The 2012 NFL Draft is over and major free agency happenings ended weeks ago, allowing evaluators and analysts a chance to determine how well or poorly teams have done this offseason. SB Nation's Joel Thorman has released his post-draft NFL power rankings, which sees the Denver Broncos in a favorable light at No. 12:
So this is where Peyton Manning and the Broncos land. If Manning is the same old Manning, then this team should quickly move into the top five. If he's not, it could be a long season with high expectations.
This is an eight-spot move from where the team was before the offseason began, but, as Thorman points out, this is all highly dependent on how Peyton Manning performs after missing the entire 2011 season. Going to either Caleb Hanie or rookie Brock Osweiler for an extended period of time this fall will surely make for much consternation from the fans, the players and the front office.
The Broncos do find themselves ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 19), the San Diego Chargers (No. 20) and the Oakland Raiders (No. 26). Well, for whatever good that actually means three months before training camp begins in August.
Head over to SB Nation NFL and Mocking the Draft for more on the 2012 NFL Draft. Keep abreast of all matters regarding the Denver Broncos at the Broncos blog Mile High Report.