Read More: Peyton Manning (QB – DEN), Denver Broncos

ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects the Denver Broncos to select LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers with the No. 25 overall pick in his latest mock draft. With the acquisition of Peyton Manning giving Denver new life on offense, it seems likely that defense will be the team’s focus early in the 2012 NFL Draft.

The LSU defense in 2011 was the kind of unit that makes you rewind the tape a lot. So many guys made so many plays, you have to go back and look at where it started. In many instances, it was with the disruptive Brockers, who can create havoc from the inside, blowing up the run and penetrating against the pass. Denver needs to strengthen the inside to complement a solid group of pass-rushers.

Kiper also projected the second round of the upcoming draft in his latest mock. He sees the Broncos taking Oregon running back LaMichael James with the No. 57 overall pick in the draft, citing his receiving skills out of the backfield as a good fit for a Manning-led offense.

For more on the Broncos, check out Mile High Report. For more on the NFL Draft, stick with SB Nation NFL and Mocking the Draft.

Denver Broncos player Erick Decker and country singer Jessie James celebrated their one-year anniversary at a bed and breakfast on March 30 — and just two days later, they announced their engagement to the world via Twitter!

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“Thank you all so much for the congrats on our engagement. We are blessed to have found each other and to have supporters like you all,” wrote James, who uploaded a photo of her engagement ring. Decker, 25, added: “Happy you said yes, darling.”

Country singer Jessie James and fiance Eric Decker
Credit: twitter.com

The previous night, the couple celebrated with a “lovely dinner” where they served rabbit and lamb. “I looked at Eric and said, ‘Chicken wings and beer would’ve worked, babe,” James, 23, tweeted. “I can’t get down with the fancy stuff.”

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Decker and James met through a mutual pal and began their relationship over the phone. James, who dropped her self-titled debut album in 2009, recently released her music video for the single “When You Say My Name.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) A person familiar with the negotiations says the Denver Broncos have signed former Chicago Bears backup quarterback Caleb Hanie to a two-year deal to back up Peyton Manning.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t been announced by the team. ESPNChicago.com first reported the deal earlier Saturday.

Hanie, 26, who played at Colorado State, spent the last three seasons in Chicago. He replaced an injured Jay Cutler in the NFC championship two years ago and nearly rallied the Bears past the Packers. But he went 0-4 in place of Cutler last season, including at loss at Denver.

The Broncos signed Manning on Monday and then dealt Tim Tebow to the New York Jets. They also considered signing free agent Billy Volek.

Read More: Peyton Manning (QB – DEN), Brady Quinn (QB – DEN), Caleb Hanie (QB – CHI), Tim Tebow (QB – NYJ), Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos

This week, the Denver Broncos signed Peyton Manning and traded Tim Tebow. Brady Quinn had departed Denver earlier in the offseason. As John Elway put it, they do not have a ‘Plan B.’ Well, now they do. A former Chicago Bears backup quarterback will be joining Denver to back up Manning.

The former Colorado State QB is best known for his performance in the 2010 NFC Championship Game. When both Jay Cutler and Todd Collins came out of the game injured, Hanie performed well to keep the Bears in the game against the Green Bay Packers. Otherwise, Hanie has struggled. He started three games last season after Jay Cutler broke his thumb, but was replaced by Josh McCown in Week 16. Hanie currently has three touchdown passes and 10 interceptions in his NFL career.

For more on the decision, visit SB Nation’s Broncos blog, Mile High Report. And for more on Denver sports, check out SB Nation Denver.

In a controversial statement, evangelist Pat Robertson suggests the Denver Broncos deserve a Peyton Manning injury over the Tim Tebow trade, or some other misfortune. The Denver Broncos traded Tim Tebow and signed Peyton Manning. Robertson has stated that an injury to Manning would “serve them right.”

Twitter exploded with outrage of the 81-year-old conservative’s comments.

The Associated Press first reported Robertson’s remarks, which were made on his show “The 700 Club” yesterday.

During the show, Robertson said Tebow was treated “shabbily” by the Broncos for trading him to the New York Jets.

Manning was dogged by a neck injury that caused him to miss all of last season, and Robertson said a recurrence of the injury “would serve them right,” referring to the Broncos, AP reported.

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The wire service said a Robertson spokesman said the televangelist was “in no way advocating an injury to Manning.

Tebow became exendable when the Broncos signed Manning to a five-year, $96 million contract.

The Twitterverse erupted with condemnation of Robertson’s remarks.

“I really don’t like Pat Robertson. I want bad things to happen to him. A broken hip would be a nice start,” said @Jabotism.

“Pat Robertson is a sick evil man,” said @ElderDbruce.

