Ten Free Agents Broncos Should Target (1/2)

The NFL’s 2012 free agency signing period is scheduled to begin on March 14th at 4 (p.m.).  As a primer, we’ll look at five offensive free agents today that we think the Denver Broncos should consider.  Tomorrow, we’ll look at five defensive free agents the Broncos should look to sign.

John Carlson missed the entire 2011 season with a shoulder injury after catching 137 passes for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns from 2008-2010 in Seattle.  If the Seahawks let Carlson walk, the Broncos may be interested in adding depth to their tight end position.  With the team using lots of two-tight sets and tight ends that are asked to block as often as go out for a pass, the Broncos can always use more tight ends — especially when they are an upgrade, at an agreeable price-tag.

Mike Tolbert is a powerful runner that would provide a fantastic complement to Willis McGahee in Denver’s backfield.  Last season, quarterback Tim Tebow led the team with six rushing touchdowns (McGahee came in second with four).  The Broncos need a hard-nosed power back that can punch it in from a few yards out.  Over the past four years, that’s exactly what Tolbert has done in San Diego, scoring 21 touchdowns since 2010.  With receiving option Knowshon Moreno possibly headed out of Denver, the Broncos may be in need of a third-down running back this season.  Tolbert fits the bill perfectly.

Last season, the Broncos had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but they lacked depth in the trenches.  With Chris Kuper recovering from a knee injury, the Broncos would be wise to bring in some veteran depth to the position.  Bernadeau has started in twenty games since 2008 and played under John Fox and Mike McCoy in Carolina.

Shaun Hill is a veteran quarterback that could back-up Tim Tebow and give the team depth at the quarterback position.  Having a veteran in camp is always a good idea, and Hill’s not the type of player that would cause fans to rise up against the starter in favor of the young and dashing fan-favorite second-string quarterback.  Expect the Broncos to bring in a veteran quarterback this off-season, Shaun Hill, or someone else.

Early Doucet is a young receiver with loads of potential.   With receivers Eddie Royal and Matthew Willis about to become free agents, the Broncos will likely lose at least one receiver this off-season. In 2011, Doucet started in six games in Arizona and hauled in 54 passes for 689 yards and five touchdowns.  A trio of Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Early Doucet in Denver would be a young group with an extremely high ceiling.

What are your thoughts on the players mentioned above?  Who do you think Denver should target?  Watch for our five defensive players we think Denver should target tomorrow!