal-caller's starting job.
Draft Picks will be the Key
Unless Denver coach Josh McDaniels is a bigger genius than the man synonymous with that phrase, fired predecessor Mike Shanahan, there are few, if any, who believe the key in this deal for the Broncos, is the acquisition of Orton.
While it is plausible to assume Orton may be servicable, perhaps even above-average, with an array of offensive talent at wide receiver in Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, and superb offensive line protection, nobody is expecting Cutler-like production.
It may be Orton (or Simms), in fact, who becomes a stop-gap option, with Mark Sanchez or another young QB Denver may draft in 2009 or 2010, becoming the hallmark of the deal in time.
Drafting Offense or Defense
With two first-rounders, Denver could trade up this year or next, if necessary, to draft a QB it deems "must have". A sleeper (like Matt Cassel) might even fall to McDaniels' Broncos without having to trade up. There is flexibility here with the added picks, to accomplish a number of objectives.
Even with the revamped defense led by free-agent signings, it still would not be unwise to continue a strategy of remodeling the NFL-worst squad further by drafting at least one stud.
With a bevy of choices, it would make sense to improve both sides of the ball long-term by attempting to bring in a future franchise QB via the draft to learn the system, and grab a defensive stalwart, in the first round. If a quarterback is not attractive when the pick turns to Denver, two defensive picks would make sense. Even with the downgrade behind center, the Broncos offense should be good enough to win some games if the defense can improve modestly to a mediocre level.
New General Manager Brian Xanders, and McDaniels, will have to show their moxy in personnel evaluation in the players chosen with the picks obtained for Cutler. If those picks are used on players who become afterthoughts and trivia answers, and Cutler goes on to a lengthy career, it may be a decision rued for many a year in the Mile High city.
Time will be the judge and jury on this deal.
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