ESPN NFL

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

The Kansas City Chiefs are committed to using Branden Albert at left tackle. There was talk that Albert, the No. 15 overall pick in 2008, would move to right tackle if the Chiefs took a tackle with the No. 5 pick in the April draft. However, the selection of safety Eric Berry was a statement of support for Albert. He improved in his second season. He needs to make continued improvement in his third season.

Interesting words from Oakland running back Michael Bush on new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. Bush said Jackson’s motto is that he wants his unit to “build a bully.” The Raiders have been meek on offense in recent years. A tougher attitude wouldn’t hurt.

The Chiefs are excited about the speed their rookie class will bring. There’s no doubt Kansas City added some explosiveness this spring, especially in the form of second-round picks Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas.

Former Denver cornerback Ty Law still may try to play in 2010. Denver has not expressed any interest in bringing him back.

San Diego legendary ex-tailback LaDainian Tomlinson's Chargers’ tattoo now has company.

Denver

Potential unrestricted free agents: P Mitch Berger, S Vernon Fox, T Brandon Gorin, Nick Greisen, G Ben Hamilton, G Russ Hochstein, DE Vonnie Holliday, CB Ty Law, WR Brandon Lloyd

Potential restricted free agents: LB Elvis Dumervil, OL Chris Kuper, WR Brandon Marshall, QB Kyle Orton, TE Tony Scheffler, DT Le Kevin Smith

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: The Broncos’ restricted class is talented. That will be the focus. It has been reported that Marshall, Orton, Dumervil, Scheffler and Kuper will all get one-year tenders. Marshall very well could be traded. It wouldn’t be a shock if Dumervil gets some action on the restricted market. Miami could be interested.

Kansas City

Potential unrestricted free agents: OL Andy Alleman, S Mike Brown, WR Chris Chambers, WR Terrance Copper, TE Sean Ryan, C Wade Smith, LB Mike Vrabel, WR Bobby Wade

Potential restricted free agents: RB Jackie Battle, QB Brodie Croyle, LB Derrick Johnson, LB Corey Mays, OL Ikechuku Ndukwe, OL Rudy Niswanger, OL Ryan O'Callaghan, S Jarrad Page

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: The Chiefs are interested in keeping some of their unrestricted free agents. General manager Scott Pioli said at the combine the team has been in contact with several of their free agents. Chambers is the focus. The team is trying to keep him. Brown and Vrabel could also return with new deals.

Oakland

Potential unrestricted free agents: S Hiram Eugene, G Cornell Green, T Langston Walker, LB Sam Williams

Potential restricted free agents: LB Jon Alston, OL Khalif Barnes, LB Ricky Brown, LB Jon Condo, QB Charlie Frye, QB Bruce Gradkowski, LB Thomas Howard, RB Luke Lawton, OL Chris Morris, LB Kirk Morrison, CB Stanford Routt, RB Gary Russell

Franchise player: DE Richard Seymour.

What to expect: The Raiders franchised Seymour and signed kicker Sebastian Janikowski to a record deal, so they’ve already been busy. It will be interesting to see how they tender Howard and Morrison. The Raiders could use some new life at linebacker and this could be the start of it.

San Diego

Potential unrestricted free agents: DT Alfonso Boone, TE Brandon Manumaleuna, C Dennis Norman, WR Kassim Osgood. T Jon Runyan, DT Ian Scott, TE Kris Wilson

Potential restricted free agents: OL Jeromey Clary, LB Tim Dobbins, WR Malcom Floyd, DT Antonio Garay, OL Eric Ghiaciuc, LB Marques Harris, WR Vincent Jackson, DT Travis Johnson, OL Marcus McNeill, LB Shawne Merriman, RB Darren Sproles, QB Charlie Whitehurst

Franchise player: None

What to expect: The Chargers have their hands full. It’s been reported they will give high tenders to Jackson, Merriman, McNeill and Floyd. Jackson and McNeill could still attract some interest on the restricted market. Sproles is not expected to be tendered, making him a free agent. The Chargers want him back. But if Sproles hits the open market, the multifaceted weapon could be scooped up quickly.