“Pat Robertson is a douche,” tweeted @peteg9696.

“Well, Pat Robertson hadn’t stuck his foot in his mouth for some time. He was overdue,” said @RickNichols3.

Twitter user Dylan David said Robertson’s comments were par for the course.

“Oh and Pat Robertson said something stupid? Why is that surprising?” he asked rhetorically.

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All that’s needed is Peyton Manning’s autograph.

The Denver Broncos have tentatively scheduled a news conference for Tuesday afternoon, ostensibly to introduce the four-time MVP. There was no announcement that a deal was finally completed, but the last details were expected to be a formality.

After being pursued by teams around the NFL, the quarterback with four MVP awards is headed to the land of John Elway and Tim Tebow, agreeing to a contract with Denver that could make the Broncos an instant Super Bowl contender. It could also send one of the NFL’s most intriguing young players packing.

So much for Tebowmania.

Manning called Elway on Monday and told the Broncos executive that he had chosen Denver over the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers in the wildest free-agent chase of the offseason.

The Broncos and Manning’s agent then hashed out details of a deal that’s expected to be worth about $95 million over five years.

Manning was wooed to Denver by Elway, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Broncos to two Super Bowl titles in the late 1990s and now serves as their vice president of football operations. Elway never sounded all that convinced Tebow was the answer at the league’s most important position, and could trade the hugely popular quarterback who energized the Broncos in a run to the playoffs last season but was plagued by erratic play.

Manning turns 36 on Saturday and missed the 2011 season because of multiple neck operations, which made him expendable to the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts. They cut him March 7 rather than pay a $28 million bonus.

But Manning’s success in the past made him a prize that teams from San Francisco to Miami felt they couldn’t pass up.

“There’s a lot to be excited about,” Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers said outside the team’s complex. “Just being on his team is going to make you want to play better.”

By luring Manning to Denver, Elway has delivered his biggest victory for the Broncos since he led them to their second straight Super Bowl title in 1999. He retired shortly after that 34-19 win over Atlanta and the Broncos have won just two playoff games since.

Manning won the NFL championship in 2007. No starting quarterback has earned a Super Bowl ring for two different teams,. But when Manning when he arrives at the Broncos’ headquarters to sign his new deal, he at least can see the two Lombardi Trophies in the lobby that Elway won when he was 37 and 38.

Elway returned to the Broncos last year after the franchise hit rock bottom amid scandal — the team was caught videotaping a 49ers practice — and a four-win season that cost coach Josh McDaniels his job. It was McDaniels who drafted Tebow with the 25th pick of the 2010 draft.

The big question now facing Elway is what to do about Tebow, who has three years left on his contract.

Tebow took over a 1-4 team from Kyle Orton last year and led the Broncos to an 8-8 finish and the AFC West crown with a series of stirring comebacks that captured the attention of the NFL and beyond.

Tebowmania reached its apex in the playoffs, when he threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the very first play of overtime to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. The next week, though, Tebow was smothered by the New England Patriots, who routed the Broncos, 45-10.

When Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow took over as the starting QB in the 2011 season, fans got their wish and fellow Broncos were very supportive of their new leader. Even after Tebow sparked the new phenomenon known as “Tebowing,” his fellow teammates were right there. Broncos LB Von Miller was one of the first to tweet out a picture of him in the famous pose. He was vocal and supportive of Tebow and praised his positive attitude.

However, the Broncos are now pursuing former Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning and many wonder just what this will mean for Tebow. Fans of the QB are not happy. They have once again created a large billboard asking fans to vote for which QB they want to see leading the team. While many would love to see Manning join the Broncos, they do not want to lose Tebow.

While the fans have voiced their opinion, I figured it would be a good time to check in and see what Miller was saying and how he felt about a possible QB change. One look at his Twitter account and you can see that while he may support Tebow, he is looking forward to the possibility of Manning. He believes that adding Manning could lead to the Super Bowl.

Miller has been very vocal on Twitter and tweets out, “I’m ‘positive’ Tim wouldn’t mind competing with Peyton… ‘We’ all could learn something from Mr. Manning. #truth”

Manning, however, wasn’t the only player Miller was hoping the Broncos would pick up. Miller also tweets out, “I would take a huge pay cut to get Mario Williams and Peyton Manning! I just want to win!!! #BroncoNation it’s our time!” He also tweets, “Mario and Manning = I will play this season for free, super bowls are priceless!!!”

Unfortunately for Miller, Williams won’t be coming to the Broncos. Williams recently signed with the Buffalo Bills. But the question of which team Manning will chose still remains. And, while the fans are torn, it appears that Miller would like to see Manning on the field for the Broncos.

