Mention Mixon at your own risk

Readers talk and columnist Mark Kiszla responds

No room for misfits. Denver needs to pass on misfits in the NFL draft. The Broncos should take running back Christian McCaffrey with the 20th pick in the first round on April 27. If Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon is available in the late rounds, then take a chance on him. Pete, weighing pros and cons

Kiz: Mixon visited Dove Valley headquarters for a chat, which got all of Broncos Country buzzing. Mixon is the most controversial prospect in the 2017 draft, because he punched a woman in the face three years ago, breaking her jaw. And it was all caught on video. We don’t need to review the tape to know: Everybody deserves a second chance. But if the Broncos pass on McCaffrey and take Mixon later in the draft, it would cause a big stink.

Don’t dismiss talent. I’m fine with not drafting Mixon, but talent gets a second chance in this league. If you don’t take talent, it beats you. For example: Kansas City Chiefs star Tyreek Hill vs. Denver. Joe, NFL draftnik

Kiz: Character doesn’t count on the scoreboard. Never has. Never will.

Super significant. I get drafting Mixon from a football angle. It would be hard to see it, combined with the hiring of Vance Joseph as Broncos coach, as anything but a slight to women, though. Boogie, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Kiz: The Broncos would rather be your Super Bowl champs than your role models.

Root of the issue. I’m like any other football fan. What Mixon has done only matters if he isn’t on your team. I root for the decal on the side on the helmet. Eric, Lone Tree

Kiz: While many fans declare athletes should be held to a higher standard and it’s a privilege to play in the NFL, how many season-ticket holders would actually surrender their seat privileges if the Broncos drafted Mixon? We all talk a good game. But we are what we do.

Millions to spend. I am wondering why the Broncos are saving all this salary cap space. It feels like the top brass knows this team is still a year away from being important in the Super Bowl chase. Adam, Chicago

Kiz: After recruiting guard Ron Leary and doing the rest of his free-agent shopping, John Elway has a smidge under $21 million left to spend on talent. We aren’t too good at math here at Kickin’ It Headquarters. But the way we figure it, Elway can pay his draft picks, buy a six-pack of Coors and have just enough left in his piggy bank to also get himself a slightly used QB from Dallas.

Marked man. And today’s parting shot gives credit where credit is due. Forget Nikola Jokic. We all know who’s really responsible for the Nuggets’ recent winning streak:

Hey, Kiz. Thanks for the winning streak! The Nuggets went undefeated in four games after you called them out for their lackluster play, saying they don’t need a coach, they need a babysitter. Not that the team will show appreciation, but if the Nugs make it to the playoffs, they should thank you for lighting a fire. Tim, Golden