The Denver Broncos have begun the process of installing a Peyton Manning-friendly offensive system, and the acquisition of the Pro Bowl quarterback has changed the type of offensive players they'll target during the NFL draft.
That means that instead of drafting players better suited for an option-based, run-heavy system the team used under Tim Tebow, the Broncos will look for players comfortable with Manning's no-huddle, audible-heavy style.
"Obviously if you look at where we were and where we are, the offensive mindset is different," executive vice president of football operations John Elway said during Monday's pre-draft news conference.
"I think the bottom line is we want to do the best thing to surround (Manning) with a team that's going to give him an opportunity to win," Elway added. "We can go in with an idea of what we would like to do, but that changes as players come off the board. It's always fluid."
Elway, however, stressed that Manning's voice will not be present in the team's draft war room Thursday night.
"Peyton has interest in what we do," Elway said, "but Peyton is not involved in the draft process."
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The Broncos currently hold the 25th overall pick in the first round, and Elway said they would be open to trading down, though no team has approached them with a prospective deal.
Wherever the Broncos end up picking, Elway said landing "impact" players would be the top priority, meaning players who can help the team win next season.
"We're talking about now," Elway said on the subject of "impact" players. "An impact doesn't mean a starter ... come in and help us win. That's where we are right now."
Elway subscribes to the "best player available" philosophy, explaining, "You have a lot more misses in my mind when you draft to need."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
