You will not find Pat Bowlen in the final few hours before the NFL draft starts Saturday locked in a film room at the Broncos’ complex, contemplating which college players can cut it. He was not at the scouting combine two months ago in Indianapolis with stopwatch in hand and clipboard close by.
On draft day, the Broncos’ owner will not man the phones, whisper advice into the ears of his coaches and scouts or in any manner make himself the central figure.
“If I didn’t believe in the people I have making those decisions, I’d get somebody else, because it sure can’t be me,’ Bowlen said Wednesday. “I trust them. I have more confidence in them this year than I’ve had in years past. They have all matured.
“It has been a maturing process between the coaches, scouts, GM, a situation where people have grown more comfortable working with each other. And if Mike Shanahan didn’t think he had the right people around him, he would make changes. He has the authority to do that.’
We know. They know. Bowlen makes it clear – it is everybody’s draft, but it is primarily Shanahan’s draft. That’s the way Bowlen still wants it.
Bowlen was in Atlanta helping finish details on the league’s new six-year, $24 billion television contract this week and returned to Denver on Tuesday. He said he knew discussions with Washington were ongoing, discussions that led to Denver trading its first-round pick (No. 25) to the Redskins for current and future picks. This is how he learned the final result: Mike Bluem, a Broncos administrator, walked into his office late Tuesday afternoon, handed him a piece of paper and said, “This is what we’ve done.’ Bowlen looked it over and said, “Thanks, good job.’
This is rare in the NFL.
This is a time in league history when owners have their fingers in everything and anything that affects their teams. Could you imagine owner Jerry Jones in Dallas or owner Al Davis with the Raiders getting a scrap of paper informing them of such a done deal?
This is the Bowlen way. He will sink or swim with it. Critics say they believe his team – with no playoff victories in the past six years – is sinking. That his personnel department lags far behind those of current front-runners in New England and Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. That Shanahan has run his course. That change, particularly in the procurement of players, is essential.
Bowlen’s trust and steadiness is admirable. For now, it is also correct.
Because the biggest payoffs in the NFL come from savvy, encompassing owner patience.
“We’ve had some questionable drafts here the past few years,’ Bowlen said. “I’ve been at this for 22 years. I have fired two coaches. If I didn’t like what we have, I’d move on. New England has had a great run. We are all as owners jealous and want to emulate that. But every dog has its day. I don’t think those guys are going to stay brilliant forever. The cycles come and go and somebody else, maybe the Broncos, are going to jump into that area.’
He admits he has blind trust for Shanahan. Winning consecutive Super Bowls produced that, especially, Bowlen said, on the miserable heels of losing in his first three Super Bowl attempts.
He will be patient, at least through another full season. He likes the offseason moves. He considers retaining defensive end the equivalent of signing a No. 1 draft choice. His Broncos moved out of the first round because of salary cap restraints and the belief that talent in the later rounds is comparable to that of the earlier rounds.
“We have been in five Super Bowls here, six AFC championship games, so if we are not making a deep run in the playoffs, we are considered failures by our fans,’ Bowlen said. “A 10-6 season and no playoff run around here is not considered a success. I like that. I want that.’
He enters his complex every day through the back door. He is in his office on most days but does not storm through the halls swinging an ax. He watches, listens, asks questions.
He has faith amid a sea of fan concern and discontent.
It is admirable. For now, it is also correct.
“This business is unique,’ Bowlen said. “You have to have people you trust pick the talent and coach the talent and get out of the way. I know the bottom line is winning. I also know when and what to contribute from a leadership standpoint.’
Staff writer Thomas George can be reached at 303-820-1994 or tgeorge@denverpost.com.
