A lot was said during Mike Shanahan‘s pre-draft press conference. For more details, go to the Official Denver Broncos Blog by Andrew Mason.

On Middle Linebackers

He wouldn’t go into details regarding the Al Wilson release besides admitting that it was “tough.” He also spent a bit more time discussing D.J. Williams, who has played strongside linebacker for us the past two years.

The opportunity to put D.J. in the middle, we’d like to do that…. [Williams] fits the middle linebacker mold pretty easily, [it’d be] natural for him to make that transition…. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t step up.

On Defensive Line

It’s obvious that Shanahan has a lot of confidence in our defensive line. He spoke at length about DTs Alvin McKinley, Amon Gordon and Antwon Burton, saying that they fit better into our defensive scheme this year under Jim Bates than they did under the previous defensive regime. He also said that we have more depth along the defensive line than most people think.

On Other Bad News

He spoke briefly on Javon Walker, whom Broncos fans know was present in the limo when Darrent Williams was killed on New Years Day. He also spoke on the character issues that have become paramount in the league, specifically mentioning Brandon Marshall, Todd Sauerbrun and Travis Henry. Regarding the latter 2 and their one-strike-you’re-out status with the league’s substance abuse policy: “These guys know one time, they’re gone. No second chances.” He also said Marshall’s recent arrest has not affected his status with the team.

On Draft Trade Rumors

He was actually surprised about some of the information leaking – not so much how it did, but when it did. Apparently the trade to #2 with Detroit was agreed upon the day after the Combine. They backed down the next day, which Shanahan said was common. And the Texans rumors to trade up to #10 are over a week old according to our head coach. He did say very glowing words about Calvin Johnson, and he jokingly called Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss “horrible.” He’s aware that everyone is expecting him to trade, but he did say that the Broncos wouldn’t trade up just for trading’s sake. I’ve said time and time again I hope we move down and take two players like Michael Griffin, the Texas safety, and Anthony Spencer. We’ll all know what the plan is tomorrow.

What Does it All Mean

Not much, really. If you take everything that Shanahan says literally, then we don’t need a linebacker, defensive lineman, safety, or wide receiver in this year’s draft. We have plenty of depth in those positions and should look elsewhere. As Broncos fans know, that’s not the case and Shanny is simply giving out a little poker face. As much as I can’t accept a 9-7 season, I know Shanahan is all the more livid about last year. By all indications, he has made numerous moves to improve this team since the timer hit zero on Dec. 31.

When I look at the draft tomorrow, I could honestly see us going a number of routes. We could trade up to get CJ, which would be insanely exciting. We could trade up to get a linebacker; we could trade up to get one of the top 5 defensive linemen like we did in my mock. We could stay put and take Jarvis Moss, Paul Posluszny, or (MY GUY) Lawrence Timmons. We could trade down and get 2 for 1, as I mentioned above with Griffin and Spencer. Or Coach could pull a 2006 and go the direction no one else thought. I mean, seriously, did anyone see us moving further up to get Cutler? As crazy as last year was, I really have no clue which way we’re going at the end of the day. My gut’s telling my Calvin Johnson or linebacker, but who knows except the mastermind we call our coach?