NFL players scored a legal victory yesterday when a federal judge ruled to end the ongoing lockout, a decision the owners say they’ll appeal (New York Times). Nevertheless, players are hopeful the decision means they’ll be able to return to work shortly after this weekend’s draft, and the Broncos are prepared to make some picks (Denver Post).

And all eyes are on Denver, which will claim the second overall pick. CBS Sports expects the team to fill its deepest hole with Alabama’s Marcell Dareus or Auburn’s Nick Fairley, and Bleacher Report anticipates the Broncos to take a defensive back to pair with Champ Bailey in the second round. There’s still a remote chance the Broncos will select another quarterback to push Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton, and Brady Quinn, but Tebow remains confident. “I’m looking forward to the competition to prove that I can [be the starting quarterback],” he says (Post). Last year around this time, Denver shocked NFL observers by trading several draft picks to take Tebow in the first round, although he hasn’t yet convinced them he’s the right guy to lead the team.