ESPN NFL

The 2011 Denver Broncos will not be remembered for their defense.

Let’s face it, the lasting memory, regardless of how this unexpected Rocky Mountain joy ride ends, will be of quarterback Tim Tebow. The six-game winning streak, the four overtime wins, the incredible and the abrupt ending to the wild-card win over Pittsburgh on Sunday will all turn back to Tebow. He is the cover boy for these Broncos.

Yet, there is no way this upstart franchise would still be playing if it wasn’t for an improved, tough-minded defense. Tebow may be the face of the 2011 Denver Broncos, but the defense is the heart.

If the Broncos have any chance of beating the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional playoff round Saturday, their defense will have to continue to show its growth. New England coach Bill Belichick knows a thing about defense and he knows Denver’s unit is capable of being a factor against his high-powered offense.

“Defensively, they’re fast. They have an excellent pass rush,” Belichick said this week. “They’re athletic inside, their linebackers blitz … They cover well. They have a good defensive team.”

Four months ago, just as it was unexpected that Denver would be one of the final eight teams alive in the playoffs, it was as unexpected that the Denver defense would inspire such words from one of the most renowned defensive minds in the game.

In 2010, Denver was ranked last in nearly every statistical defensive category and it was a major reason why the Broncos went 4-12 and earned the No. 2 pick in the draft. Since he took over as Denver’s football leader, Broncos’ legendary quarterback John Elway immediately focused on the other side of the ball to begin his reclamation project.

Ending a 16-year streak, Elway hired a defensive-minded head coach in highly-respected John Fox after the Broncos were led by offensive minds Mike Shanahan and Josh McDaniels. Piggybacking on the Fox hire, Elway’s first draft pick was outside linebacker Von Miller, a player Elway hoped would become similar to Miller’s idol, Derrick Thomas, the man who sacked Elway more than any other defensive player ever.

The immense commitment to defense has worked out for Elway. Seventeen games into Fox’s tenure, the Broncos’ defense is considered above average. There is no doubt Fox and first-year defensive coordinator Dennis Allen have influenced this unit, and it's being recognized around the league.

The Denver defense was on display in a big way in the 29-23 upset win over Pittsburgh in the wild-card round. The Broncos dominated the game and harassed Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with five sacks. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Roethlisberger completed just 6 of 13 passes for 74 yards and was intercepted when Denver blitzed five or more defenders. Led by the dynamic pass-rushing combination of Miller and veteran Elvis Dumervil, the Broncos had 41 sacks in the regular season, the most it has had since 2000.

“We saw some things we felt like we could do well,” said Denver defensive end Robert Ayers, who was extremely active against the Steelers. “It’s the playoffs. There is no time for holding back.”

Denver’s defense has been consistent throughout the season. When the Broncos entered the playoffs on a three-game losing streak, it was Denver's offense that was most culpable. In a 40-14 loss at Buffalo in Week 16, the Bills had two defensive touchdowns and a special teams score. The Denver defense allowed one touchdown in the game. In a 7-3 Week 17 loss to Kansas City, the Denver defense allowed just one big play.

In a 41-23 loss to visiting New England in Week 15, Denver's defense had some moments. But the Broncos didn’t lose the game on defense. It lost because the offense blew a 16-7 lead with three fumbles in its territory in the second quarter that resulted in 13 direct points for New England. The defense simply couldn’t overcome the turnovers.

Still, according to ESPN Stats & Information, Denver may not have the same success blitzing against Tom Brady as it did against Roethlisberger if last month’s game is any indication. Brady was 10-of-12, gaining with an average of 14.3 yards per play, against a five or more-man blitz. Against four or fewer pass-rushers, Brady was just 13 of 22 with an average of 6.8 yards per play.

Regardless of the pass-rush packages, Ayers said the key is containing tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The pair has torched defenses all season, and Hernandez was particularly dangerous against Denver last month. Hernandez had nine catches for 129 yards and a touchdown against Denver, while Gronkowski added four catches for 53 yards. That’s massive production from tight end.

“Up front, we have to be able to get some pass rush and not let [our secondary] sit back there for long,” Ayers said. “I think Brady... he got a little bit comfortable a couple of times. We don’t want to let that happen. We don’t want to leave those guys on an island too long. … It’s going to take a complete team effort -- offense, defense, special teams -- and we know that.”

