The Denver Broncos have been struggling recently, finishing with a score of 7-9 last season while falling short of making the playoffs.
What happened many people ask? The team was plagued with its fair share of injuries from key players such as Rod Smith.
While injuries may heal over the off-season, the new season for the Broncos will prove to have its own challenges.
The team has already lost some valuable players to other teams, including linebacker Ian Gold, wide receiver Javon Walker and Jason Elam, but hopes to cover those losses with new talent, including some exciting new draft picks.
Most fans agree that the Broncos generally perform well when it comes to draft picks and they have managed to land some impressive talent, despite falling short of their season's goals.
The team's first order was to replace Matt Lepsis, the retiring offensive tackle and so Ryan Clady of Boise St.
was chosen as the team's first pick.
However, Clady was one of five offense players the team would choose out of nine picks.
Clady joined the team's other eight picks, in order, wide receiver Eddie Royal from Virginia Tech, center Kory Lichtensteiger from Bowling Green, cornerback Jack Williams from Kent St.
, running back Ryan Torain from Arizona St.
, defensive tackle Carlton Powell from Virginia Tech, linebacker Spencer Larson from Arizona, safety Josh Barrett from Arizona St.
and full back Peyton Hills from Arkansas.
What was the reaction of fans and critics to the draft? There were mostly positives for Clady's first round pick, as he is a big player standing 6'6 and over 300 pounds, but also has a great athleticism that's rare for his size.
Clady was seen as one of the top three tackles of the draft and definitely an asset to the Broncos, who according to experts, had no real power players for offensive tackle in their roster.
Eddie Royal was a surprising choice for some because of his lack of size, but his speed and gripping power compensates for it.
Royal is expected to contribute as a punt runner and probably a #3 receiver, an odd pick for a #2 draft pick but one that could surprise Broncos fans.
Kory Lichtensteiger is another player who lacks size or thenlong arms usually associated with offensive lineman but still moves very easily and is a brainier choice.
Lichtensteiger fits the mold of the type of lineman that the Broncos have historically drafted throughout the years.
If long time players Tom Nalen or Casey Wiegmann retire in the coming years, Lichtensteiger could become a starting center.
Sentiments regarding Jack Williams and Spencer Larsen were similar; some initial concerns regarding first glance power, but ultimately seen as a wise long-term investment.
Reaction from the drafting of Ryan Torain and Josh Barrett was less challenged and better received by experts and fans.
All in all, Denver's draft choices were well reviewed and considered by many to be one of the best drafts in years.
The team addressed their needs, acquired good all around talent and drafted nine players that will most likely fit into the Broncos' style of playing.
The Broncos record may improve in 2008 after such a good off-season start.