I have said that I think Manning would be a good addition. I do however think the Broncos need to keep Tebow. While reports are saying that Manning is throwing well, the Broncos still need to have a reliable back-up. Having Tebow ready to go would be necessary. Especially since Brady Quinn has decided not to wait for the Broncos and has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Keeping Tebow and letting him develop under Manning would be good for him and the Broncos for the long-term.

Either way, I think Miller and fellow teammates will be supportive of either Manning or Tebow. After last season and their playoff appearance, they are confident as a team and they know that winning is once again possible.

Deborah Braconnier is a former athlete and avid football fan. She is a freelance writer and Featured Contributor for the NFL and Olympics. She has followed the Denver Broncos since she was a child and can usually be found yelling at the television during football season. Follow her on Twitter at @fwcdeborah.

Read More: Joe Mays (LB – DEN), Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos

Middle linebacker Joe Mays will be back in a Denver Broncos uniform in 2012, since the team has agreed to re-sign the four-year player, according the Broncos’ Twitter account.

This will be the third season Mays spends with the franchise, after spending his first two seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. The terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed. Mays started in 12 games last season, while playing in all 16. He recorded 64 tackles in the 2011 season, in which the Broncos won the AFC West with a 8-8 record.

To read more about the Denver Broncos free agency, visit our story stream here. For general Broncos news and information, check out the Mile High Report. To read more on NFL free agency news, visit the SB Nation NFL hub page.

Read More: Daniel Fells (TE – DEN), New England Patriots, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have openings on the roster for tight end since Daniel Fells is a free agent and the others were less than impressive in 2012. We likely won’t see Fells back with the team in 2012, as he is looking around at other team. He will visit the New England Patriots on Monday, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Fells caught 19 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns while also playing as a blocker. Fells signed as a free agent in 2011, spending the three previous years with the St. Louis Rams. Klis writes this about Fells’ time with Denver:

He made a couple of terrific catches late in games last season that were part of Tim Tebow’s magical comebacks.

If that’s all, then losing him isn’t a big loss. The Broncos are better off looking at a tight end in the draft or bringing in Dallas Clark, late of the Indianapolis Colts.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Read More: John Abraham (DE – ATL), Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are looking for another pass rusher, and they appear to have found one that has piqued their interest. According to Pro Football Talk, Denver is targeting 33-year defensive end John Abraham:

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports that the Denver Broncos are taking a long look at Abraham, and confirms the Titans still have interest. If one of the clubs schedules him for a free agent visit, it would be Abraham’s first of the 2012 signing period.

Abraham had 9.5 sacks for the Atlanta Falcons last year, despite being used less than ever. The season before Abraham tallied 13 sacks.

As a team, Denver had 41 sacks last year. Rookie lineback Von Miller led the Broncos with 11.5 sacks.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Tim Tebow will have performed his last Mile High Miracle if the Denver Broncos win the race to land Peyton Manning, Pro Football Network reported Sunday.

A source close to the team said Tebow stands to be traded upon the arrival of the four-time MVP.

The report claims the Jacksonville Jaguars are lining themselves up to acquire the unconventional quarterback, who led the Broncos on a sometimes-improbable run to the AFC West title last season.

Manning met with Broncos vice president of football operations John Elway and coach John Fox on Friday during a six-hour visit to the team’s facility in Denver as the recently-released former Colt began the search for a new home after spending his entire pro career in Indianapolis.

Manning will meet with Cardinals bosses Sunday after arriving in Arizona on Saturday night, hoping to make a decision on his future within the next few days.

The Denver source claimed Tebow’s starting spot would be safe should Manning snub the Broncos.

Tebow made no comment regarding his future in Denver while speaking with reporters at a fundraiser for a wounded war veteran in Tampa on Friday night.

Read More: Peyton Manning (QB – IND), Tim Tebow (QB – DEN), Denver Broncos

The Peyton Manning rumor mill is gaining steam around the nation, and especially among those who cover the Denver Broncos. The Broncos appear to be more than just a team with a passing interest, as reports continue to feed into a Broncos buzz for Manning. And where does this leave Tim Tebow if the Broncos do get Peyton Manning. Vic Lombardi thinks he has the information on what will happen:

Because, for the second year in a row, the team will have nabbed the starting spot from Tebow right out in front of him before the start of training camp.

Look, there’s nothing wrong with pursuing Peyton Manning. It is a win now move, but are the second- and third-order effects being taken into account here? If Tebow is traded and Manning winds up getting injured again, the team really would be in a worse-off place. We need to believe that John Elway, John Fox and Brian Xanders are weighing all the variables and making contingency plans (though none would ever be put into perfection).

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.