Broncos Select Von Miller Number 2 Overall

The NFL Draft began its' three day extravaganza last night. The Broncos selected Von Miller OLB out of Texas A&M with the second pick overall. By Wednesday, Miller to the Broncos really picked up steam, and by Thursday night it was all but a certainty that Denver was going to pick the NCAA's leading sacker. The Broncos desperately needed an impact player in their front seven. The Broncos currrently only have one All-Pro or "Blue Chip" player on their defensive front seven. Elvis Dumervil can't do it all by himself. The last time the Broncos had an All-Pro linebacker was Al Wilson, and he last played in 2006. I do like this pick because I feel that Miller can bring an instant impact to the game. I wouldn't have minded Marcel Dareus, the DT from Alabama, here either, but Denver instantly improves their defense and their pass rush with Miller. Miller will play outsided linebacker in John Fox's 4-3 scheme, and he will be a three down player. Miller will certainly earn his money by rushing the passer off the edge on third down and in nickel situations. People who criticize the pick are saying that Miller is more suited for an OLB in a 3-4 defense and not a 4-3. My response is that I'm pretty sure John Fox knows how to run a defense. He will find a way to get the most out of Miller's skills. Also, the impact of a pass rusher is greater then the impact of a defensive tackle. I like Dareus, but like Glenn Dorsey and Gerald McCoy he might not be able to make an impact right away for the Broncos defense. Miller, if he plays as well as advertised, can get to the QB and rush the passer. It will be a nice compliment to Dumervil coming off the other side. I am just glad Denver made a defensive choice and didn't do anything stupid at number two. I'm glad they didn't take Blaine Gabbert or A.J. Green. They need help badly on defense and their defense just got better last night with the pick of Miller. He has no major off the field concerns or character issues, so let's hope gets going right away in Denver and contributes from the start. Good first pick by the Broncos braintrust of John Elway, Brian Xanders, and John Fox. Now, hopefully Denver can get a solid DT in the second round with one of their two picks. A safety or offensive tackle could also be available with the second of their second round picks. Maybe the Broncos also address their TE position in round three. In any event, I feel the Broncos 2011 draft is off to a good start.