If the defense's effort all season has been any indication, the Broncos should feel comfortable their unit will come to play and continue to show it is no longer the weak link.

Whether Darrius Heyward-Bey will ever live up to his lofty draft status or whether he even becomes a consistently reliable player is still to be determined.

At least, the man who took an overwhelmingly amount of heat (including from this writer) for taking Heyward-Bey with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2009 draft lived to see the Oakland Raiders receiver make some strides.

In the final game he witnessed the Raiders play, Al Davis watched Heyward-Bey be a bright spot for the Raiders in a Week 4 loss to New England. While perhaps honoring the man who drafted him, Heyward-Bey enjoyed his career highlight in Week 5, the day after Davis died at the age of 82.

Heyward-Bey had a team-high seven catches for 99 yards in the Raiders’ 25-20 win at Houston, which goes down as one of the greatest regular-season moments in team history. Heyward-Bey put Oakland back in the game late in the second quarter when he scored on a 34-yard touchdown after showing strong tackle-breaking ability.

It was fitting that Heyward-Bey player such a major role in the Raiders’ first win without Davis. Heyward-Bey was emotional after the game in interviews and talked about the importance of wearing the Silver and Black. The day Davis died, Heyward-Bey tweeted a thank you to Davis for changing his life.

However, the pairing wasn’t initially easy for either man.

The Maryland product was considered a late first-round or second-round prospect prior to the draft. He had good size and stunning speed. Yet, he wasn’t overly productive in college and there were questions about his hands. Still, Davis was -- as he often was -- enamored with Heyward-Bey’s speed. Davis shocked the NFL by taking Heyward-Bey with the No. 7 pick. Most scouts thought Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree was the best all-around receiving prospect. He went three selections later to San Francisco.

Heyward-Bey didn’t do himself any favors when he dropped several passes in his first NFL minicamp. The drops continued in training camp and then in the season. Heyward-Bey had some positive moments in his first two NFL seasons, but the drops and inconsistency overpowered the bright spots.

Heyward-Bey had only 35 catches in his first 26 games.

After JaMarcus Russell -- the No. 1 pick of the 2007 draft -- busted, Davis (who scored with several late draft picks in recent years) received criticism for blowing another top pick in the form of Heyward-Bey.

Yet, Davis never wavered on Heyward-Bey. Despite several other promising young receivers on the roster, Heyward-Bey continued to get plenty of chances in his third year. It is paying off. He has 16 catches this season. But the key is his 11 catches in the past two games.

He looks much more confident and he plays very physically. The drops are decreasing.

“I keep telling you guys, Darrius is rising,” Raiders coach Hue Jackson told reporters after the Houston game. “I’m very happy for Darrius.”

Heyward-Bey will have to complete this season with several more quality games before he is considered a player who has a clear future. But he's showing that it's worth the Raiders' time to continue to develop him. The Raiders are loaded with intriguing talent at receiver, so Heyward-Bey’s development will only make this offense more difficult to defend.

He also is helping his legacy in the 2009 draft class. Overall, that year’s draft is considered to be poor. Several second- and third-round picks already have been cut by their drafting team, and several first-round picks (including every other AFC West top-round pick: Kansas City’s Tyson Jackson, Denver’s Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers and San Diego’s Larry English) have yet to develop. The No. 11 overall pick, Aaron Maybin of Buffalo, already has been cut. Just this week, the Raiders acquired linebacker Aaron Curry -- the No. 4 pick in that draft -- from Seattle for a seventh-round pick in 2012 and a conditional 2013 pick.

Yet, some good receivers were taken in that draft. Taken after Heyward-Bey and Crabtree (he has had a slow start to this season, but he does have 114 catches in 31 games compared with Heyward-Bey’s 51 catches in 30 games) in the first round were Philadelphia’s Jeremy Maclin, Minnesota’s Percy Harvin, the Giants’ Hakeem Nicks and Tennessee’s Kenny Britt. Other notable receivers taken in that draft were Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace (third), the Jaguars’ Mike Thomas (fourth), Oakland’s Louis Murphy (fourth), the Colts’ Austin Collie (fourth) and the Bears’ Johnny Knox (fifth).

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. is not sure if Heyward-Bey is in the league of most of those players. Yet, Williamson sees improvements being made.

“He is certainly getting better,” Williamson said. “His routes are crisper and more reliable and his hands are also more reliable. The speed is obvious -- and it is still his greatest asset.”