» AFC Free Agency: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

An early look at the free-agent situation in the AFC West.

Note: These projected lists reflect notable unrestricted free agents for each team. The NFL will not issue an official list of free agents until the signing period begins March 5.

Denver Broncos

Unrestricted free agents: P Mitch Berger, S Vernon Fox, T Brandon Gorin, Nick Greisen, G Ben Hamilton, G Russ Hochstein, DE Vonnie Holliday, CB Ty Law, WR Brandon Lloyd.

Key figures: There isn’t much here. The team could bring back Hochstein, Holliday and Law, but they are all complementary pieces. It’s all about the restricted free-agent class in Denver. The Broncos have to figure out what they are going to do with receiver Brandon Marshall, defensive end Elvis Dumervil, quarterback Kyle Orton and tight end Tony Scheffler.

Kansas City Chiefs

Unrestricted free agents: S Mike Brown, WR Chris Chambers, WR Terrance Copper, TE Sean Ryan, C Wade Smith, LB Mike Vrabel, WR Bobby Wade,

Key figures: Chambers will be Kansas City's priority. He gave the Chiefs’ offense a big spark after he was claimed off waivers in November. The team’s brass really likes what Brown and Vrabel bring to the team and both could be back in Kansas City at the right price. Wade also could be brought back.

Oakland Raiders

Unrestricted free agents: Hiram Eugene, G Cornell Green, K Sebastian Janikowski, DE Richard Seymour, T Langston Walker, LB Sam Williams

Key figures: It’s all about Seymour and Janikowski. The Raiders are trying to get long-term deals with both players done. If new deals aren’t struck, watch for Oakland to put the franchise and transition tags on them. Oakland will do anything it can not to lose either player.

San Diego Chargers

Unrestricted free agents: DT Alfonso Boone, TE Brandon Manumaleuna, C Dennis Norman, WR Kassim Osgood. T Jon Runyan, DT Ian Scott, TE Kris Wilson

Key figures: The team would like to bring back Osgood, one of the best special-teams players in the NFL. But Osgood wants a chance to be a receiver and the opportunity might not be in San Diego. The Chargers will spend most of their energy on their restricted class. The priorities are receiver Vincent Jackson, tackle Marcus McNeill, linebacker Shawne Merriman, running back Darren Sproles and receiver Malcom Floyd.

Catching up on a few odds and ends in the AFC West on a Wednesday night:

• The Denver Post is reporting former Buffalo running backs coach Eric Studesville has been offered the same job with the Broncos. He’d replace Bobby Turner who reunited with Mike Shanahan in Washington last week. Turner and Shanahan worked in Denver for 14 years.

• The agent for Marc Trestman denied that his client has talked to the Raiders about their unopen job.

• Cornerback Ty Law said he is interested into returning to the Broncos. He signed with the team during the season. Law played well as the team’s nickel cornerback.

The Broncos will use backup receivers Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Stokley in place of starter Eddie Royal at Philadelphia on Sunday. He is out with neck and head injuries, Fullback Spencer Larsen is also out, with a hamstring injury.

He will be replaced by Peyton Hillis. Cornerback Ty Law will be a game-time decision with a hamstring injury.

Kansas City signed safety Reshard Langford from the Eagles’ practice squad. He is an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt. Safety DaJuan Morgan is doubtful for the Chiefs Sunday at Cincinnati with a chest injury. So, Langford will likely provide depth.

The Broncos signed rookie cornerback Tony Carter to their 53-man roster from their practice squad Saturday.

Tackle Herb Taylor was cut to make room for Carter. The Broncos have some injuries in their defensive backfield so Carter was likely promoted to provide depth Sunday against Oakland. Both cornerback Ty Law and safety Renaldo Hill have been hobbled this week.

San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman is probable to face Cincinnati on Sunday in a pivotal AFC game. He practiced for the first time this week Friday. He sat out the first two days with a nagging foot injury. Fellow outside linebacker Shaun Phillips is questionable with an ankle injury. But he did practice fully the past two games.

