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A look at a game Denver saw slip away late.

What does it mean: There was hope Denver could sneak out a winning record after the first three games of the season. They opened the season with home games against Oakland and Cincinnati and before having a manageable road game against the Titans. However, the Broncos are now 1-2 after the Titans scored the game-winning touchdown late in the game. The banged-up Broncos’ schedule now stiffens. It has a road game at Green Bay next week and then goes back home to host San Diego in Week 5.

Take that, Denver’s front office: The Titans made it a 17-14 game with 4:28 to go in the game when tight end Daniel Graham scored on a 4-yard pass. Denver cut Graham, a Denver native, shortly before the lockout started.

Tomorrow’s talker: The Broncos run game is a problem. Willis McGahee had 52 yards on 22 carries. All told, Denver had 59 yards on 23 carries. Knowshon Moreno missed second-straight game with a hamstring injury. McGahee had 101 yards last week on 28 carries. McGahee will turn 30 next month. He had 209 carries combined in the past two seasons. He is not going to be able to keep up this pace. Moreno needs to get healthy and become a factor quickly.

What’s next: Going to Lambeau Field will not been easy for Denver. This one has a chance to be fairly lopsided. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Packers are two-touchdown favorites.

ESPN’s John Clayton reported the Broncos have agreed to terms with Dante Rosario, who played for new Denver coach John Fox. The Broncos are still in the mix for St. Louis’ Daniel Fells.

If the Broncos sign Fells, they could have major change at the position. Even if Fells is not signed, there should be change at tight end in Denver. Veterans Dan Gronkowski and Richard Quinn could have difficulty making the team. The Broncos like draft picks Julius Thomas (fourth round) and Virgil Green (seventh). Rosario is an athletic player who has good hands. Fells had 41 catches for the Rams last year and he is a threat as a blocker at 270 pounds.

Meanwhile, former Denver defensive tackle Ron Fields went to Miami. He is now with Mike Nolan on his third team, joining the Broncos and 49ers. The Broncos are visiting with former New England defensive lineman Ty Warren and there is a chance he signs with them.

Meanwhile, San Francisco may be closing in on bring back defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin. He had been connected to Kansas City, but the Chiefs signed nose tackle Kelly Gregg on Saturday.

Former Denver tight end Daniel Graham agreed to terms with the Titans.

Could Michael Huff play cornerback in Oakland? It’s an interesting thought, but it’s risky. If that’s the case, perhaps Oakland will still pursue San Francisco safety Dashon Goldson.

Sports Illusrated’s Peter King said Nnamdi Asomugha took less money from the Eagles than he would have gotten elsewhere because that’s where he wanted to land. Meanwhile, New York didn’t take kindly to Asomugha spurning the Jets for the Eagles.

ESPN’s Ashley Fox thinks Asomugha could help the Eagles to the Super Bowl this season. Sounds about right.

In other AFC West nuggets on an early Saturday afternoon:

The Denver Post thinks a Kyle Orton trade to Miami is dead because Orton can’t come to a contract accord with the Dolphins. Here’s an opinion that says the deal will still get done.

There is competition at right guard in San Diego.

Second-year guard Jon Asamoah has a chance to start after the Chiefs cut long-time stalwart Brian Waters.

Drew Brees loves having Darren Sproles in New Orleans.

The Chiefs don’t think tight end Tony Moeaki will be out of practice for long.

The Raiders are getting a good look at whether tackle Jared Gaither is healthy or not. If so, he could soon be signed.

After a rocky year, San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson says he feels at “home” with the Chargers. The question is, will it be his home after this season?

The Raiders reached out to their fans in a video to say thanks for hanging in during the lockout.

NFL.com is reporting former Denver tight end Daniel Graham is visiting the Steelers.

The Chiefs signed former Northwestern receiver Zeke Markshausen. He was in the Bears’ camp last year. He will have a difficult time making the roster.

Catching up on some mid-day AFC West notes:

The Kansas City Star reports the informal Chiefs’ meeting will be held Tuesday. Earlier reports quoted players as saying the meeting would be held Monday. Prior to his arrest Monday for theft at an Indiana casino, Kansas City linebacker Mike Vrabel talked about the importance of the meeting.