The Raiders hope to see Heyward-Bey continue to work and become an overall asset -- and become a positive part of Davis’ drafting legacy.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- For a franchise that was accused of turning stale a few years ago, the Denver Broncos have become pros at taking fresh approaches.

For the second time in three training camps, Denver has a new head coach. John Fox takes over after the disastrous 23-month Josh McDaniels regime. From 1995 to 2008, the Broncos were the picture of coaching constancy. It was the Mike Shanahan show. Everyone knew it.

But the Broncos have been in flux and have gone from one of the better-run organizations in the NFL to a team that is grasping for an identity. Denver hasn’t been to the playoffs since the 2005 season. It hasn’t had a winning record since 2006.

In comes Fox, who is experiencing a rebirth himself after spending the past nine seasons in Carolina. Fox’s biggest task in Denver is to restore normalcy after the rocky McDaniels era and rebuild a winner.

“There has been instability here, good, bad or indifferent, that’s just the way it has been,” said Fox, whose team will be on its sixth defensive coordinator (former New Orleans secondary coach Dennis Allen) in six seasons.

“We have to build our program here. But I think it can be done. There are good pieces here.”

Many Denver players have raved about Fox. They appreciate his professionalism, his structure and his attention to detail. They believe there is a plan in place, and they trust Fox’s experience. The players also seem to appreciate the fact that Fox is simply in Denver to coach. The front office is run by legendary Denver quarterback John Elway and general manager Brian Xanders. Both Shanahan and McDaniels made personnel decisions.

“I get a great feel for Coach Fox,” star cornerback Champ Bailey said. “He’s one of the better coaches I’ve been around ... I like it that he is focused on coaching us on the field. That’s where he wants to be.”

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Fix the defense. While the Tim Tebow-Kyle Orton competition has garnered much attention, the real key issue in Denver’s camp has been the defense. This unit was ranked No. 32 in the NFL last season and was generally awful in every major statistical category. Fox and his defensive staff have taken a hands-on approach to improve this group, which is a mix of veterans and youngsters.

If the reconstructed defensive front plays well and rookie linebacker Von Miller makes an instant impact, this group has a chance to improve quickly. It seems to be working early. Denver’s defense has been capable in camp and it looked solid against Dallas in the preseason opener Thursday. Injuries to defensive tackles Ty Warren (who signed to a two-year, $8 million deal) and Marcus Thomas create more uncertainty at a key spot for Denver. It needs to get help there by Kevin Vickerson, Brodrick Bunkley, Jeremy Jarmon and Derrick Harvey in the rest of the preseason. Warren could be out for a long period and Thomas will miss the rest of the preseason.

2. Clarity at quarterback: The Broncos’ camp has been about getting the first-team ready to go with Orton. There is no question Orton is the starter now. If the team struggles, Tebow could enter the picture, but players love playing with Orton and the team thinks he currently gives them the best chance to win now.

Of course, the lack of clarity was team-induced. It spent the immediate days after the lockout trying to trade Orton to Miami. After that fell through, Orton took control of the offense quickly and has given Denver no choice but to make him the starter, TebowMania be dammed.

3. Establish a ground game: Although Fox is a defensive-minded coach, he has a strict philosophy on offense. He believes in stuffing the ball down an opponent’s throat and killing the clock. Denver struggled to run the ball under McDaniels, and Fox said adding a veteran tailback was paramount.

The Broncos jumped on Willis McGahee when he was cut by the Ravens. Expect McGahee and third-year player Knowshon Moreno to combine for plenty of carries. They have worked well in camp, and they combined for 40 yards on six carries in the preseason opener at Dallas. This camp has been spent getting these two involved in the offense as much as possible.

ELVIS IS BACK IN THE BUILDING

The Broncos are raving about the play of Elvis Dumervil. After leading the NFL with 17 sacks in 2009 and getting a contract worthy of that performance, Dumervil tore a pectoral muscle in early August last year and missed the entire 2010 season.

There was concern that his rust and a move back to the 4-3 under Fox could hamper the smallish Dumervil. He flourished in McDaniels’ 3-4 system after being a solid player in Shanahan’s 4-3 defense. Dumervil beefed up to more than 260 pounds, and he‘s been impressive under Fox.

The Broncos expect Dumervil and Miller to become one of the better pass-rush tandems in the league.

