The Denver Broncos have begun the process of installing a Peyton Manning-friendly offensive system, and the acquisition of the Pro Bowl quarterback has changed the type of offensive players they'll target during the NFL draft. That means that instead of drafting players better suited for an option-based, run-heavy system the team used under Tim Tebow, the Broncos will look for players comfortable with Manning's no-huddle, audible-heavy style. "Obviously if you look at where we were and where we are, the offensive mindset is different," executive vice president of football operations John Elway said during Monday's pre-draft news conference. Elway, however, stressed that Manning's voice will not be present in the team's war room on Thursday night. "Peyton has interest in what we do," Elway said, "but Peyton is not involved in the draft process." Source: NFL.com
They already said they'll be looking for his successor, and our they say they haven't discussed QB prospects with him they're either lying or stupid.
The only two people with more power than Peyton in that organization are Bowlen and Elway. If he wanted to be running that draft, it would only take a phone call to Elway.
I take them at their word that he's not giving them the names of skill position players he wants to play with and everything, but when you have one of the greatest QBs to ever play, you ask him what he thinks about any prospects you're considering drafting at that position if he's going to be asked to groom someone.
