The Denver Broncos came into the NFL draft as an unknown, with new coach Josh McDaniels and new general manager Brian Xanders in charge of their first draft, and those two surprised many with their approach.

Instead of working on the defensive front seven, the Broncos took a running back with their first pick and only one defensive lineman or linebacker among their 10 picks.

The Broncos created plenty of waves in Denver by trading their own 2010 first-round pick -- the Broncos had a second first-round pick next year after trading quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago -- for the 37th overall pick in this year's draft. They selected cornerback Alphonso Smith with the pick.

Later, Denver traded two third-round picks for the final pick of the second round and a fourth-round pick, and used the second rounder on North Carolina tight end Richard Quinn, who was surprised to be selected in the second round.

Denver's moves had a lot of people scratching their heads, but McDaniels was pleased with the results.

"We're happy with the players we selected, but the proof's in the pudding," McDaniels said. "Time is going to tell for us and for the entire league on how we did or how well these selections pan out."

The Broncos started their draft with a surprise, ignoring defensive needs to select Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno. Nobody questioned that Moreno, a standout in the SEC, was worth the 12th pick, but the Broncos had already signed three tailbacks in the offseason.

"He is one of the very best players we had rated on our board from the beginning," McDaniels said. "We felt very good about him before the draft even started."

The Broncos turned to the front seven with their next pick, selecting Robert Ayers of Tennessee, who will start his career at end but could also shift to outside linebacker.

In the second round Denver picked Smith, safety Darcel McBath and Quinn. On the second day, Denver took another safety, David Bruton of Notre Dame, guard Seth Olsen from Iowa, receiver Kenny McKinley of South Carolina, quarterback Tom Brandstater of Fresno State and center Blake Schlueter of TCU.

Denver selected six offensive players and four defensive players. Denver still has a major need in the front seven but the Broncos didn't feel the players available to them were worth reaching for.

BEST PICK: Robert Ayers was in the discussion for the Broncos' 12th pick, but Denver had running back Knowshon Moreno higher on its board and was gambling Ayers would still be around with the 18th pick. The move paid off when Ayers fell, allowing Denver to take a player that could fit as a 3-4 end or at outside linebacker.

COULD SURPRISE: Kenny McKinley produced in college at South Carolina. His 207 receptions are third on the SEC's career list. he fell in the draft because of various injury concerns, but he has some ability and is coming to a great offensive system for a receiver under coach Josh McDaniels. He doesn't have pressure to perform right away because Denver has good depth at receiver, but he could end up being a steal for Denver.

A closer look at the Broncos' picks:

Round 1/12 -- Knowshon Moreno, RB, 5-10, 217, Georgia

Denver was smitten with Moreno's versatility. He obviously is a good runner, but the Broncos also like the fact that he can catch the ball out of the backfield and pick up the blitz. Denver signed Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington and LaMont Jordan this offseason and have Peyton Hillis, Ryan Torain and Selvin Young still on the roster, but Moreno will play right away.

Round 1/18 -- Robert Ayers, LB/DE, 6-3, 273, Tennessee

Ayers didn't start until his senior year but made the most of it, parlaying a big year into a first-round grade. The Broncos will start Ayers at end, but he could end up at outside linebacker. Denver also thinks Ayers is versatile enough to play at tackle in passing situations. He provides immediate help to the front seven.

Round 2/37 -- Alphonso Smith, CB, 5-9, 193, Wake Forest

Smith fell down draft boards because of his height, but the Broncos had a first-round grade on him. They traded their 2010 first-round pick to Seattle to get Smith, the ACC's all-time leader in interceptions. Smith can come in right away and play in nickel packages, and perhaps push Andre' Goodman for a starting spot. Both of Denver's projected starting cornerbacks are more than 30 years old, and Smith is the future at the position.

Round 2/48 -- Darcel McBath, S, 6-0, 198, Texas Tech

With an aging secondary, McBath can be groomed to step into the starting lineup. He is a playmaker who had seven interceptions last year. He was recruited as a cornerback and uses those skills well to play center field on defense.

Round 2/64 -- Richard Quinn, TE, 6-4, 260, North Carolina

Few players used the months before the draft better than Quinn. He had a low grade after catching only 12 passes in college, but impressed at the Combine and workouts and landed in the second round. The Broncos like his hands despite the lack of production in the passing game in college, and along with Daniel Graham, Quinn can provide a good blocking punch at tight end.

Round 4/114 -- David Bruton, S, 6-2, 219, Notre Dame

Bruton was a good special teams player in college and will come in and contribute there right away. He was the second free safety Denver picked, and the Broncos already have veteran Renaldo Hill penciled in the starting lineup there, so Bruton probably won't be expected to play on defense right away.

Round 4/132 -- Seth Olsen, G, 6-5, 306, Iowa

Olsen was an effective guard in the Big Ten, and can also move out to tackle. That versatility will help him stick with the Broncos. Even though Olsen hasn't played center, he indicated he'd be willing to learn to help his value.

Round 5/141 -- Kenny McKinley, WR, 6-0, 189, South Carolina

A former high school quarterback, McKinley came in and was very productive in college at receiver with 207 career receptions. He slipped in the draft because of health issues, but could be a good value if he stays healthy. He is behind four veteran receivers coming in, so he probably won't be much of a factor as a rookie.

Round 6/174 -- Tom Brandstater, QB, 6-5, 220, Fresno State

Brandstater has the size to succeed in the NFL, and Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has had success with Tom Brady and Matt Cassel in New England, and both were drafted on the second day. Brandstater will be the third quarterback behind Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, so he can sit and learn the system while the Broncos determine if he's the quarterback of the future.

Round 7/225 -- Blake Schlueter, C, 6-3, 284, Texas Christian

Schlueter isn't huge but could fill some depth on the Broncos' interior line. Denver drafted Kory Lichtensteiger last year as a possible center of the future, but Schlueter will be given the chance to make an impression on the new staff and secure a spot on the team. Schlueter can also play guard.