As we have heard over the last few seasons, if you're competing for a roster spot with the Denver Broncos, you are going to have to that earn that position. Mike Shanahan won't hand you anything---except, a chance.

Players that the team drafted low have become stalwarts (Tom Nalen and Terrell Davis). Other players, drafted high, failed to meet those loft goals (George Foster and Willie Middlebrooks). These players, of course, are representative of just a small sampling, but it is worth noting.

If the model at Dove Valley was set based upon those parameters, that production will almost always win out over praise and pedigree, then the words Shanahan spoke of when describing Ryan Clady's position were particularly insightful. He said Clady, the team's number one draft pick in 2008, is for the moment, the starter at left tackle.

As we get further into minicamps and eventually start training camp, that can all change, however, I suspect it will not. Clady has a lot of pressure on him here and so does Shanahan for handing him the starting spot so soon. Other than quarterback, you could say the most important position on any team---especially on a team with three right-handed passers--- is left tackle. Most days, you are only as good as your quarterback and it is the job of the left tackle to make sure his blind side is protected. The Broncos will go as far as Jay Cutler can take them, but if Clady cannot protect Cutler, then a problem arises.

With a rookie comes promise, but also a lack of experience. Safe to assume, the rush coming from the edge in the NFL will be much faster than anything Clady saw in college at Bosie State. Shanahan thinks he can handle it. Although, if Clady struggles, can Shanahan deliver little more slack to Clady and his spot? Sure, after all, he is a high draft pick and the staff desperately wants to prove the selection was worthy. However, that cannot be at any cost. If the struggles are lengthy, then a change has to occur. It's for the good of the team, one person's standing cannot get in the way of everybody else.

We should know more soon. Maybe he shines and the pick becomes a big success. That would go miles in helping the Broncos reinvigorate the run game and provide enough protection to help the passing game. If it doesn't, then maybe naming a starter before they do anything to secure the position, could be reconsidered in the future. Maybe.

See you on Tuesday, I hope.

-"z"