The Kansas City Star is taking on the task of predicting each of the Chiefs’ draft mocks. The newspaper has two interesting choices for the team’s choices in the first two rounds. It has Penn State guard Stefen Wisniewski going to the Chiefs in the first round and Miami receiver Leonard Hankerson going to Kansas City in the second round.

Both are interesting players. If I had to guess right now, the first round may be a bit of a reach for Wisniewski and Hankerson may not be available when the Chiefs pick in the second round.

The Denver Post wonders if Florida State’s Christian Ponder is the answer at quarterback for the Broncos. Denver is studying several quarterbacks. Ponder is projected to be a second-round pick.

Here is a five-year draft ranking of every NFL team. The Chiefs had the highest ranking of any AFC West team. Two teams in the division ranked in the first half of the league and two were in the bottom half.

Here’s sad news. The 38-year-old brother of recently released Denver tight end Daniel Graham has died. Our condolences go out to the Graham family.

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: schemes and themes.

Denver Broncos

Expect the Broncos to spend much of the draft addressing its defense. Denver was last in the NFL in total defense and points allowed in 2010. New head coach John Fox was selected to be the Broncos’ coach partly because of his experience in turning around defenses.

The first order of business for Fox and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was to change the defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front. The Broncos ran a 3-4 defense the past two years. So, Denver will likely concentrate on its draft for traditional 4-3 defensive linemen at both end and tackle. It will also likely look for traditional 4-3 linebackers, likely middle and strongside linebackers.

Offensively, Fox believes in a power attack that’s based on running the ball and controlling the clock. Expect Denver to look at big running backs and more help on the offensive line. A blocking tight end could also be part of the mix to replace the aging Daniel Graham, who was released earlier in the offseason.

Kansas City Chiefs

This is the third year of the Scott Pioli draft plan. Defensively, the Chiefs look for 3-4 front-seven players.

This is a good year for a 3-4 team in the draft. The Chiefs will likely look for pass-rushers and big defensive tackles early in the draft. It is an excellent draft for pass-rushers (both at defensive end and at linebacker) and stout defensive tackles.

The Chiefs believe bright, athletic players will flourish in Romeo Crennel’s defense. Last year’s draft was a good indication of that approach. The Chiefs had success by playing rookies on a defense that helped key an unexpected AFC West title. Offensively, the Chiefs will likely look for a backup for quarterback Matt Cassel. Coach Todd Haley is a quarterback specialist. He likes intelligent, tough quarterbacks. The Chiefs are working out quarterbacks this spring. The quarterback they are looking at, including TCU’s Andy Dalton, fit that mold.

Oakland Raiders

Now that Hue Jackson has been promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach, expect him to use the offense he fully wants. That will start on the offensive line.

Gone is former head coach Tom Cable, who was a proponent of the zone-blocking scheme. Jackson is a believer in the power-blocking scheme. Jackson said at the NFL combine in February that he wants to incorporate the power-scheme more into the offense.

The offensive line is one of Oakland’s greatest needs. Oakland will be looking at bigger, stronger offensive lineman. The zone-blocking scheme utilizes smaller, faster more athletic lineman. Jackson wants 300-pound tough guys.

Also, of course, expect the Raiders to look for speed. The Raiders value speed as much as any team in the NFL. They recently drafted the fastest man at the combine in the form of cornerback Stanford Routt and receiver Jacoby Ford. With cornerback a potential draft need, expect the Raiders to scour 40 times as part of their draft evaluation process.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers’ defensive needs are based on their 3-4 system. That will come into play this year. The Chargers will look for pass-rushers at defensive end and at linebacker. The team will also look for 3-4 inside linebackers.

Drafting athletic players who can help right away on the special teams has been an emphasis for general manager A.J. Smith’s teams. Because of an exodus of talent and injuries, San Diego had perhaps the worst special teams in the NFL last season. Expect the Chargers to look at linebackers and defensive backs who have a chance to start down the line, but who can help on special teams immediately.

Expect San Diego to try to add to its stable of tall, fast receivers. That’s the basis of Norv Turner’s passing game. The Chargers don’t add many little guys to this crew.

