Five Players Who Could Vault the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl in 2009

In 2008, it seemed at times that the Denver Broncos were on the cusp of greatness, and at times it seemed as though they were destined for the No. 1 pick in the draft. Through it all, the Broncos put together quite an impressive season given the terrible defense they had. 

If the Broncos are to succeed in 2009, they need to get better on defense, and fast. Back in 2005, when Denver reached the AFC Championship, they had a dominant defense that set records for most quarters without allowing a touchdown, and least amount of points through five games.

Although that was merely three years ago, it seems long gone.

Luckily for Denver, this is one of the most talented offseason's in recent years, and they would be wise to take advantage, both through the draft and free agency. Here are seven players who, if added, could potentially vault the Broncos to "Super" status next season.

1. Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe; Safety, St. Louis Rams; UFA

Atogwe has steadily and quietly risen to the elite level of coverage safeties. In his short four year NFL career, he already has 243 tackles, two sacks, and 17 interceptions.

Denver struck out with Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel as free agents in 2008, and would be doing the defense a great service by adding a ball-hawking free safety to pair with Josh Barrett.

I initially thought Denver would draft Taylor Mays with the 12th overall pick, but that is no longer a possibility as Mays has opted to return to USC for his senior season. Picking up Atogwe just makes sense to me, and he would significantly improve Denver's defense.

2. Channing Crowder; Middle Linebacker, Miami Dolphins; UFA

Like Atogwe, Crowder is quietly one of the better 3-4 middle linebackers the game has to offer. At 6'2" 250 pounds, he is an imposing threat to any offense, and ironically, his career has been overshadowed greatly by former Dolphin standout Zach Thomas.

I have said time and time again that Denver doesn't need linebackers, but I may be enjoying some Bronco Kool-Aid in saying that. While I love Spencer Larsen and Jamie Winborn as 3-4 middle linebackers, I just don't know if Larsen is ready to be a three-down guy. Crowder can be that guy.

In four seasons as a pro, Crowder has accumulated 378 tackles, and a career high 113 in 2008. I first got the idea of this guy from Henry Gula and have since fallen in love with the prospect.

3. B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College; First round draft pick (12th overall)

After seeing Raji dominate the nation's top senior offensive linemen at Senior Bowl practices, I am convinced that the 6'2", 335 pound nose tackle is the best fit for the Broncos in the draft. 

I have heard from my sources that he could go as high as No. 6 overall to the Bengals, but ESPN.com's Todd McShay currently has him ranked 14th on the list of overall prospects, and he is currently projected to go to Denver by Mel Kiper Jr., one of the most knowledgeable draft analysts ever.

Raji would be a perfect fit to build the defense around, and new defensive line coach Wayne Nunelly would have a blast molding him into a Casey Hampton or Haloti Ngata type player.

4. Shonn Greene; Running Back, Iowa; Second round draft pick (44th overall)

Ten, yes ten different running backs made Denver's active roster at some point or another in 2008. That number is simply unacceptable, no matter how freakish of an injury. Andre Hall, Selvin Young, and Ryan Torain all have injury histories, and Torain will likely be the only one of the crop brought back in 2009.

The Broncos would be wise to draft the best back (in my opinion) in the second round if the opportunity presents itself. Don't drink the same Kool-Aid I do and convince yourselves that Torain is the long-term answer, he just hasn't played enough yet. Greene is an absolute stud, and his highlight reels speak for themselves. 

He is a tough running back, who would likely be a top rookie of the year candidate if given a fully healthy season.

I know that Peyton Hillis was a very capable back, but Denver probably won't use him in the same capacity next year. Yes, he will get his carries, but he is such a great receiver that Denver can't limit him to lining up in the I-formation.

Also, Anthony Alridge will be back next season to serve as Denver's version of Darren Sproles, and his talents will demand carries as well. An every-down back like Greene would be ideal for the Broncos.

5. Mike Brown; Safety, Chicago Bears; UFA

Don't take this signing the wrong way, I love Josh Barrett as a prospect. But he wasn't given enough time to develop. Adding a veteran like Brown, who could come at a relatively inexpensive price would be an excellent move for the Broncos.

Brown provides a veteran presence, as well as leadership on the field. Plus, he knows what it takes to form a winning defense.