Denver Broncos QB Situation: Will it be Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton? ESPN's Hoge Rips Tebow

It wasn't that long ago that NFL pundits questioned the ability of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow to play at the next level.

Now it seems that Tebow has come such a long enough way that seasoned quarterback Kyle Orton might be either the back up to Tebow in Denver, or dealt to another team to give the young Tebow the full-time job once occupied by John Elway.

According to Peter King, Orton is reportedly still on the trade block, and the Dolphins may still be interested in him.

Tebow, apparently, has received a great deal of confidence from the Broncos' coaching staff. Though it seems risky for the Broncos to hand the job to Tebow, it might be with the intention that Denver is looking beyond this season.

It's very possible that Denver management has their eye on the long term. The AFC will be particularly tough this season with the Patriots, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, Colts, and Chiefs looking to return to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Denver is coming off a 4-12 season.

Still, the situation is delicate in the Mile High City.

What if Orton is actively shopped and the Broncos can't find the right compensation? Should Tebow flop, Orton would fill in and will immediately have some resentment towards the organization that decided to give his starting job to an inexperienced quarterback. It also doesn't help that Orton is in the final year of his contract, and intended for this season to be a showcase of his talents.

Several NFL experts don't see the wisdom of benching veteran Orton for Tebow, considering the second-year player has only three starts on his resume, and completed under half of his passes. It's also possible Tebow might not even be the second best quarterback on the roster as some experts claim Brady Quinn might be further along at the position.

ESPN's Merril Hoge was far less displomatic than many Tebow detractors, who have questioned Tebow's accuracy and skills.

"Sitting watching tape of Broncos offense from last year," wrote Hoge on Twitter. "Orton or Tebow? It's embarrassing to think the Broncos could win with Tebow!"

Orton is coming off a season where he completed 58.8 percent of his passes, threw 20 touchdown passes, and only had nine interceptions. Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Lloyd reportedly would be very upset if Orton is traded to make way for Tebow.

Supposedly, there is no real positive or negative relationship between Tebow and Orton. Neither player seems to exhibit much of an ego, so it's plausible that the Broncos are simply looking for some healthy competition between the two.

For now, expect more talk about a quarterback controversy, Ther will be more grumblings from players who believe the team needs to win now with the experienced Orton. Tebow has a unique skill set, and it will be up to new head coach John Fox and his staff to perhaps shape the offense based on his talents.

Fox is not known to take risks, so starting Tebow should make for some unique results.

The 2011-2012 season will be an interesting one in Denver.

Heck, the preseason will be interesting, too.