Denver running back Correll Buckhalter (ankle) and safety Renaldo Hill (ankle) are both doubtful to play Sunday against Oakland. Cornerback Ty Law is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Oakland tight end Zack Miller is questionable to play at Denver because of a concussion. But his chances may not be strong. He didn’t practice all week and it is his second concussion of the season.

Rookie Oakland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is out for the third straight game with a foot injury. Oakland defensive end Greg Ellis practice for the first time this week Friday despite a knee injury. He is listed a probable.

Kansas City guard Brian Waters is doubtful to play against Cleveland with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Glenn Dorsey is questionable with a knee issue.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Our AFC West “you pick it” winner this week was San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers beating Eli Manning and the New York Giants on Sunday in the final seconds. It was the first head-to-head meeting between the two players since the 2004 draft-day trade in which they were the centerpiece.

The other candidates were Kansas City cutting controversial running back Larry Johnson and Denver signing veteran cornerback Ty Law.

After agreeing with the choices of the readers for several weeks, I have to stray this week. I think the story of the week was Johnson being cut. His release ends a long saga in Kansas City. It’s a big deal. The Rivers story was terrific and it was big, but Johnson getting released when he was 75 yards away from becoming the team’s all-time leading rusher is huge news.

But this is your feature and you win. So it’s the Rivers’ story. Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Ed from Napa, Calif.: Rivers beats Eli Manning! Some people say the Manning brothers are the best quarterbacks in the NFL, yet Rivers continually beats them. Rivers is better ... end of story!

Rob from Houston, Texas: Rivers beats Manning: Rivers showed why he is the best QB in his draft class. What has not been said is that he may be the salvation of Norv Turner's tenure as Head Coach of the San Diego Chargers. He demonstrates the leadership and confidence needed on a winning team. Go Chargers!!!

Jerome from Ankeny, Iowa: Chiefs cut Larry Johnson. Although it happened much to late. They should have cut him before the season started so they didn't have to pay him any of his salary. That guy is nothing but trouble. He didn't deserve to break Priest Holmes record and I'm glad that now he won't.

Tommy from San Diego: Rivers is the story of the week. Him overshadowing Eli Manning was awesome and it was a big deal for all Chargers fans.

AJ from Long Beach, Calif.: Rivers over G-men takes it. The KC/Johnson divorce was immenent, and Ty Law made NO impact on the Denver/Pit game. Law, at times, was running around frazzled and bewildered. The stage was set perfectly on sunday to end the debate between the Manning/Rivers debate on who is a better QB. Ok, so it won't be over anytime soon, and yes, Eli has the ring, but he also had 3 opportunities to put the chargers away in the 4th qtr and he couldn't. Rivers got his opportunity in the last two minutes to come from behind and he showed his stuff. That was a great drive orcestrated by rivers showing faith in his receivers who had been droping balls all day. The debate may not be over, but after that performance, i know which quarterback i want to have the ball when the game is on the line. Great game PR. SuperChargers are coming back!

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

The candidates are:

Chiefs cut Johnson: Kansas City cut Larry Johnson Monday, the day his one-game suspension ended. He ends his Chiefs’ career 75 yards from becoming the team’s all-time leading rusher.

Rivers beats Manning: In their first head-to-head meeting. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers led a final-second drive to beat Eli Manning and the New York Giants. The two were centerpieces of a 2004 draft-day trade.

Bringing the Law to Denver: Veteran cornerback Ty Law signed with Denver to reunite with his former coach in New England, Josh McDaniels. To make room for Law, 35, Denver cut reserve cornerback Jack Williams, 24. He played in every game this season.

Pick your story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- It’s halftime and Pittsburgh is leading 7-3 even though the Broncos are outplaying the Steelers.

Denver’s defense is playing very well and it looks to have bounced back from a poor effort in a 30-7 loss at Baltimore last week. The Steelers' offense has only 56 yards and hasn’t been past midfield yet.

Denver is putting good pressure on Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, sacking him twice in the first quarter.

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton looks better than he did against Baltimore. He has hit Brandon Marshall eight times for 82 yards and Eddie Royal four times for 58 yards.

Other than his interception that Pittsburgh returned for a touchdown, Orton has done well. He has completed 16 of 21 for 163 yards.