Mid-week mail call:

Tommy from Kansas City wants to know if I think the Chiefs could make a run at former Denver tight end Daniel Graham:

Bill Williamson: I do, Tommy. I think there will be interest from the Kansas City Chiefs. Graham played for the New England Patriots under Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli. Pioli has long been a fan of Graham. He is a fine blocking tight end and could fill a role for the Chiefs. The Chiefs have a pass-catching tight end in second-year player Tony Moeaki, but Graham would essentially be an extra offensive lineman in running situations. That is important for a team that was No. 1 in the NFL in rushing in 2010. I think teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins could also be interested in Graham. I’m not sure the Chiefs would break the bank for him, but I could see interest if the team thinks he is reasonably priced.

James Fairall from Azusa, Calif., wants to know if I think Oakland could pursue free-agent receiver Sidney Rice.

BW: I think other teams will make a bigger push for Rice. He will be very popular and very pricey. I’m not sure how much the Oakland Raiders will be able to spend because of all of its own free agents, many of whom have already re-signed. Oakland likely will look for a veteran, but one to be a complement to its promising young receivers. I think Rice could end up elsewhere, perhaps with the San Diego Chargers, especially if Malcom Floyd is an unrestricted free agent and he goes elsewhere.

Joey from Topeka, Kan., wants to know if I think the Chiefs could pursue Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea in the draft.

BW: I think it’s a possibility and he has been connected to the Chiefs before. Paea opened eyes at the combine last week when he set a combine record by doing 49 repetitions of the 225 pound bench press. He is a big man who plays in the middle of the defensive line. He’d fill a need for the Chiefs. But because there are so many good pass rushers, I think the Chiefs may look there first. But I do think Paea, who is recovering from a knee injury he suffered at the Senior Bowl, should be on the list of candidates in Kansas City.

The new Denver Broncos’ brass continued to say good-bye to expensive aging players.

A day after tight end Daniel Graham was cut, the team waived defensive lineman Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams. Both players were signed last year by former coach Josh McDaniels.

It is not surprising since the Broncos are moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Denver did indicate last month that Bannan could be kept, but it is clear Denver is looking for wholesale changes on the defensive front.

Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers -- linebackers in the 3-4 -- will be rush ends, but otherwise there will be major changes on the front four. Marcus Thomas, who was given a restricted free agency tender this week, could return at defensive tackle. Denver is expected to seriously consider defensive linemen Da'Quan Bowers, Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley with the No. 2 pick in the draft.

Thursday’s moves shows that the Broncos are not interested in players who are poor fits for the new defense. Denver will concentrate on defense in the draft and in free agency since the Broncos were last in total defense and points allowed in 2010.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams, a former San Diego great, decides to retire at the age of 34.

The next tough decision may be safety Brian Dawkins. He is 37 and his play slipped in an injury-plagued 2010 season. Plus, he is very expensive. I wouldn’t be shocked if he was the next to go, although new Denver coach John Fox does respect him.

Meanwhile, running back Laurence Maroney wasn’t tendered by the Broncos. He is a free agent and is not expected to be back. Denver gave up a fourth-round pick for him last season and he had little impact on the team.

It was not a shock that the Denver Broncos have released tight end Daniel Graham.

Graham -- a Denver native son of former Bronco Tom Graham -- was given a big-money contract by former coach Mike Shanahan in 2007.

Graham, 32, has seen his production dwindle. He was signed primarily to be a blocker in the running game. But his age and contract had forced Denver to move on. He had 18 catches in 16 starts in 2010 for 148 yards. He had 102 catches for Denver in four seasons.

“Our organization is extremely grateful for the character, leadership and high level of play that Daniel Graham brought to the Broncos during his four seasons with this team,” Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said in a statement released by the team. “Beginning at Thomas Jefferson High School and throughout his time at the University of Colorado and as a Broncos team captain, Daniel always has been embraced and respected by everyone in Denver … We are thankful to Daniel for all of his dedication to the Broncos and this community, and we wish him all the best.”

Denver will likely look for both a blocking and receiving tight end in the draft and free agency. One possibility could be Carolina’s Jeff King. He is a good blocker who new Denver coach John Fox liked while he coached the Panthers.

I don’t think Graham will be a high priority on the open market, but possible suitors could included both Kansas City and San Diego. Graham played for Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli and the Chiefs would use a veteran blocking tight end. San Diego could also be interested in adding a blocking tight end.