RELYING ON THE ROOKIES

One of the most exciting aspects of this camp for Denver has been the play of its rookies. The Broncos thought they drafted well in April, and after three weeks, they are thrilled with what they see.

“I think we had an excellent draft,” Fox said.

Added Dumervil: “This is the best group of rookies I’ve seen here in awhile.”

Leading the way is Miller, who was the No. 2 overall draft pick. The Texas A&M product has been as advertised. Teammates rave about his speed, explosiveness and his ability to make plays. They expect instant success.

Second-round pick Rahim Moore is vying for a starting spot with Kyle McCarthy at safety and has shown he is ready for NFL play. Right tackle Orlando Franklin, middle linebacker Nate Irving, tight end Julius Thomas and safety Quentin Carter are all expected to be major contributors. This is exactly what this 4-12 team needed -- a solid group of youngsters to build around after a couple of shaky years of drafting by McDaniels.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Safety Brian Dawkins may be turning 38 this year, but the Broncos are still getting a lot out of him. He works well with Fox’s staff, and his leadership has been uncanny during camp.
• Defensive end Robert Ayers has been getting chances to break out in camp, but he has been slow to show progress. He was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2009 draft.
• Receiver Brandon Lloyd has been slowed by swelling in his knee. Still, the team expects him to contribute. Lloyd had a breakout season in 2010 -- 77 catches for 1,448 yards.
• The second-round draft class of 2009 has been a bust. Tight end Richard Quinn is hurt and could be the odd man out. Safety Darcel McBath has yet to develop, and cornerback Alphonso Smith (who Denver traded its 20101 first-round pick for) was shipped out to Detroit last year. This was supposed to be the nucleus of future success, and Denver hasn’t seen results.
• The Broncos’ passing game struggled in red-zone and third-down situations. That has been a point of emphasis during this camp.
• Veterans Joe Mays and Mario Haggan are competing to hold off Irving at middle linebacker.
• Franklin has struggled in pass projection. Still, the team is committed to him.
• Denver is excited about second-year receiver Eric Decker. Expect Decker to get a chance to contribute a lot.
• The Broncos like what they have in new tight end Daniel Fells. He is solid as a receiver and as a blocker. He should help in both phases of the game.
• Right cornerback Andre' Goodman has been steady, and the team is confident he can play well in 2011.
• Second-year center J.D. Walton continues to improve, and he has shown strong leadership for a young player.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- The 2009 NFL draft was not a good one.

Several second- and third-round picks have already been cut. The class took its most serious hit Monday when the Buffalo Bills jettisoned defensive end/linebacker Aaron Maybin. He was the No. 11 overall pick. It is astonishing that a team would give up on a pick that high before the player’s third season.

It’s a prime example of how weak the 2009 draft class was.

The AFC West had five first-round picks that year and none has fully developed. They were defensive end Tyson Jackson (No. 3, Kansas City), receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (No. 7, Oakland), running back Knowshon Moreno (No. 12, Denver), linebacker Larry English (No. 16, San Diego) and defensive end Robert Ayers (No. 18, Denver).

Although none of these players has produced yet, all eyes are on Jackson because of how high he was taken. However, I haven't had any indication from people I have spoken with at Chiefs camp that they believe they have a Maybin case on their hands. Actually, Kansas City is satisfied with Jackson’s progress.

He started to make strides before he was hurt early last season. He has produced solidly in camp this year. The Chiefs see Jackson as a reliable, hard-working player whom they expect to be a steady, long-term starter. He hasn't made the Pro Bowl or produced gaudy sack numbers. (He has one sack in 28 NFL games.) But Kansas City envisions him as the starting left end for the next several years.

Ideally, you’d want much more than just a steady player from the No. 3 pick. But that’s what type of class this has been. Many league observers thought the Chiefs would take Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry. He went to Seattle at No. 4. He, too, hasn’t set the NFL on fire. The case certainly could have been made for Kansas City to take Boston College nose tackle B.J. Raji. He went six spots later to Green Bay and he has become a stalwart. But Raji had character concerns coming out of college, and the Chiefs may have been leery of him.

Jackson is known for his good character, and the Chiefs think his attitude is one of the reasons he'll develop. I asked Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. for his opinion on Jackson. Williamson thinks Jackson has a long way to go and doesn’t think he was worth the No. 3 pick, but he has hope for him.

