In a stunning move, the Denver Broncos told the football world that they believe their future is not with Jake Plummer at quarterback by selecting with the No. 11 pick in the first round of Saturday’s NFL draft.
Denver traded the No. 15 and No. 68 picks to St. Louis to trade up to grab Cutler, who turned 23 Saturday. The trade for Cutler could mean the beginning of the end for Plummer in Denver. Plummer, 31, has five more years remaining on his contract.
The New York Jets considered taking Cutler, one of the top three quarterbacks available, with the No. 4 pick. However, Cutler and USC’s Matt Leinart tumbled. Leinart was taken at No. 10 by Arizona, just before the Broncos engineered the deal with the Rams. Tennessee took Texas quarterback Vince Young with the third pick.
Meanwhile, Denver completed a trade for playmaking receiver Javon Walker from Green Bay. Denver sent the Packers its No. 37 pick in the second round. Walker visited Denver on Friday. He is recovering from a torn ACL, but is expected to be ready by the time the team reports for training camp in late July.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