The Denver Broncos announced their captains for the 2010 season.

Denver has seven captains. They are:

Offense

Daniel Graham, tight end. My comment: He is a quiet leader and is one of the better blocking tight ends in the league.

Chris Kuper, guard. My comment: He is also quiet, but he’s a tough player who is a true professional.

Kyle Orton, quarterback. My comment: This is Orton’s team. His teammates respect how he has handled adversity. They believe in him.

Defense

Champ Bailey, cornerback. My comment: What can you say? A hall of famer.

Brian Dawkins, safety. My comment: The clear vocal leader on this roster. Dawkins oozes leadership.

D.J. Williams, linebacker. My comment: Not a big talker, but he has a way about him.

Special teams

Wesley Woodyard, linebacker. My comment: Well respected for making a name for himself after being an undrafted free agent.

ESPN.com NFL Power Ranking (pre-camp): 23

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After he watched one key player after another limp to the training room this summer, Josh McDaniels came to a conclusion: The Denver Broncos are going to find a way to get better as a result.

Call it medical motivation.

“Sometimes, when everybody around you thinks the sky is falling because of injuries, it could rally a team,” the second-year Denver coach said. “That’s what we are doing. We are going to be motivated to show we can withstand what has happened to us. We’re not sitting here feeling sorry for ourselves.”

McDaniels swears Denver is having a productive training camp despite being the most injured team in the NFL. The biggest hit was the loss of star linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He is likely out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Other players who have been lost during camp include running backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter, receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, safety Brian Dawkins and linebackers D.J. Williams and Jarvis Moss. Don’t forget that left tackle Ryan Clady is out until sometime in September after hurting his knee in the offseason.

Still, McDaniels said it’s not a time of despair, because everyone but Dumervil is expected back in the near future.

“It hurts to lose Elvis, but maybe the other injuries are good that they happened now,” McDaniels said. “We are not worrying about who is not here. We trust our depth and we’re dealing with it.”

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. How will the Tebow factor affect the team? There is not a rookie in the NFL who is getting the attention that Tim Tebow is receiving. From special Nike shoes to a hideous training-camp haircut to operating in short yardage situations, the Tebow Watch is in full force.

The question is how his work in camp will affect the team on the field. The former Florida star quarterback has operated in short-yardage situations and he will likely be used in the Wildcat formation and in the red zone. That likely means Denver will keep quarterbacks Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tebow on the 45-man roster on game days. In June, McDaniels said he was leaning away from that.

But it is clear that Tebow is being groomed to be active as a rookie. Unless Tebow completely leapfrogs Quinn in training camp and in the preseason, Denver could be using three quarterbacks on game days, which will take away from another position.

2. Can this team forget the final 10 games of 2009? Denver was the most perplexing team in the NFL in 2009. It shocked the league by starting 6-0. However, it suddenly fell apart and lost eight of its final 10 games.

Which team will we see in 2010? McDaniels, of course, won’t guarantee anything, but he believes Denver is heading in the right direction because of a strong training camp.

He said the team is making big strides this year because his program is established after 14 years under Mike Shanahan. McDaniels pointed out how much smoother and productive Denver was in its team scrimmage last weekend compared to last year’s scrimmage.

“It’s night and day,” McDaniels said. “Everybody knows the system now and that has helped camp.”

3. Can the running backs stay healthy? Moreno (hamstring) and Buckhalter (back) are supposed to be ready this month. But seeing the top two running backs go down on the first full day of camp had to be scary for Denver. The team has big plans for Moreno and Buckhalter.

Denver brought in veteran LenDale White to help in camp and perhaps as a short-yardage runner once he serves a four-game NFL suspension. The team is discussing signing former Oakland tailback Justin Fargas, perhaps as soon as Wednesday.

This is still the Moreno and Buckhalter show, but the Broncos have been forced to look at other options. Expect Moreno and Buckhalter to be handled very gingerly for the rest of camp and in the preseason in an attempt to ensure their health for the start of the regular season.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

The Broncos are excited about their receivers.

Brandon Lloyd and Matthew Willis have been outstanding. Eddie Royal is playing well in camp and the team hopes he can bounce back from a poor first season under McDaniels. After catching 91 passes as a rookie, Royal had just 37 catches last season.

