National Football League

Miller predicts Tebow will start in NY

Published Apr. 16, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Just because they're no longer teammates doesn't mean Von Miller is any less a fan of Tim Tebow, whom he predicts will be the New York Jets' starting quarterback in 2012.

The Broncos pass-rusher and NFL defensive Rookie of the Year was one of Tebow's staunchest supporters last season when the popular but polarizing quarterback supplanted Kyle Orton as Denver's starter.

Miller said Monday that he understands why the Broncos went after Peyton Manning and then traded Tebow, whom he predicts will supplant Mark Sanchez as the Jets starter.

Miller said: ''I think everybody's mistaken if you think he's just going to go over there and be a wildcat quarterback or a situational quarterback. The Tebow that I know is going ... to be able to compete for that starting job.''

Jets coach Rex Ryan said on Monday that ''there's no question'' Mark Sanchez will be New York's starting quarterback this season.

Ryan reiterated the comments he has made since the Jets traded for Tebow last month, adding that he doesn't think having both will be ''a problem at all.'' Center Nick Mangold said he's ''all for it'' if Tebow helps the Jets.

The players reported to the team's facility in Florham Park, N.J., for voluntary workouts, marking the official start of preparations for this season. Ryan says a few players did not attend, but adds that they aren't required to be there.