“He has a very strong defensive coaching staff,” Williamson said. “I would bet he ends up being an adequate starter.”

As Maybin hits the waiver wire Tuesday, it's time to reflect back on the 2009 draft class. However, it seems too early to think this division’s top pick from that class will end up being another Maybin.

This is the sixth in our series of position-by-position rankings. It is a little different this season because we’re ranking the players before free agency starts and before rosters are set. We will adjust accordingly as we go along. On to an improved group of defensive linemen:

1. Richard Seymour, Oakland: He is the class of the division. He is aging, but he is still a brilliant player.

2. Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City: He made great strides in 2010, his third NFL season. He had adjusted well to the 3-4, and he is the anchor to a young defense.

3. Tommy Kelly, Oakland: Kelly had his best NFL season in 2010, and he pairs very nicely with Seymour. He is tough when he is motivated.

4. Elvis Dumervil, Denver: Dumervil is back to end in a 4-3 after excelling in a 3-4 defense. He struggles against the run, but he is a force as a pass-rusher.

5. Lamarr Houston, Oakland: I really like this second-year player. He is a potential star.

6. Antonio Garay, San Diego: Garay had a terrific season in 2010. He is a tremendous nose tackle.

7. Luis Castillo, San Diego: Castillo is a solid player, but I’d like to see more impact plays.

8. Matt Shaughnessy, Oakland: He’s another fine young player for Oakland. He has made the most of his opportunities.

9. Tyson Jackson, Kansas City: Jackson has been just so-so. This is a huge season for the No. 3 overall pick of the 2009 draft.

10. Corey Liuget, San Diego: The No. 18 overall pick of the 2011 draft will start at end, and he will get a chance to make an immediate impact.

11. Wallace Gilberry, Kansas City: He’s an underrated player. He can get sacks in bunches.

12. John Henderson, Oakland: He is aging, but he can still help Oakland as a run stuffer.

13. Robert Ayers, Denver: This is a big season for Ayers, the No. 18 pick in 2009. New coach John Fox likes him, so he’ll get a chance to start.

14. Trevor Scott, Oakland: Scott has a chance to be very good. He has natural pass-rushing ability.

15. Ron Edwards, Kansas City: He’s steady. The Chiefs want more help at tackle, but Edwards is OK.

16. Shaun Smith, Kansas City: The Chiefs need to bring him back. He can make an impact.

17. Marcus Thomas, Denver: Denver wants this free agent back.

18. Allen Bailey, Kansas City: The Chiefs are very excited about this third-round pick. He could play right away.

19. Kevin Vickerson, Denver: Denver re-signed him in March.

20 Vaughn Martin, San Diego: It’s time for this project to make a move.

21. Cam Thomas, San Diego: The Chargers still have high hopes for this second-year player.

We had an wildly close call to our poll, asking readers which AFC West 2009 first-round pick will end up having the best NFL career.

They are: Tyson Jackson (Chiefs), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Raiders), Knowshon Moreno (Broncos), Larry English (Chargers) and Robert Ayers (Broncos). Thus far, none of the five have made a significant contribution.

There was clearly no consensus for the player readers think will develop. As of 6 p.m. ET Wednesday, Jackson and Heyward-Bey were tied with 23 percent of the vote. Ayers and Moreno each received 19 percent of the voting and English received 16 percent. More than 3,500 votes were recorded. It’s remarkable that all five players were separated by seven percent of the vote.

I understand why the voting was so tight. All five have had chances to produce, but they haven’t. Yet, all five should continue to get chances. This season will be crucial for all five of these former first-round picks. If any these players fail to take the next step in their season, their respective teams will likely start losing patience with them.

Last week, the AFC West’s 2009 first-round draft class was ranked the worst in the NFL by my colleagues Mike Sando and Matt Williamson.

It was a deserved ranking. The division’s class has not been good. Here it is: Tyson Jackson (No. 3, Kansas City), Darrius Heyward-Bey (No. 7, Oakland), Knowshon Moreno (No. 12, Denver), Larry English (No. 16, San Diego) and Robert Ayers (No. 18 Denver).

None of the five players have made a major impact heading into their third NFL season. Please take our poll and choose the player who you expect will end up having the best NFL career of the group.

Give us your reason for your choice below in the comment section. We will review the results Wednesday.

The 2009 AFC West first-round draft class was just dissed. Badly.