Denver cornerback Ty Law is playing as a nickel cornerback. The veteran signed with Denver on Saturday.

Denver used the Wildcat again in the second quarter.

Denver cornerback Champ Bailey is shadowing Pittsburgh receiver Santonio Holmes. Bailey usually doesn’t cover specific receivers.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Here are some pregame notes.

New Denver cornerback Ty Law is active and expected to play some. He signed with Denver on Saturday.

Pittsburgh linebacker Lawrence Timmons is out with an ankle sprain. He is being replaced by Keyaron Fox.

Defensive end Travis Kirschke is out with a calf injury. He is being replaced by Nick Eason.

Denver fullback Peyton Hillis is out for family reasons.

Denver tackle Ryan Harris is out with a toe injury. Second-year tackle Tyler Polumbus is making his first start.

Denver defensive lineman Ryan McBean is out with a knee injury. He is being replaced by LeKevin Smith.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is in Denver. He visited the Broncos’ facility Monday.

Minor point about the fact that Pittsburgh has not won during the regular season in Denver since 1990. The Steelers won in Denver in the 2005 AFC title game.

The Broncos huddled near where Pittsburgh was stretching about a half hour before the game. Denver did the same thing three weeks ago in San Diego. Pushing and shoving ensued. Pittsburgh’s players didn’t seem to mind it tonight.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Let’s catch up on some division notes before Monday night’s game:

Cornerback Jack Williams was awarded to Detroit on waivers. Denver cut the second-year player Saturday to make room for veteran cornerback Ty Law. Williams played in every game this season. Williams was popular on the waiver wire. Cleveland, Indianapolis and Philadelphia all put a claim in for him. Detroit was awarded him based on record.

Oakland signed defensive lineman William Joseph and cut guard Paul McQuistan.

Receiver Bobby Engram cleared waivers after being cut by Kansas City.

The Chargers have announced that Sunday’s game against Philadelphia has been sold out.

Kansas City coach Todd Haley addressed the release of running back Larry Johnson in a video.

The Raiders are entering the second half of the season in good health.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Kansas City activated running back Kolby Smith off the physically unable to perform list as expected. Smith should get some action Sunday against Jacksonville as he backs up Jamaal Charles. Charles is starting due to a one-game suspension being served by Larry Johnson.

Should Charles and/or Smith play well against Jacksonville, Johnson’s role with the team could lessen.

To make room for Smith, Kansas City waived veteran receiver Bobby Engram. Engram was signed in the offseason to be a veteran leader, but he had little impact. Engram, 36, played in five games and had just five catches this season.

• Ty Law may play Monday against Pittsburgh, 48 hours after signing with Denver.
• Denver defensive lineman Ryan McBean was ruled out of the Pittsburgh game with a knee injury. LeKevin Smith will start in his place.
• Oakland had a visit with defensive lineman William Joseph on Friday. Joseph has bounced on and off the Raiders’ roster this year.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

To make room for 35-year-old cornerback Ty Law, Denver jettisoned 24-year-old cornerback Jack Williams. Williams played in all seven games this season. He was splitting time as the nickel cornerback with rookie Alphonso Smith. Williams was a fourth-round pick in 2008.

Law

The move reunites Law with new Denver coach Josh McDaniels. McDaniels worked with the defensive backs early in his tenure in New England and he worked closely with Law.

Denver is very happy with starting cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman. But the nickelbacks have struggled some. So, Law was brought in to help in nickel and dime packages.

Still, the release of Williams is somewhat risky. The team only has four cornerbacks and three are over 30. If Denver suffers an injury at the position, it could regret releasing Williams, who likely will garner interest on the waiver wire Monday.

There’s no doubt Law is a better player than Williams right now and this move shows that McDaniels is serious about fixing problems. Denver’s pass defense had one bad game, last week at Baltimore, and McDaniels made a move.

That’s admirable. McDaniels is clearly comfortable with Law and he felt Williams wasn’t getting the job done. It’s another reminder that McDaniels has a short leash with players from the Mike Shanahan era. He’s going to try to win on his terms.

So far, it’s worked so it's difficult to criticize. But there’s a risk factor here.