On Tuesday night, Denver Broncos cornerback and future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey signed a four year contract with $15 million in guaranteed money for the first year. What does this mean for the 2011 NFL Draft?
It was thought among many circles that the Broncos would take LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson only if they were not able to secure the services of Bailey. Adam Schefter of ESPN says that the Broncos “certainly” do not need to focus on Peterson with the second overall pick, and that they should focus their attention on the defensive line.
This is definitely something that, on the surface, appears to be almost a lock to happen. The Broncos secured the services of Bailey, and now they need to move on to the next area of need. But will they?
Another area the Broncos really struggle right now is at the safety position, and it has been rumored that either one of Bailey or Peterson could easily make the move to safety–Bailey to preserve his career, and Peterson because he is much bigger than most corners.
Please, folks, do not take Peterson out of the equation for the Broncos with the second overall pick. They will determine who they believe to be the best defensive player available, and take him. If the Panthers go with Cam Newton or AJ Green, the Broncos may even have their pick of the defensive litter in this year’s draft.
Denver Broncos general manager Brian Xanders was quoted today as saying that both Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers and Auburn DT Nick Fairley are “special” players, so the Broncos obviously have options.
However, don’t think that just because Bailey has been signed that Peterson is not an option. Perhaps he is indeed less likely to be the pick, but the Broncos have holes on all levels of their defense, not just the defensive line.
A lot is going to depend on the direction Carolina decides to go, but the Broncos could certainly be in a great position now. The Champ Bailey deal appears to be a positive first domino to fall this offseason for a team that had it’s worst regular season record since the NFL extended its schedules to 16 games.
This deal could also afford the Broncos the opportunity to move down, something that no one has done with the 2nd overall pick in 11 years. If anything, the Champ Bailey deal grew Denver’s options even further.
Tags: 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 nfl scouting combine, Champ Bailey, Da'Quan Bowers, Denver Broncos, nfl rumors, Nick Fairley, Patrick Peterson
Co-editor of NFL Mocks and With the First Pick on the FanSided Network, and a staff writer for MileHighReport.com. Our goal is to bring you the best NFL and NFL Draft analysis we can with the tools that we have year round.
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I still maintain that Peterson won’t be the #2 pick because he plays CB, plain and simple.
Good Pass rushing DE > than great CB. Just the way it is.
Did you see Mayock says that Quinn will be in the conversation for the #1 pick after the combine.
Maybe that’s the way the Broncos will go now.
Yeah, I have heard that. I pegged Quinn as my #1 DE after watching film on both guys, but I didn’t know Bowers was playing with a torn meniscus. That impresses me greatly, not only because of his toughness, but b/c of the stats that came along with it.
I am waiting to see what Quinn weighs in at in Indy. I think if he comes in at 275 or more, he should be considered for our pick. I would love to add someone with his pass rushing abilities, instincts, and athleticism. He has all the tools.
Either way, I look at what the Chiefs have done over the last couple of years. They got Flowers, Carr, and Berry as building blocks for their defensive backfield, and I think that is a good blueprint. I wouldn’t oppose Peterson whatsoever.