Tim Tebow: 5 Free Agents the Denver Broncos Should Surround Their QB With

Tim Tebow is going to have his work cut out this season if he is planning on getting his Denver Broncos anywhere near the playoffs.

Last season the Broncos struggled to a 4-12 record, and now they are in the process of cleaning up the mess former head coach Josh McDaniels left behind.

Tebow will likely be the team's starter entering this season, as the team will probably look to trade veteran quarterback Kyle Orton and hand the keys to the young southpaw.

For Tebow and the Broncos to improve on last season's dismal results, Denver's prized possession will need some more help around him—preferably some veteran help.

Here is a look at five free agents the Broncos could sign this season to make Tebow's life a little easier.

1. DeAngelo Williams

The Broncos could use an upgrade at running back. Williams is considered a natural fit after playing for new Denver head coach John Fox in Carolina.

Williams played in just six games last season due to injury, but at 28 years old, he should still have at least one or two solid years left in the tank.

Williams could definitely take some of the burden off Tebow and the Broncos passing game if he was to sign with Denver.

2. Brandon Mebane

Mebane will likely be a top priority for the Seahawks once free agency begins, but if Seattle fails to re-sign their top defensive tackle then the Broncos should definitely consider him.

Defensive tackle is the Broncos biggest hole at the moment. Now that the team is moving to the 4-3 defense under Fox, they would benefit from adding a guy who has spent his entire NFL career in a 4-3, such as Mebane.

The Broncos must find a way to shore up their last-ranked run defense, and signing a big guy like Mebane to plug the middle would be a good start.

3. Ronnie Brown

If the Broncos are unable to land Williams, the next guy they should consider is former Dolphins back Brown.

Brown is coming off a down season that saw him average just 3.7 yards per carry, but he has shown the ability to be a good runner in the past.

At 29 years old, Brown would likely only be a stop-gap for a year or two. The team could look to draft their running back of the future next April.

4. Carlos Rogers

Cornerback is a position where the Broncos don't have a lot of depth. The team is not really strong once you get past Champ Bailey.

Bailey is now 33 years old. Perrish Cox played fairly well for a rookie last season, but he is now facing a sexual assault charge.

Rogers could come in and provide some solid play at the position opposite of Bailey, giving the Broncos a chance to stop opposing passing games this season.

5. Takeo Spikes

Spikes is coming off of a big season in 2010, which saw him record 109 tackles for the San Francisco 49ers.

The Broncos do have some talented players at linebacker, such as D.J. Williams and second overall pick Von Miller, but they could use another proven veteran to anchor their linebacker corps. Spikes could be that guy.

Denver drafted middle linebacker Nate Irving in the third round in hopes of getting immediate contributions from him.

But I think the Broncos would benefit from bringing in a smart veteran like Spikes, who could help some of the young guys learn, much like Mike Vrabel did in Kansas City.