Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

There have been whispers around the league in recent days that the Broncos may make an unheard of move in the Mike Shanahan era and take a running back in the first round. The running back whose name is getting the most mention in connection to Denver and the No. 12 pick is Oregon workhorse Jonathan Stewart, who is recovering from a toe surgery.

The Broncos may have taken a step closer to drafting Stewart, who is expected to be ready by the start of camp, now that word is out that Denver is visiting this week with Illinois' running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Can you say 'smoke screen?'

Unless Mike Shanahan, one of the most secretive, chess-playing minds in the NFL, has suddenly changed his pre-draft approach, it is unlikely the Broncos will take Mendenhall. Again, maybe Shanahan has changed. Mendenhall does fit the Denver mode, but it would be a shock that Shanahan would show his hand by bringing Mendenhall into town for a visit.

Two years ago, when Denver traded up to draft Jay Cutler, the only contact the quarterback had with the team before the draft was when he ran into a Denver scout at a gas station in the pair's mutual hometown of Nashville. Shanahan was busy visiting with receiver Santonio Holmes and Chad Jackson prior to picking Cutler. The earliest Denver took a receiver that year was in the fourth round.

Mendenhall might be the guy, but if Denver is looking at running backs, the better bet may be Stewart. Many league observers think Stewart would easily fit into Denver's zone blocking system and could be a star in Denver. In recent years, Shanahan has yearned to have a franchise running back again. Sure, Denver has gotten by fine with journeymen compiling 1,000-yard seasons for most of this decade since his last star tailback Terrell Davis retired in 2002 because of injuries.

But now that he may have a chance to select a stalwart like Stewart, Shanahan -- who'll also look at offensive tackles and defensive linemen early in the draft -- may strike, Mendenhall's visit aside.