Denver Broncos: Buy or Sell the Top 10 Free Agents of 2012?

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This is a busy time of the season for the Bronco brass, as they not only must scour over this year's free agent class, but they must also decide how to handle their own free agents within their budgetary constraints.

These are, of course, important decisions that will continue to mold the Broncos and help to reinforce their new-found identity of a team with one heartbeat that does not know what the word quit stands for.

This is the first step leading up to the NFL combine and ensuing draft.

Once the front office returns from the Senior Bowl, deciding upon their free agents must be the first order of business related to players and before they can discuss and entertain outside free agents.

I have chosen my top 10 list of Bronco free agents to buy or sell, and I look forward to the debate.

Daniel Fells TE: Sell

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I know this is a position by default for the Broncos, as they clearly are not following the trend thus far of the big, strong and fast tight end as a reliable weapon.

I say thus far because I still believe that Julius Thomas will be that target. He has all of the aforementioned attributes.

Daniel Fells had 19 receptions for 256 yards and three TDs, but he also had numerous drops and two fumbles with one being costly.

I find Virgil Green to be more adept at blocking, which is key for this run-heavy team.

I think we have seen the ceiling with the fifth-year player.

I am banking on Thomas and Green, with Dante Rosario adding depth.

Eddie Royal WR: Buy

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I am just not ready to sell Eddie Royal, who amassed 91 receptions for 980 yards and five TDs in his rookie season.

This year was not the year of the receiver for the Broncos, but in 2009 and 2010, his numbers slipped significantly due in large part to being underutilized.

Sure, he has his fair share of drops, but given his abilities as evidenced in 2008, the lack of depth in this unit and his value on special teams, I am buying Royal for another year with the understanding that he will better utilized in all facets.

Brodrick Bunkley NT: Buy

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The Broncos could certainly do better at the nose tackle position, but Brodrick Bunkley showed game after game gradual improvement. That is a good sign and is all the team can ask.

I am buying on his improvement and his experience.

There is really no aspect of the defensive line that stands out other than Elvis Dumervil, which does not make this unit a strength, but stability is important and nose tackle is not high on the priority list.

Bunkley will never strike fear in the collapsing of the pocket, but his rush defense improved enough to be considered a bit underrated as the season wore on.

Matt Willis WR: Sell

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Although, as I mentioned, this is not the year of the receiver, I am discouraged by the lack of development of Matt Willis over the past three years.

I would like to see a player providing team depth to have softer hands, gain better separation and be more of a proficient route-runner.

I do not care for him as a kick returner and would prefer that Royal handle these duties consistently.

Matt Prater K: Buy

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No brainer here regarding Mile High Matty Ice.

The guy is clutch and deadly from 50-plus yards, which is an awesome weapon in shortening a field for the style offense the Broncos ran this year.

I do want to see more consistency than 19-of-25 for a 76 percent average.

Prater is better from close range than what he showed.

Steady and dependable kickers are hard to find, and his long-range accuracy is priceless.

Wesley Woodyard LB: Buy

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This weak side linebacker is underrated and quietly gets the job done in a most productive manner year after year.

Wesley Woodyard has a nose for the ball and his hawking and swarming style are evidenced by his team leading 97 tackles and two forced fumbles.

He is a very good form tackler at point of impact, which is something the Broncos sorely lack.

Marcus Thomas DT: Sell

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Marcus Thomas is fifth-year tackle who is an underachiever. He does not stand out as someone who provides enough pressure or stuffs the run adeptly.

He is often beat in both areas and and does not tackle well.

This is a position which must be upgraded, and although depth is needed, I do not see Thomas offering up enough quality to remain a buy.

Britton Colquitt K: Buy

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Steady, dependable, strong-footed and accurate is Britton Colquitt.

The best part about this weapon is that he is only now a third-year player who has just finished his second year of playing.

He has tremendous upside potential, and his net average and ability to pin opponents inside their 20-yard line has risen each year.

He was asked to carry a huge load this year and wore it well.

Joe Mays MLB: Buy

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Joe Mays struggled as the season wore on, and did so in very big moments, but not enough to sell on his complete body of work.

He ended the season with 75 tackles and two passes defended, which is an increase in both categories over last year.

His tackling at impact fell drastically over the past few games, and that must improve—as must his coverage skills—but that is an overall weakness of the entire unit.

I still believe he is a worthy attacker who hits and hits hard more than he swings and misses over the course of a season.