--TE Nate Jackson was among the seven veterans released by Denver. He was a favorite of the old coaching staff, because of his receiving ability. Jackson had been injury prone - he ended last season on injured reserve with a torn hamstring - and the new coaching staff didn't have the same loyalty to him, so he was let go.
--The release of Nate Jackson could help tight end Tony Scheffler, the talented 2006 second-round pick. Because the old coaching staff liked Jackson, he often took playing time away from Scheffler. Last year, Jackson spent the entire training camp as the No. 2 tight end, ahead of Scheffler. If Scheffler can get the confidence of the new coaching staff, he could have a more regular and defined role, which could help his numbers.
--LB Niko Koutouvides wasn't a big-money free agent - he signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract - but he was a mistake for the Broncos. Signed to be the team's starting middle linebacker, he was challenged by Nate Webster in training camp and lost the competition.
He was a stellar special-teams player for Seattle and played decently on special teams for Denver, but not enough to keep his job. He was released by the team as part of an offseason purge.
--The Broncos traveled to the scouting combine in Indianapolis with many needs but a lighter than usual front office. With the firings of Jim and Jeff Goodman, two of the top three front-office managers, new general manager Brian Xanders and coach Josh McDaniels will have plenty of responsibility in preparing for the draft. Jim Goodman's strength was college scouting and the Broncos were coming off a stellar 2008 draft.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I am confident (Brian Xanders) will work in tandem with head coach Josh McDaniels to re-establish our football team at the level we desire." -- Broncos owner Pat Bowlen upon naming Xanders the team's new general manager.
