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Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each Tuesday during the 2006 NFL season on DenverPost.com, which earned distinction for its online-exclusive series of Mailbags at this year’s Colorado AP Reporters and Editors Awards.

To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .

When Rod Smith decides to retire, do you think he is a sure thing for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio? He has the top numbers for undrafted receivers.

— Choppy, El Paso, Texas

Choppy – That is a question that has been asked a lot, and it will be pondered if and until Smith gets in. It will be tough for Smith to get induction, but I do believe he is worthy. His numbers are good, he has been durable and he has won. He played with John Elway, played for Mike Shanahan and has won Super Bowls. His is a great story, and he has been a tireless worker. He deserves to get in, but there is a logjam for Hall of Fame consideration. It may take a while.

After reading being the top backup linebacker, yet not able to dress because the Broncos were forced by NFL rules to deactivate him, it raises a question that’s always bothered me: Why do NFL teams have to deactivate players for a game? If there are 53 guys on a roster, shouldn’t they be able to use any one of them on game day? What’s the logic behind this?

— Doug Van Doren, Denver

Doug – The league believes 45 is an adequate amount, allowing the extra eight for practice and for his injuries. But, yes, it’s tough when you have a player like Webster on the shelf. If there were a major injury at that position during a game, Denver would have to wait a week to play Webster.

Do you think the Kansas City Chiefs will do well in the long run under Herm Edwards?

— Ted, Lakewood

Ted – There is talent on this team, and the defense is better. But the offense is getting old, so its window may be short.

In two games, the Broncos defense has allowed 24 points, all on field goals. What makes so solid so early?

— B.K., Denver

B.K. – It’s a very cohesive group that trusts each other. It knows each other, and it shows. But the biggest change is the red-zone defense. Opponents are 0-for-7 inside the 20-yard line. That’s big-time play in the clutch.

As I understand, the Ashley Lelie trade provides for a swap of first-round picks between the Broncos and Redskins – if the Broncos finish with a better record. How high up the first round can the Broncos move, given the complex points system assigned to picks?

— Robert, Vancouver, British Columbia

Robert – It’s complicated, but Denver will get a first rounder if Washington finishes around 20, and Denver finishes around 30.

I can’t believe how blind some Broncos fans can be. If they watched the Broncos offense, they would see how the pocket closed around Jake Plummer at St Louis. Let’s put the blame for the loss where it belongs: the offensive line. Jake made mistakes, but it was far from being his entire fault.

— Charles Jaramillo, Alamogordo, N.M.

Charles – It’s been a group effort, and defenses have been trying to keep Plummer in the pocket and not allow him to bootleg. That has historically been a key for success against Plummer.

What’s up with Courtney Brown? Seems like he’s always injured, and I never hear his named called during the game.

— Herby, Hutchinson, Kan.

Herby – He has missed the past two games with a knee injury. He could be out a while. There is no timetable for his return. Brown has been replaced by Kenard Lang, who may be playing for a while.

Hey, I was wondering if Darius Watts has signed with a team or if any teams have shown interest in him.

— Aaron Oglesby, Las Cruces, N.M.

Aaron – He has had several workouts, including stops in Chicago, Seattle, Kansas City and Tampa Bay. He hasn’t been picked up yet. Watts has to learn how to catch better. Too many body catches. The guy can get open, but he has trouble finishing plays.

We’ve seen what players like Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger did when they started as rookies. Why insist on holding back Jay Cutler?

— William Lewis, Miami

William – There is a longer list of players who took much longer to develop. The Broncos think they are a Super Bowl team. They believe Plummer is the right choice for now. But, yes, if Plummer continues to struggle, you could eventually see consideration for a change.

I would argue that Jake Plummer made another error after the St. Louis game by saying that the Denver fans will be clamoring for Jay Cutler. As the starter, shouldn’t Jake have the confidence and poise to reassure Denver that he is and should be the starter?

— Thomas Harris, Fort Collins

Thomas – I don’t know if it’s a lack of confidence to admit that fans want his backup. I believe that Plummer is living in reality, and that’s important. Against the Chiefs, fans were chanting for Cutler. Plummer called it.

Living outside (way outside) of Broncoland, I am left to seeing the Broncos play whenever it’s a national-coverage game. So, my view of games is often up to what I read about them. That said, I was encouraged by the play of the defense at St. Louis. It sounded as if the squad played terribly well under what seemed like a great deal of duress. While it is quite early, do you think that we can expect a great showing by the defense this year?

— Bill Holt, Wheeling, W.Va.

Bill – Defense has been lights out. It hasn’t allowed a touchdown in two games and hasn’t even committed a penalty. It’s saving the team right now.

Bill Williamson is in his third season as a Denver Post NFL beat reporter. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag, which runs each Tuesday of the 2006 NFL season, .