Champ Bailey’s New Contract and Impact on the 2011 NFL Draft

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.