My colleagues Mike Sando and Matt Williamson ranked the first-rounds classes of each division.

Hate to break this to you, but the AFC West was ranked last. What’s even more painful is it wasn’t a very strong overall class. To be last of a weak class is tough to take.

But, let’s face it. It is deserved. The five (yes, the AFC West even got an extra pick via the Jay Cutler trade) picks in the class have done virtually nothing in their first two NFL seasons.

To recap, here’s the mess of a class: Tyson Jackson (No. 3, Kansas City), Darrius Heyward-Bey No. 7, Oakland), Knowshon Moreno (No. 12, Denver), Larry English (No. 16, San Diego) and Robert Ayers (No. 18 Denver).

Folks, there’s a chance we can go five-for-five on the old bust meter here. Yes, all five players have potential, but it’s time for each of them to get going.

For now, the last-place ranking can’t be argued.

Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson looks at AFC West players on the verge of a breakout in 2011.

The switch to the Denver Broncos’ new 4-3 defense might favor Robert Ayers more than any other player on Denver’s roster. The former 2009 first round pick fits his new defensive end role better than playing outside linebacker in the old 3-4 scheme. This 25-year-old could be poised to take a big step in the right direction next season.

Ayers is a sturdy end who can secure the edge in the run game. As of right now, he is better versus the run than the pass, but he does have some upside as a pass-rusher. He should benefit from the attention that Elvis Dumervil will demand on the opposite side on most downs and surely the attention that rookie Von Miller will command as a pass-rusher on throwing downs. When Miller does line up with his hand on the ground, Ayers could potentially take on a Justin Tuck-like role as a tough interior pass-rusher who can out-quick his slower interior offensive line opponent. But so far, Ayers has recorded only one and a half sacks in his three seasons in the league. Obviously that isn’t good enough. If Denver adds a defensive tackle or two in free agency with pass-rush skills, Ayers could find himself as a two-down player.

Both Dumervil (knee) and Ayers (foot) missed time with injuries last season. Before his injury, Ayers was playing very well -- even in his new role at linebacker. But he wasn’t the same when he returned after missing five games in the middle of the season. A fresh Ayers could take a big step forward.

Other players that I considered include Perrish Cox and Chris Kuper. Two wideouts also crossed my mind -- Eddie Royal could certainly rebound well and play like he did as a rookie, and Eric Decker's skill set could make him one of the more reliable receivers in this league before long.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

ENGLEWOOD, CO. -- Tim DeRuyter believes his lasting image of Von Miller exemplifies who the Denver Broncos’ first-round pick truly is.

It was moments after an upset win against visiting Nebraska in November. Ninety-thousand-plus fans flooded Texas A&M’s field. DeRuyter, the Aggies’ defensive coordinator, then saw a stunning sight. There was Miller – the team’s best player --- standing in the middle of the chaos, sobbing uncontrollably.

“That’s Von,” DeRuyter said. “He was so happy we won. He’s cares so much more about the team than himself. That’s not always the case with great players. Often, they care more about themselves than the team, but not Von. Denver is getting a guy who is going to be a great player and a great teammate.”

I talked to DeRuyter on the phone moments before Miller was introduced to the media Friday afternoon; the day after the Denver took the pass-rusher with the No. 2 overall pick. Miller quickly showed the traits his former coach was talking about.

Miller said his new job is “all about winning” and he said on multiple times that he is in Denver to be a ”sidekick” to existing Denver pass-rushers Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers, or as Miller referred to them "Mr. Dumervil" and "Mr. Ayers.”

He thanked “Mr. Elway” for drafting him and said it was a surreal experience working for the legendary quarterback.

DeRuyter called Miller the “whole package” and said there is not a weak spot in his game or off-field life.

“Denver is going to love this kid,” DeRuyter said. “He’s a special kid.”

