Von Miller: Here's why Denver will fall in love with Broncos' top NFL draft pick (VIDEOS)

During the blessedly completed Josh McDaniels era, top picks like Knowshon Moreno and Tim Tebow defied conventional wisdom -- and we still don't know if they'll pay off in the long run. In contrast, the choice of Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller makes perfect sense from the start -- and...

By Michael Roberts

April 29, 2011

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During the blessedly completed Josh McDaniels era, top picks like Knowshon Moreno and Tim Tebow defied conventional wisdom -- and we still don't know if they'll pay off in the long run. In contrast, the choice of Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller makes perfect sense from the start -- and his emotional response to being chosen second overall suggests a quality guy who Broncos fans will love, love, love.

The knock on Miller is his size -- he's in the 240s. But he's also a ferocious talent who's already won the respect of his fellow players by putting his name on the ongoing lawsuit against owners alongside the likes of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. And the contrast between his honest tears yesterday and the smugness of Cam Newton, who came across as entitled even while mouthing what appeared to be carefully rehearsed answers to questions from ESPN's Suzy Kolber after the Carolina Panthers took a flier on him, couldn't be more stark.

Simply put, the Miller pick was a great start for the John Fox era -- one that offers hope that the Broncos' current funk won't be long-lived. But don't believe us. Go to the video below, featuring Miller at the draft and a highlight reel of his A&M beastliness.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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