Broncos sign Darrell Jackson.

The Denver Broncos have signed Darrell Jackson to a one year deal.   With the recent signings of Colbert, Parker and now Jackson – don’t expect the Broncos to jump on a wide receiver early in the NFL Draft unless they really get a bargain.

Mendenhall and Cherilus to visit.

According to the Denver Post, first-round grade prospects Rashard Mendenhall, RB – Illinois and Gosder Cherilus, OT – Boston College are scheduled to visit Dove Valley sometime this week.    Outside those two, wideout Pierre Garcon and offensive tackle Christopher Williams have also made the rounds here in Denver.   It’s possible that Mendenhall and Cherilus could be had in a trade down; but the Broncos had better be careful.   With so many teams looking at upgrading offensive tackle – a trade too far down the boards could really hurt their chances to get the offensive line help they need.    As for Cherilus, the keen interest in him makes sense considering the Broncos have two typical left tackles in Pears and Harris on their roster, and Gosder is a more natural fit at the right side in the NFL.

In other news, it was reported that the Broncos are expected to finalize a contract for wideout Darrell Jackson today, furthering the revamping of their receiving corps.

Parker signed, looking at Jackson.

According to ESPN and the NFL Network, the Denver Broncos have signed free agent wide receiver Sammie Parker, and are continuing talks with free agent wideout Darrell Jackson. Contract details to follow when available.

Jackson and Parker possibilities.

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos are in heavy talks with former KC wideout Sammy Parker and ex-Seahawk and 49er Darrell Jackson.

To me, this means a few things.    One, Denver might be a little worried that Brandon Marshall will not be able to play right away this season, and they’re doing whatever is possible to get insurance there in case he’s not ready to go.    Secondly, a receiver like Jackson who has lengthy experience as a starter in the West Coast Offensive would be able to help us produce right away (even if he might suffer from the dropsies).   Last but not least, this sort of leaves the impression that the Broncos might not be too enamored with the crop at the top in this years wide receiver class.

This could be thanks in part to the recent issues surrounding players like Limas Sweed, Mario Manningham and DeSean Jackson.    With a whole lot of “B” talent in the draft at the position, and the learning curve for rookie wideouts when entering the NFL — it’s understandable that the Broncos are pursuing veteran help to patch the wound at the position rather than spending an early selection on a player who is likely to ride the pine their first year learning the system.

So on the outside looking in: If the Broncos nab Jackson and Parker, don’t expect them to draft a receiver early at all.   What’s more likely is for the Broncos to focus their attention at other need positions (such as offensive line; and perhaps a surprise pick of running back) with their top two selections and eyeball a receiver with return skills somewhere on Day 2.

Stay tuned, we’ll have more to report as the story progresses.

Broncos bag Weigmann, lose Bryant.

The Broncos were able to bag Casey Weigmann to a two year contract, but lost out in the Fernando Bryant sweepstakes as he signed with the Patriots.   Weigmann will compete at either guard or center and it’s assumed that Bryant chose New England because he’ll have a more realistic chance at starting than he would with Champ Bailey and Dre Bly here in Denver.