» 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: history in that spot.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos’ top pick is No. 2 overall. Here are the previous seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: DT Ndamukong Suh (Lions)

2009: T Jason Smith (Rams)

2008: DE Chris Long (Rams)

2007: WR Calvin Johnson (Lions)

2006: RB Reggie Bush (Saints)

2005: RB Ronnie Brown (Dolphins)

2004: OL Robert Gallery (Raiders)

ANALYSIS: This is the Broncos’ first top-five pick since 1991, when they took linebacker Mike Croel at No. 4. The Broncos would love to have the success Detroit had last year with the pick. Suh looks like a unit changer, and Denver needs a similarly dominant defender. Detroit is the only team to have great success at No. 2 in the past seven years. Along with Suh, Johnson is a fabulous player. There are some good players on this list, though, with no flat-out duds. The Rams hope to see progress in Smith and Long, who made strides in 2010.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers’ top pick is No. 18 overall. Here are the previous seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: C Maurkice Pouncey (Steelers)

2009: LB Robert Ayers (Broncos)

2008: QB Joe Flacco (Ravens)

2007: CB Leon Hall (Bengals)

2006: LB Bobby Carpenter (Cowboys)

2005: LB Erasmus James (Vikings)

2004: DE Will Smith (Saints)

ANALYSIS: This is an interesting group. It shows that teams can find franchise players at No. 18 but also that they can make a major mistake with the pick. Flacco was a tremendous value for Baltimore in 2008. Pouncey looks as if he’ll be at center in Pittsburgh for the next decade. Smith has also had a terrific career and was a solid pick at No. 18. James was a terrible pick; Carpenter wasn’t worth it; and the jury is still out on Ayers. The Chargers know they have to pick smart. They took linebacker Larry English at No. 16 in 2009 and are waiting for a payoff. It’s interesting that there are four defensive ends/linebackers on this list. That’s exactly the position the Chargers will be looking for with the No. 18 pick.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs’ top pick is No. 21 overall. Here are the previous seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: TE Jermaine Gresham (Bengals)

2009: C Alex Mack (Browns)

2008: T Sam Baker (Falcons)

2007: S Reggie Nelson (Jaguars)

2006: RB Laurence Maroney (Patriots)

2005: WR Matt Jones (Jaguars)

2004: DT Vince Wilfork (Patriots)

ANALYSIS: The Chiefs are not used to drafting this low. Kansas City has picked in the top five the past three years. However, Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli is plenty familiar with having the No. 21 pick. He was with New England when it had the choice in 2004 and 2006. Pioli has seen teams score with this pick and seen teams whiff with it. Wilfork was a tremendous choice, but taking Maroney was a blunder. However, the pick has paid solid dividends in recent years. This doesn’t appear to be a bad spot to be in.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders’ top pick is No. 48 overall. Here are the previous seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: QB Jimmy Clausen (Panthers)

2009: S Darcel McBath (Broncos)

2008: TE Fred Davis (Redskins)

2007: LB Justin Durant (Jagaurs)

2006: DB Cedric Griffin (Vikings)

2005: LB Odell Thurman (Bengals)

2004: LB Dontarrious Thomas (Vikings)

ANALYSIS: It’s interesting that a quarterback was taken at this spot in 2010. Clausen was the third quarterback taken last year. If a quarterback such as Washington’s Jake Locker or Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett takes a similar tumble, we could see a quarterback taken at No. 48 again. This pick has been hit-or-miss, so it could be worth taking a gamble. Oakland picked at No. 47 two years ago and is still waiting for safety Mike Mitchell to develop. Last year, Oakland took defensive lineman Lamarr Houston at No. 44, and he had a terrific rookie season. In 2007, Oakland took standout tight end Zach Miller at No. 38. The Raiders know they can find talent in the second round.

New Denver coach John Fox met the media at the NFL owners meeting Tuesday in New Orleans. Here is a sampling of his session:

On having the No. 2 pick in next month’s draft:

John Fox: They'll be a player there whose worth that pick in this draft. Some years you don't want to be there, but there are a lot of players there in this draft.

My take: The Broncos are in good shape. They have several players to choose from at No. 2. I know Denver could be persuaded to trade the pick and move down a few spots. The deeper the top of the draft is, the better it is for Denver.

On Denver’s defensive needs:

JF: The cupboard's not bare. A guy like Robert Ayers, I had him as a defensive end (before the 2009 draft). Elvis Dumervil didn't play and I think that really affected the defense a year ago. He's obviously one of the better players. Back-end wise the secondary is pretty solid. I think just re-tooling the front seven, particularly the front, getting more to a 4-3 setup than a 3-4, that's going to require some work. Personally I think it's a little easier and a little better to rush the passer.

My take: It sure sounds like Denver may be leaning toward taking a defensive lineman at No. 2, doesn’t it?

