Busy Broncos

Yes the Broncos have busied themselves with bulking up. Since the free agency period for the NFL began last Friday, the Broncos have completely overhauled their defensive line with the signings of DE Jarvis Green (New England), DT Jamal Williams (San Diego), and DT/DE Justin Bannan (Baltimore).

All three of these guys are upgrades over last season's starters. They bring proven experience from teams well versed in the 3-4 defensive scheme. Their combined hugeness should also improve the Broncos run defense, which was shredded late last season by the AFC West bottom dwellers.

As long as Jamal Williams has recovered from the triceps injury that landed him on Injured Reserve last season, I expect those three will start and will play most of the game. I expect they'll keep DT Ronald Fields and DEs Ryan McBean and Le Kevin Smith at least through the draft for depth, but could be cut depending on who is drafted (stay tuned for my draft picks).

While the defensive line is set, the Broncos still lack a center on the offensive line. Pro-bowl center Kevin Mawae (Tennessee) is still on the free agent market and would be a good pickup but I wonder if teams are reluctant to take a flyer because of his Presidency of the NFL Players Association. With the Owners and the NFLPA unable to come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams may fear the in-house rift such a signing could bring.

This defensive focused free agency could point to an offensive draft strategy but it's too soon to tell. So far, Denver is moving in the right direction. Kudos to McDaniels for his efforts to correct the major weaknesses and prepare them to win now. Now just follow through.