The Broncos on Sunday accomplished something they never had done in the Mike Shanahan era.
They finished 7-9.
They had been 6-10 before, even 8-8, but never 7-9. I only mention it because, had they matched that 6-10 record, the worst of the Shanahan era, they would have wrapped up the ninth pick in the NFL draft.
Instead, their victory over Minnesota on Sunday left them in draft-day limbo. The Broncos are one of seven teams to finish at 7-9. They could draft anywhere from ninth to 15th, probably in the 13-15 range.
Strength of schedule will determine where those seven teams pick, with the teams that had the weakest schedules receiving priority. The league won’t officially announce the draft order until Monday morning.
Whether he’s drafting ninth or 15th, know this about Shanahan: This draft will determine how much longer he coaches the Broncos. If Shanahan and his staff hit a home run and come away with two or three quality starters, he could be around for years to come.
If not? Boy, that weather sure has been nasty, hasn’t it?
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily Broncos commentaries on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon, and read his columns on Sundays and the day after Broncos games at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
