The Denver Broncos have several high-profile free agents, with DE Malik Jackson among them. The team wants to bring back Jackson, but they might not have the cap space to do so. The Broncos signed DE Derek Wolfe to a four-year, $36.75 million extension before the season ended and Jackson will want more than that. The Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears have both been linked to Jackson and have the cap space to outbid Denver. At this point, there's a very good chance that Jackson leaves this offseason.
If Jackson leaves, the team will need to replace him. Wolfe is locked in at one starting spot, but the other one would be wide open. Vance Walker is on the roster, but he's more of a backup. Phil Taylor was recently signed, but it's impossible to know what he'll bring after struggling in Cleveland. The Broncos wouldn't have a ton of money to sign a replacement, but they'd be able to add someone. With that in mind, here are 5 Players The Broncos Could Target To Replace Malik Jackson (If He Leaves).
5. Shawn Oakman
The Baylor DE is the classic example of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." While Oakman is a freak athlete, he didn't produce much at Baylor and never lived up to his potential. Oakman will be a mid-round pick at best, as the lack of motor and production outweigh his potential. But if any team can get the most out of Oakman, it's the Denver Broncos and Wade Phillips. Oakman would need to add some more weight to his 6-foot-8, 287-pound frame in a shift to 3-4 DE, but he could be a Calais Campbell-type player if he develops.
4. Mike DeVito
DeVito is already 31 years old, but he had a solid season last year with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, like the Broncos are tight on free agent space and could lose a player or two. DeViot wouldn't be a long-term option, but he'd contribute while the Broncos develop a younger DE.
3. Jonathan Bullard
Bullard could be in play for the Broncos' first round pick and they'd love it if he somehow fell to them at the end of Round 2. The former Florida Gator can play as either a 4-3 DE or 3-4 DE, although Denver would put him at the 3-4 spot. The team could move him around in pass rushing situations as well and his versatility would be a valuable asset.
2. Jaye Howard
Like DeVito, Howard could leave the Chiefs this offseason. Howard is only 27 year old, making him more of a long-term option for Denver. Howard isn't optimistic about returning to Kansas City. While Howard isn't as talented as Jackson, he'd also be cheaper and would still be productive.
1. Robert Nkemdiche
There are serious red flags with Nkemdiche, including his falling off of a hotel balcony and lack of production at Ole Miss. He's one of the more talented defensive lineman in the NFL draft and could find success a 3-4 DE. He might be on the board at the end of the first round, and Wade Phillips might be able to get the most out of him.
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