Denver Broncos: The Preliminary 2011 Off-Season Preview

In 2008, Mike Shanahan had built a solid team with Jay Cutler at quarterback, Brandon Marshall at receiver, Peyton Hillis at running back, and Tony Scheffler at tight end.

Not one of these players are still on the team.

In two years, Josh McDaniels managed to drive this team into the ground. Finally, he was fired. Still, many changes must be made if the Broncos want out of the cellar. They are likely to lose both of their starting cornerbacks, which is a good place to start rebuilding.

Nevertheless, the Broncos have one bright spot: Tim Tebow. If he can improve, he will be the future of this franchise.

To read one of my previous offseason previews, visit my profile http://bleacherreport.com/users/265336-zach-bjorn

Denver's Off-Season Needs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs loses the ball as he is pressured by Mario Haggan #57 and Justin Bannan #97 of the Denver Broncos during the game on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City,

Defensive Tackle: If the Broncos switch to a 4-3 (which is likely under John Fox), they'll need a defensive tackle. 

Cornerback: Champ Bailey is likely leaving. Perrish Cox is facing rape charges. A cornerback is definitely needed.

Strong Safety: Brian Dawkins can no longer play like his former self. He needs to be replaced.

Right Tackle: Ryan Harris is a free agent and injury prone. He may not be retained.

Tight End: McDaniels traded Scheffler and got Quinn. A new tight end is needed.

Denver's Free Agents

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DENVER - DECEMBER 26: Linebacker Mario Haggen #57 and cornerback Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos talk during a break in the action against the Houston Texans at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defea

Champ Bailey, CB: Champ Bailey still is one of the better cornerbacks in the league. However, he is not likely to return.

Matt Prater, K: Despite his injury, Prater has been one of the more solid kickers in the league.

Ryan Harris: Harris is injury prone, but is a solid tackle. He may or may not be retained.

Wesely Woodyard, OLB: He was good in the 4-3, but bad in the 3-4. He probably will be retained if they switch back. 

Potential Free Agents To Sign

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Chris Simms #2 of the Denver Broncos is hit by Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers as he delivers a pass during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on November 22, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeat

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB: Nnamdi is a free agent who cannot be franchise tagged. He is not returning to Oakland. Denver may decide to give him an offer he can't refuse. If Bailey decides to return, the tandem would compete with Revis/Cromartie for the best cornerback duo in the league.

Chris Carr, CB: Chris Carr is a good corner who can fill the second cornerback position if Cox is jailed.

Quintin Mikell, S: Mikell is one of the better safeties in the league, but the Eagles are not big on re-signing players over 30. The Broncos can replace the former Eagle Dawkins with another former Eagle.

Eric Weddle,S: Weddle is one of the top safeties in the league, but may not be retained by the Chargers because they have so many offensive free agents.

Potential Draft Picks

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers breaks up a pass intended for Korvic Neat #28 of the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Gett

1st Round:

Patrick Peterson, CB: If Bailey doesn't resign, Peterson can step in and shut down half the field for another 10 years.

Prince Amukamara, CB: The Broncos may prefer Amukamara to Peterson.

Nick Fairley, DT: If the Panthers don't take Fairley, the Broncos will.

Da'Quan Bowers, DE: Bowers is an athletic freak and new coach John Fox may be reminded of Julius Peppers. 

2nd Round:

Drake Nevis, DT: Nevis is a borderline first round talent who can bring an inside force if he pans out.

Rahim Moore, FS: Moore is the top safety in the draft and be an immediate impact player.

Jeremy Beal, DE: Beal can be a big time pass rusher across from Dumervil.

3rd Round:

Jarvis Jenkins, DT: If a DT isn't picked earlier, Jenkins may be drafted as a second defensive tackle next to Justin Bannan.

Rashad Carmichael, CB: If Cox is arrested, a second cornerback will be needed.

6th Round:

Jermale Hines S: Dawkins is no longer a viable option at safety.

Roy Helu Jr., RB: Helu can bring some depth to this injury ridden running back corps.

7th Round:

Benjamin Ijalana, OT: Ijalana can be a replacement for Harris if he isn't resigned.