Add rookies Thomas and Decker and Denver could have a decent receiving crew. That looked shaky after the team sent talented but troubled Brandon Marshall to Miami in April.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

How can it be anything other than the injury to Dumervil? He is arguably Denver’s best player and he just signed a huge, new contract. Denver was looking for him to have a dominant season. Dumervil led the NFL with 17 sacks last season.

Denver will have to find a pass rush elsewhere. A top candidate is 2009 first-round pick Robert Ayers. He struggled as a rookie. But he has been good in camp. Ayers will get every chance to turn it on and help make this bad situation workable.

OBSERVATION DECK

• [+] Enlarge
  Jeff Fishbein/Icon SMIKyle Orton passed for 3,802 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for the Broncos last season.
  Orton has quietly been a star in camp. He had a strong offseason and is, by far, the most accurate of three quarterbacks. While the future is Tebow’s in Denver, Orton is going to do everything he can to make 2010 special before he hits the free-agency market in 2011.
• Quinn, the current No. 2 quarterback in Denver, has been inaccurate often. The Broncos still like Quinn, who was acquired from Cleveland in March. However, with Orton being the immediate starter and Tebow being the future starter, he has his work cut out for him to find a spot in Denver.
• Keep an eye out for fifth-round pick Perrish Cox. He’s been outstanding in camp. “Every day, I look up and Perrish is making another big play,” Royal said. Cox is second at left cornerback behind star Champ Bailey. Cox will likely be the nickel cornerback. He is also dynamic as a return man.
• While Cox is ascending, second-year cornerback Alphonso Smith is still not progressing. Smith was the No. 37 overall pick in 2009. Denver gave up its first-round pick for Smith in 2010 (which was No. 14). He floundered as a rookie and he is not showing much improvement in camp as Cox is stealing the show.
• Richard Quinn, a second-round pick in 2009, is blocking very well in camp. He still must improve as a receiver, but Denver should feel comfortable with him in double tight-end sets with starter Daniel Graham.
• So far, defensive end Ryan McBean is holding off free-agent pickup Jarvis Green. However, the team likes Green and he is very versatile.
• Denver likes what it sees in former San Diego defensive tackle Jamal Williams in the early stages. With Dumervil out, a lot of Denver’s defensive burst must start from him at nose tackle. That may mean Williams may be on the field more than Denver likes. But he is showing, even at 34 and after missing all but one game in San Diego last year, he could still be a force.
• Denver knows it won’t all be roses, but it is at terms with rookies J.D. Walton (center) and Zane Beadles (guard) starting. Both players have showed intelligence and toughness in camp. Most importantly, they are big and strong and they are well suited for the power-blocking scheme McDaniels is adopting. Denver is scrapping the zone-blocking scheme used during the Shanahan era. One of the reasons is McDaniels wants a bigger offensive line that can stay fresh throughout the season.
• D’Anthony Batiste is doing well at left tackle. The Broncos think he will be a valuable backup when Clady returns from a knee injury in September.
• Inside linebacker Joe Mays, acquired from Philadelphia for running back J.J. Arrington less than two weeks ago, is impressing. He has worked some with the first team. He is likely to be a key backup and a special teamer.
• Veteran defensive lineman Marcus Thomas is buried on the depth chart. If he doesn’t pick up the rest of camp, he could be a candidate to be cut.
• Punter Britton Colquitt, the younger brother of Kansas City punter Dustin Colquitt, is doing well and he will likely win the job. He is going unchallenged, but if he falters, Denver could scour the waiver wire. So far, he is showing that may not be necessary.

The Denver Broncos had the type of draft in 2009 that was supposed to give the team a nucleus.

Thanks to several trades (including one that sent Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago), the Broncos finagled five picks in the first two rounds. It was an impressive display of draft chip building by first-year Denver coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders.

There’s no doubt that if the Broncos become a premier team in the near future it will be because of the development of the 2009 draft class. However, it appears solid production from this class is not a foregone conclusion. The class produced very little last year for Denver, which also wheel-and-dealed this year and produced five players in the top No. 87 picks, including receiver Demaryius Thomas and quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round.

“I like how Denver has found ways to acquire picks, and it’s a good way of building a great foundation,” said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. “I’m just not sold on the players they have taken.”

