Denver Broncos Offseason: Grading Their Moves Thus Far

In early January, a loss to the Kanas City Chiefs marked an end to a disappointing season for Broncos fans everywhere.

After starting the season 6-0 going into their bye week, thing were looking great, but things changed quickly. Two back to back games against desperate teams and an injured quarterback started a downward spiral to an 8-8 season, 2-8 in their last 10 games.

With fans putting heat on the Broncos organization, coach Josh McDaniels needed a good offseason to get people back on the bandwaggon. The first step was through free agency.

Although is has been just over a week since free agency started, the Broncos have already made a splash signing with signings and trades. Here are just a few:

J.J. Arrington

Position: Runningback
2009 Team: N/A
Transaction: Aquired through Free Agency

After a productive season with the Arizona Cardinals, Denver signed J.J. Arrington before the 2009 season, but released him because of a failed physical.

With the release of LaMont Jordan, the Broncos needed another back to complement Knowshon Meoreno and Correll Buckhalter. Expect him to have a limited role but valuble when needed.

Grade: B

Justin Bannan

Position: Defensive Tackle
2009 Team: Baltimore Ravens
Transaction: Aquired through Free Agency

It is no secret that the Broncos need to beef up and get stronger on the defensive line. Last year the Broncos revamped to d-line with three new starters. They seem to be doing the same this year.

To clog the middle of the line, they signed Justin Bannan from the Baltimor Ravens. He was immediately promoted to starter and should be successful in McDaniels 3-4 system.

Grade: A

Nathan Jones

Position: Conerback
2009 Team: Miami Dolphins
Transaction: Aquired through Free Agency

During the 2009 offseason, Denver signed two cast-offs from the Dolphins's secondary. Ronaldo Hill and Andre Goodman both were starters in a good secondary for the Broncos. Now they've signed another former Dolphin.

Nathan Jones will most likely play nickle back for the Orange and Blue heading into next year. He should be able to matchup well with slot recievers in the weak AFC West and should be a good asset for the Broncos.

Grade: B

Jamal Williams

Position: Defensive Tackle
2009 Team: San Diego Chargers
Transaction: Aquired through Free Agency

It is very rare you see a player stay with one team for his entire career. Jamal Williams looked to be destined to do so until his surprise release from the Chargers in the early offseason. Now he's moved to AFC West rival Denver.

He is most certainly going to help the new Broncos defensive line and will play a major role in the defense.

Grade: A

Russ Hochstein/ Brandon Lloyd/ Matt Prater

Positions: Hochstein-OL, Lloyd-WR, Prater, K
2009 Team: Denver Broncos
Transaction: Resigned

All three of these player had limited playing time last year and are looking to improve under McDaniels. Expect all of them to have an increased role and make an impact on the Broncos future success.

Grade: C

Kenny Peterson/ Andra Davis

Position: Peterson-ILB, Davis-MLB
2009 Team: Denver Broncos
Transaction: Released

Both Kenny Peterson and Andra Davis were impact players on the Broncos defense last year. They both started the majority of the season but the Broncos decided to part ways with both players this offseason. Look for both to possibly make a small impact on another team in upcoming years.

Grade: B

Brady Quinn

Position: Quarterback
2009 Team: Cleveland Browns
Transaction: Aquired through Trade

At last, we arrive at the most recent transaction of the Denver Broncos, the trade for Brady Quinn. The former first round pick out of Notre Dame never really was what he thought to be in Cleveland.

Quinn is a mojor upgrade as the Broncos backup quarterback and McDaniels is one of the best quarterback developers in the league so Quinn may be a long term option at quarterback.

For what they gave up, this was a great trade on Denver's side.

Grade: A