The Broncos have spent a lot of time studying the quarterback prospects in this year's draft, but the way we hear it, the organization is still expected to use its No. 2 overall selection on a defensive player.

Denver struggled on the defensive side of the ball in 2010, finishing last in the league in both yards surrendered per game and quarterback sacks. This year's draft includes one of the deepest pass-rushing defensive linemen groupings in recent memory, which figures to fit the Broncos' needs.

But the organization isn't acting as if it is set on a defensive lineman.

Executive vice president of football operations John Elway, general manager Brian Xanders and head coach John Fox were all present for the pro days of both Auburn QB Cam Newton and Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert and both quarterbacks already have scheduled private meetings in Denver.

Offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was in Arkansas for QB Ryan Mallett's pro day, and QB coach Adam Gase has had or will have workouts with Washington QB Jake Locker, Florida State QB Christian Ponder and Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick.

A daily team observer said that the organization is just doing its due diligence by studying these quarterbacks and does not expect the Broncos to select a quarterback with the second pick in the draft.

But having a good grip on how good each of these players is will help the organization assess possible situations in which it can trade down in the draft to acquire more picks or consider the possibility of using its second-round pick, No. 36 overall, on a quarterback.