While the 2010 class prepares to begin their rookie season, the 2009 class in Denver is preparing to make progress from a disappointing NFL start. Denver also has hope fourth-round picks David Bruton and Seth Olsen (guard) and fifth-round pick Kenny McKinley (receiver) will contribute as well. But the attention is on the five picks in the first two rounds.

The following is a look at those top five picks from Denver’s 2009 class:

No. 12, Knowshon Moreno, running back

Recapping 2009: Moreno had 947 yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. His production dipped terribly as the season wore on. He had 173 rushing yards in the final four games as the Broncos, who started the season 6-0, fell out of playoff contention and finished 8-8. Moreno’s 2.7-per-carry average in that time span was alarming. Overall, he didn’t show much explosiveness at all. His longest carry of the season was 27 yards.

What’s expected in 2010: The Broncos have been pleased with what they have seen from Moreno this offseason and he seems to be more prepared for the long NFL season. He will be the starter and Denver hopes that he can get in the 1,200-1,400-yard range as the Broncos move to a more traditional power-blocking scheme.

A scout’s view: “I liked Moreno as a late-first round pick but not at No. 12. You don’t take a running back that high unless he is Adrian Peterson, a superstar. I don’t think Moreno will be a superstar, but he should be better in Year 2. He’s a good player, but not an elite player.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 18, Robert Ayers, linebacker:

Recapping 2009: Ayers started just one game last season, finishing with 19 tackles. He didn’t have any sacks. That was disappointing for Denver because it drafted him to be a pass-rusher. He was moved to linebacker to use his explosiveness, but he didn’t show it as a rookie. Ayers was a late draft riser after a so-so college career.

What’s expected in 2010: It hasn’t started great. After being lauded by McDaniels for much of the offseason, Ayers didn’t practice for the first two days of the mandatory minicamp earlier this month. Finally, on the third day, Ayers did some work and McDaniels said the problem had been resolved. Ayers can’t have any more setbacks. He will get a chance to start at linebacker, but he must earn his keep.

A scout’s view: “I think he’s more of a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 linebacker. I don’t know if he is a good fit for Denver’s scheme. I’d be reluctant to write him off because he is adjusting to a new scheme.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 37, Alphonso Smith, cornerback

Recapping 2009: Smith’s rookie season was as a disaster partly because of how he was acquired. That’s not his fault, but he has to deal with it. When Smith, who was expected to be a late first-round pick, fell to No.37, Denver jumped up and traded its 2010 top pick (which turned out to be No. 14) to Seattle for him. Smith didn’t live up to the price tag. He couldn’t keep his nickel cornerback job as he was beaten out by veteran pickup Ty Law and undrafted rookie Tony Carter.

What’s expected in 2010: The Broncos expect Smith to be the nickel cornerback. If he doesn’t keep the job this year, the alarms will sound loudly.

A scout’s view: “I liked the move to get him at No. 37; I’m not so sure about giving up a first-round pick. He is tough as nails and he is a good player. I’m not sure why he had a slow start.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 48, Darcel McBath, safety

Recapping 2009: McBath was decent when he played, but for now, he is just a backup safety. He was a good special-teams player, but his season was cut short because of injuries.

What’s expected in 2010: To continue to develop and help on defense when needed and be a special-teams standout. He will replace Brian Dawkins when he retires.

A scout’s view: “I thought he was a good pick and he could be a good player. But he’s backup for now.” -- Matt Williamson

No. 64, Richard Quinn, tight end:

Recapping 2009: Like Smith, Denver gave up a lot to get Quinn. He was the centerpiece of a trade in which Denver sent two third-rounds picks away in 2009. Quinn was clearly targeted. Yet, on draft day, Quinn admitted that he expected to be selected much lower in the draft. Denver took him because of his blocking. He played in 15 games and didn’t have a catch. He made noticeable mistakes in games and in training-camp practices.

What’s expected in 2010: He needs to develop. The team is using more of a power-blocking scheme so he may be on the field with Daniel Graham more in double-tight end sets.

A scout’s view: “He’s a blocking tight end. He’s not dynamic enough to use that high of a pick on. The Broncos already have Graham and Quinn is a Graham clone. It’s clear that’s what they want out of the position, but I’m not sure he’ll give them the production that’s expected because of what they gave up to get him.” -- Matt Williamson

Our AFC West position-by-position rankings continue. We are looking at the tight ends Monday. The position is strong in the division.

