2012 NFL Trade Odds: 6 Players the Denver Broncos Could Make a Play for

The Denver Broncos enter the 2012 season with some nice pieces in place to compete for the AFC West title again.

Under head coach John Fox's new approach in 2011, the Broncos' defense rose to the top of the NFL and kept close enough to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs for Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas to finish them off.

Their offense was a liability at times, but they were often able to do enough to get the victory during the regular season.

Let's take a look at six players that the Broncos could try to snatch up to improve their team heading into 2012. I'll start with three players on offense and then move to three players on defense. 

Adding a Top-Flight Tight End Could Enhance the Broncos' Offense

Tebow's unorthodox, run-first offensive attack meant that the Broncos didn't score many points in 2011. They struggled to make hay through the air and often found themselves having to come from behind to pull out an improbable win.

Daniel Fells is currently the Broncos' top tight end. While he's a serviceable option, he's not a game-changing pass-catcher. No matter who ends up as the Broncos' starting quarterback, having a reliable target in the middle of the field would be a huge asset.

The Broncos would covet a guy like the one who hurt them in the playoffs. Someone like Aaron Hernandez would be a great addition for the Broncos this offseason. He is a big target with soft hands, and if the Patriots would be willing to part with him, the Broncos would be wise to snatch him up.

The Broncos Could Use a Running Back to Replace Knowshon Moreno

The Indianapolis Colts' Joseph Addai would be a huge upgrade over Knowshon Moreno. Addai is a great blocker, catches the ball well out of the backfield and has enough burst to get good yards between the tackles.

With Knowshon Moreno on the outs in Denver, having a solid veteran change-of-pace back after Willis McGahee would be wise.

The Colts could be open to dealing Addai. Former first-round draft pick Donald Brown is finally starting to live up to his promise and rookie back Delone Carter showed enough in his first season to provide hope for his future.

The Broncos have a solid offensive line that blocks well for running backs. If Tim Tebow remains the starting quarterback, he'll love to have a solid all-around back like Addai as a security blanket.

DeSean Jackson Would Be Worth the Eagles' Price

The Philadelphia Eagles recently slapped the franchise tag on Jackson, but they are still entertaining trade proposals for their on-again-off-again disgruntled wide receiver.

A defense-first team like the Broncos thrive on excellent field position. Having Jackson in the fold to punch up the kick return game would be a huge coup for Denver. In addition, he'd be a spectacular threat in the passing game with his break-away speed and acceleration.

The Broncos could make a play for Jackson to enhance their receiving corps. Demaryius Thomas and DeSean Jackson would be a fantastic duo as deep threats and the Broncos would be all the more dangerous on offense in 2012. 

Adding a Skilled Big Body in the Middle of the Defense Would Enhance the Broncos

The Broncos have few areas of desperate need on their defense. They are strong across the board and play both the run and pass fairly well.

They could be better in the middle of their defense, however. After having their high hopes for that position dashed after free-agent addition Ty Warren's 2011 season was derailed by injury, the Broncos may be on the look-out for another veteran to help stabilize the interior of their defense.

Barry Cofield is an above-average nose tackle who is a nice run-stopper. Although the Washington Redskins just picked him up from the New York Giants after the 2010 season, they may be willing to part with him if they could get some help at their skill positions in return.

A Veteran Safety Would Secure the Back-End of the Broncos' Defense

With Brian Dawkins likely to retire, the Broncos could use a veteran safety to help the inexperienced David Bruton and Quinton Carter.

The Indianapolis Colts' strong safety Melvin Bullitt was injured for the entirety of the 2011 season. When healthy, he is a highly effective safety. He's good in coverage and is much better in run support than David Bruton.

With Dawkins transitioning out of the picture, the Broncos should try to make a play for Bullitt to get a safety who hits well and has the savvy to anchor the back-end of the defense.

Another Top-Tier Pass-Rusher Would Push the Broncos' Defense into Elite Status

Behind the superior talents of Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, the Broncos' pass-rush is already in the upper echelon of the NFL.

Adding one more elite pass-rusher would make the Broncos even more scary to opposing teams' offenses.

Cameron Wake has been a valuable piece for the Miami Dolphins as a 3-4 linebacker. It's likely, however, that the Dolphins will move him to defensive end as they transition to a 4-3 defense in 2012.

The Dolphins really need to improve on offense moving forward, however. If they find that they can part ways with Wake for the right offensive pieces, the Broncos would love to add him to their already formidable cadre of pass-rushers.