With the apparent end to the lockout (hooray!), the Broncos can continue to rebuild their team through free agency. We won’t exactly know what the salary cap figure will be until the CBA is signed, but looking at the team’s roster, there are a few glaring holes. Among those are defensive tackle, running back, cornerback, and potentially a starting offensive tackle.
First things first, DT was a major issue in 2010, no question about it. The Broncos were 31st in the league with 154.6 yards given up per contest. With only 4 defensive tackles currently on the roster as the team switches from a 3-4 back to a 4-3, DT has to be the team’s first priority, given they didn’t use any of their nine draft picks on one. So, who will be available to sign via free agency?
[caption id="attachment_59" align="alignleft" width="256" caption="Brandon Mebane (Getty Images)"]
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Brandon Mebane – Seattle
Mebane has been touted as one of the more underrated tackles in the game. His stats won’t jump out at you (only one sack in 2010) and he’s only 6-1, but Mebane is a quality run-stuffer, and the Broncos would be fortunate to sign him. Seattle will likely try and keep him, so this may be a tough get.
Barry Cofield – NY Giants
Another solid option is Giants big man Barry Cofield. He is a quality run stopper and has the skills to be a disruptive force in the backfield (5 ½ sacks last year). The G-men could re-sign him, but after drafting Marvin Austin in the second round, he will likely shop his services elsewhere. Cofield would be a very solid option to start alongside Kevin Vickerson on the Broncos interior d-line.
Other options include Indy’s Eric Foster, Buffalo’s John McCargo, and Houston’s Shaun Cody. However, the Broncos could very well sign either Justin Bannon or Jamal Williams to smaller deals, even though they were released before the lockout. The team also likes Marcus Thomas and could slide him to the inside with Vickerson. Either way, the Broncos are likely to sign someone to compete at DT. Not exactly a surprise after conceding 4.7 YPC to opponents in 2010.
Knowshon Moreno has been one of the bigger disappointments for the team, considering he was the 12th overall selection two years ago. It’s no secret that his days as a starting RB are in jeopardy. The Broncos’ biggest task is deciding how to spend their precious dollars. So, if they spend big bucks on a FA running back, a lesser named DT will be brought in, and if Mebane or Cofield is signed, a less expensive RB will likely be signed to compete in the backfield. Here are some options:
[caption id="attachment_61" align="alignright" width="200" caption="DeAngelo Williams"]
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DeAngelo Williams – Carolina
It’s also not a huge surprise if the orange and blue target the Panther’s DeAngelo Williams given his ties to former coach John Fox. Injuries were an issue last year, but when healthy, Williams can really tote the rock. In 2008 he rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns, and a year later he scampered for over 1,100 yards in only 13 games. The Panthers are unlikely to re-sign him given they have stud Jonathan Stewart and emerging playmaker Mike Goodson. Williams has a solid combination of speed and power, and is seen as a back that can carry the bulk of the load, something Moreno has struggled with. Look for Denver to push hard for Williams.
Ahmad Bradshaw – NY Giants
Bradshaw is a solid option that could start if signed. He is a shifty back that ran for 1,235 yards and 8 scores last season, his best yet. Fumbling has been an issue, but he has proven he can be a primary ball carrier for an NFL team, which John Fox is sure to be attracted to.
Ronnie Brown – Miami
An intriguing option is Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown. 2010 wasn’t his best (only 734 yards rushing) but he finally played in all 16 games. Brown has always been a solid back, but has never had that breakout year that many have expected. He is a cheaper option that could run alongside Moreno, and the Broncos might be willing to settle on Brown to rejuvenate their halted running game.
[caption id="attachment_62" align="alignleft" width="218" caption="Le'Ron McClain"]
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Le’Ron McClain – Baltimore
A dark horse candidate is Ravens power back Le’Ron McClain. The big bruiser could see a solid pay day due to his skill set and the success of similar backs like Peyton Hillis. McClain is a very interesting option for Denver, and should he be given more carries, could really provide a solid option in 3rd down and red zone situations, something that plagued Denver last year. He has only missed one game in his four seasons, and he could be the guy Denver uses for short yardage situations rather than Tim Tebow, which could be a major plus in preventing injuries to Tebow.
Other options include Arizona’s Tim Hightower, Tampa’s Cadillac Williams, and Indy’s Joseph Addai.
Look for Denver to focus the bulk of their cash on solidifying their running back and defensive tackle positions. In an upcoming installment, I’ll break down potential suitors at other positions of need, including cornerback, offensive tackle, and linebacker.
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