1. Antonio Gates, San Diego: Gates is one of the best tight ends in football. He helps make San Diego’s offense special. He turns 30 soon, but he is still in his prime. He had a career high 1,157 yards last season. He’s outstanding.

2. Zach Miller, Oakland: I really like this player. He is one of Oakland’s better players. Miller is so talented even JaMarcus Russell succeeded with him. Miller was Russell’s favorite target. With a better quarterback in Jason Campbell, Miller should be even more dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made the Pro Bowl this season.

3. Daniel Graham, Denver: Graham is a favorite of many NFL scouts. He is a fine blocker and he is a smart player. He will not wow you with big offensive numbers, but he is a key component to Denver’s offense.

4. Tony Moeaki, Kansas City: The third-round draft choice from Iowa is an intriguing player. He looked good at the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp. He can stretch the field and he has good hands. Historically, Chiefs coach Todd Haley hasn’t use the tight end much in the passing game. But the Chiefs used a quality pick on Moeaki. They clearly plan to use him. He should give the Chiefs’ offense a new dimension.

It’s no surprise the Chargers plan to use backup quarterback Bill Volek on Sunday against Washington. The Chargers have the No. 2 seed in the playoffs wrapped up. Philip Rivers will start but expect Volek to get extensive time.

That’s the right call. Rivers needs to be healthy for the playoffs. Volek is one of the best backups in the league, so he won’t hurt the Chargers’ chances of winning their 11th straight game.

• Denver receiver Eddie Royal is questionable to play against Kansas City. He was limited in practice the past two games with neck and head injuries. He didn’t play against Philadelphia. Royal may be needed against the Chiefs with Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall deactivated Sunday.

• Denver tight end Daniel Graham is questionable with a knee injury. He was limited the past two days. Tight end Tony Scheffler is expected to be deactivated Sunday because of attitude issues, so Graham may be needed.

• Kansas City cornerback Brandon Flowers practiced fully Friday with a shoulder injury. He is listed as probable.

• The Oakland Tribune is reporting that Oakland rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey’s season may be over.
• http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1659477.html

• The Chiefs have gotten production at defensive end, just not from the players they paid to produce.

Denver receiver Brandon Marshall did not practice Thursday. He suffered a hamstring injury Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday that Marshall will be available for Denver on Sunday against Kansas City.

Marshall has 101 catches this season. He is the obvious focal point of the offense. The team would have to dramatically adjust if he wasn’t available to play as Denver tries to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Other Denver offensive weapons, receiver Eddie Royal (neck/head) and tight end Daniel Graham (knee), were both limited Thursday. They didn’t practice Wednesday.

• Kansas City cornerback Brandon Flowers practiced fully Thursday. He was limited with a shoulder injury Wednesday.

• Oakland defensive backs Chris Johnson (hamstring) and safety Tyvon Branch (hip) could be in jeopardy of not playing against Baltimore on Sunday.

• San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot) and safety Eric Weddle (knee) did not practice. Receiver Vincent Jackson (achilles) was limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday. Since the Chargers have already wrapped up the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, it wouldn’t be a surprise if these players didn’t play Sunday against Washington.The Chargers received a 24-hour extension -- until Friday -- to sell out Sunday’s game. The Raiders will be blacked out locally for the seventh straight game.

• Denver listed Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall as limited in practice. He suffered an apparent hamstring injury early in practice. He will be monitored throughout the week as Denver prepares for a pivotal game against Kansas City on Sunday.
• Denver tight end Daniel Graham (knee) and receiver Eddie Royal (head/neck) did not practice. Royal missed the Philadelphia game on Sunday. Kansas City cornerback Brandon Flowers was limited with a shoulder injury.
• For San Diego, receiver Vincent Jackson (Achilles), linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot) and safety Eric Weddle (knee) were among the players not to practice. It wouldn’t be a shock if these players were rested Sunday against Washington. The Chargers have the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs wrapped up.
• Oakland top draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey is back at practice after missing several games because of a foot injury. It has not been determined if he will play Sunday against Baltimore. Also, Oakland made a couple of roster moves involving young players.