On what he likes about being in Denver:

JF: Not to compare. I just think it's one of the best organizations in the NFL -- with Mr. (Pat) Bowlen -- so I think that's always critical when you’re in my position. The fan base, the passion of the fan base is outstanding. I've been places like Pittsburgh and New York and just the passion. Winning tradition. Probably the best home-field advantage in the National Football League, I mean no one else has altitude.

My take: Fox knows how to win over a room. He is always going to say the right thing.

On how the lockout affects a new coaching staff:

JF: We're all operating in the same situation. A lot is made of being a new coach, but there have been new coaches in this league forever. I don't think it's really that much of a factor in that way. I had a chance to meet all the players early on. Right now it's just a matter of implementing our systems.'

My take: This isn’t Fox’s first rodeo. This is his 10th straight season as a head coach. He knows how to handle curve balls, even if it’s in a new spot.

On how much interaction he had with his new players before the lockout:

JF: A lot. I met them all. It's not much different yet. You've got to give them a break after the season. You wouldn't have seen them much anyway. The thing about this is we're all operating under the same guidelines. I'm talking about all 32 teams.''

My take: Fox is known for his great communication skills. I’m sure he took advantage of his early time with his players.

NOTE: I hope to get the transcripts from all of the AFC West coaches' interviews Tuesday. I will post reaction when I get them. Fox is first because his transcript was available first.

Midweek mail call:

John Fanghella from Houston wants to know if I think the Chargers could draft Oregon linebacker Casey Matthews.

Bill Williamson: I think he is a player the Chargers will look at. San Diego has two second-round picks and I think Matthews will be considered in that range. The Chargers will likely pick up two inside linebackers this offseason and could draft one early. Inside linebackers Stephen Cooper, Kevin Burnett and Brandon Siler are free agents. I could see two of them leaving. Matthews is a type of guy who looks like he could be a fit in San Diego and who would interest Chargers’ general manager A.J. Smith.

---

Ian John from Pueblo, Colo., wants to know if Denver would have too many pass-rushers if it ended up with Da’Quan Bowers, Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers.

BW: Hi, Ian. You can never have enough pass-rushers. They are at a premium. You truly can’t have enough. A strong pass-rushing defense is a good defense. Also, there are questions in Denver. Will Dumervil regain his same pass-rushing groove after missing last season with a pectoral tear and moving to a 4-3 defense? Will Ayers ever reach his potential? I think Denver is considering Bowers because it feels like it is not settled at the position.

---

Brandon from Kansas wants to know I think the Chiefs could make a play for Mike Sims-Walker in free agency.

BW: I think the Chiefs have to be put on the list of the teams that would look at the Jacksonville free agent. I could see Oakland and San Diego on that list as well. As far as Kansas City goes, I think he’d be a nice complement to No. 1 receiver Dwayne Bowe. He’d stretch the field and be a nice No. 2 option to Matt Cassel. This should be a strong receiver free-agent class and Sims-Walker could be relatively reasonably priced and attractive to 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.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Random thoughts from the session with new Denver head coach John Fox:

Fox said the Broncos are totally open with their No. 2 pick. He said the team will take the best available player. Still, defense is expected to be the area Denver pursues with the pick.

Fox said he hasn’t studied Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers enough to compare him to former Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers. That comparison has often been made. The Panthers took Peppers with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2002 draft, Fox’s first draft in Carolina.

Fox said Denver will use parts of both the zone-blocking and traditional power-blocking schemes this season. Denver moved to the power-blocking scheme last year after using the zone-blocking scheme for 15 years.

Fox said he envisions Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers as defensive ends in the 4-3 defense. Fox said D.J. Williams will either be a middle linebacker or weakside linebacker in the 4-3.

Fox said the primary reason he is switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 is personnel.

Fox was very complimentary of new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who will be Denver’s sixth defensive coordinator in six seasons. Fox said he can see Allen, who was New Orleans’ secondary coach, becoming a future head coach in the NFL.

Fox said he is hopeful receiver Demaryius Thomas can return at some point early in the season. Thomas ruptured his Achilles earlier this month. The team expects Eddie Royal to return in May from hip surgery. Fox said he doesn’t expect the two injuries to change Denver’s draft needs at receiver.

Fox would not rule out the return of right tackle Ryan Harris.

Fox said he thinks nose tackle Jamal Williams can transition from the 3-4 to the 4-3. Still, the team will have to decide whether to bring back Williams.