By "AP"

Off-Season 2278 (Denver) - The Broncos have designated LB Kirk Pillman, selected with the next to last pick in the first round of the 2273 draft, guaranteeing him 12.000 annually.

'Our fans have gone berserk for Kirk since we drafted him, and we're excited about him anchoring our defense for years to come,' commented Broncos' GM Todd Ricotta in a statement issued this morning from team headquarters.