Broncos Nation seems to be divided between trying to sign a free-agent quarterback or taking a quarterback in the draft. A word of caution: In more than 65 years, the Broncos have only successfully drafted one quarterback that became their primary starter and had a winning record in more than one season. Brian Griese had two winning seasons out of four, but never won a playoff game. I wonder if any NFL franchise other than the Cleveland Browns has a more futile record of drafting quarterbacks.
— Chris, student of history
Kiz: Where have you gone, Tommy Maddox? And who could forget Craig Penrose? Is Denver historically better at drafting quarterbacks than the Browns? Um, not really. The Broncos have never drafted a quarterback as good as Brian Sipe, who was Cleveland’s 13th-round pick in 1972. John Elway has been far better at recruiting free agents than drafting prospects. When looking for a new quarterback, doesn’t it make sense for Elway to go with his strength?
Do you feel UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen will be available to the Broncos with the fifth pick in the first round of the NFL draft?
— Sam, proud American
Kiz: Will Rosen be available at No. 5? The soothsayers here at Kickin’ It Headquarters believe there’s no better than a 25 percent chance of Rosen slipping to Denver. But here’s the deal: Simple math tells us it’s a near certainty that among Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Rosen, at least one of those quarterbacks will be there for the taking with the fifth overall pick. That’s why it’s more important for Elway to decide how many of these four quarterbacks he is confident will be NFL stars, rather than how he ranks these four QB prospects in relation to each other.
We both know the Broncos will pass on a sure-fire pick at No. 5 and draft a project quarterback because “this kid just has so much potential.”
— D.W., Grand Cayman Islands
Kiz: If Elway makes that mistake, then coach Vance Joseph will be joining you down on a beach in the Caribbean before Christmas.
Jamal Murray is not a point guard and Wilson Chandler gets too many minutes for the Nuggets.
— Fred, coaches from his sofa
Kiz: Murray is a future star in Denver. Chandler’s future is in another NBA city (or so I hope).
Kiz, you’re worse than Fox Sports commentator Colin Cowherd.
— S.P., the Virginian
Kiz: I’m so old I remember when a bad local sports take was condemned by taking the name of Skip Bayless in vain. It’s Cowherd now? Please don’t tell Skip. He’ll be hurt.
And today’s parting shot offers to find me a nice spot down by the South Platte River.
Why does anyone ask Kiszla any questions regarding the decisions made by sports executives, which are far beyond his comprehension? He is nothing less than a sad troll version of a pundit. One day, trolls like Kiszla will remember they are merely ragged and withered myths, living as bums under bridges.
— Bruce, troll hunter
