Divisive decision, Denver drafts Tebow

Florida’s sweetheart is moving to the Rockies. With the 25th overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Tim Tebow, the Heisman-winning quarterback from Florida. This was the shocking move of the 2010 draft. The two-time BCS national championship QB was projected by most experts to go in the second round, if not later. Big-time QBs Colt McCoy and Jimmy Clausen were still available when the Broncos made their pick. Why did the Broncos choose Tebow instead, despite the skepticism of every single NFL draft “expert”? Character. Tebow has been praised by all for his hard-working nature for years. He has been displayed as the role model for all other players to follow.

The Broncos’ difficult relationship with WR Brandon Marshall may have contributed to drafting Tebow. The star wide-out’s time with the Broncos came to an abrupt end last week when he was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a few paltry draft picks. Throughout his years in Denver he had a shoddy work ethic, was suspended for off-the-field issues, and had many disagreements with the coaches and ownership. After dealing with these issues for years, bringing a role model like Tebow into the locker room was very appealing. Desire for good-character players was the reason behind the Broncos’ other first round pick, WR Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech. They had an opportunity to take WR Dez Bryant, the hands-down most talented receiver in the draft, but they chose Thomas because of Bryant’s disciplinary history.

Much has been said about how Tebow will adjust to the faster-paced, harder-hitting game in the NFL. He made a career in college by throwing short routes to open receivers and ducking his head to rung through defenders. His delivery was deemed “unacceptable” for professional football, so he is working to retool his throwing motion. Many critics think that NFL defenses will prevent Tebow from being a running threat. Tebow’s future in the NFL may be hard to predict, but it is clear that Broncos scouts see a bright future for him. In order for this pick to pan out well for the Broncos, Tebow needs to be a strong starting QB within the next few seasons. Other people think that Tebow is such a pure player that he could switch positions to halfback if he can’t make it as a quarterback. However, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has stated that he will only play QB. 

Despite what people may think about Tebow’s on-the-field skills, it is undeniable that he is an intriguing character. Tebow was born to two Christian Missionary parents. During his birth, it was recommended by the doctors that his mother have an abortion due to concern for the mother’s and child’s health. Despite the risks, she went ahead with birth, and her son grew up to be a star quarterback. This story has been used in Focus on the Family’s anti-abortion campaign, which appeared in a Super Bowl commercial featuring Tebow and his mother. Even before he has stepped on the field for a NFL game, Tebow has established himself as a player who is eager to share his political views off the field. 

Tim Tebow spent many summers doing missionary work in the Philippines while being homeschooled during the school year. He is beloved by the evangelical community and Colorado Christian leaders have expressed how thrilled they are to have him on the Broncos. Whether Tebow becomes a star on the field or not, his jersey is already the best-selling of NFL rookies and he will continue to be a financial boon for the Broncos, who, with the departure of Marshall, lack any real stars on the offensive side of the ball. In every one of Tebow’s interviews, he is polite and respectful. He takes responsibility for his actions and makes it clear that he feels passionate about the game. 

Adding to the confusion regarding Tebow’s future, the Broncos still have last year’s starting QB Kyle Orton, who led the Broncos to a 6-0 start, along with former Notre Dame star Brady Quinn, who was acquired this summer. Many believe the Broncos have three mediocre starting QBs but no one who can bring them a Super Bowl. It only seems logical to think that Tebow will start the year as the No. 3 QB. Whatever your feelings are about the Tebow pick, he will definitely make the season more interesting, even if it’s for the wrong reasons. The Broncos front office took a big gamble and now they will have to watch and see if it pays off. If it does not, it could set the Broncos years back in their efforts to build a winning franchise.

Tebow clearly has the heart to play, but does he have the skills? Like many, Sportspickle.com’s DJ Gallo isn’t convinced, as he sarcastically remarked after the pick, “Great pick, Broncos. It sounds like Tim Tebow will work-ethic and role-model you up and down the field.” Good luck, Broncos. With your future depending on Tim Tebow, you are likely to need it.