NFL Draft 2011: 7 Undrafted Free Agents the Denver Broncos Must Target

The Denver Broncos delivered a solid effort in the 2011 NFL Draft. They left little room for any major criticism as they shrewdly drafted and traded their way into nine intriguing players to add to their roster.

But without any type of free agent activity going on, the team's roster still has significant holes waiting to be filled.

The Broncos have already made it very clear that these needs will be addressed in free agency. Positions like defensive tackle and running back are practically screaming for attention.

There is some good news that comes as a result of the leagues inability to start conducting business as usual. Denver is now being given extra time to evaluate the undrafted free agents that are still available.

Here is a list of just a few players that the Broncos should take a second (or third) look at adding to the roster.  

Running Back: Noel Devine, West Virgina

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LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 20: Noel Devine #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers celebrates after runing for a touchdown during the Big East Conference game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Louisville

Devine is a nice change-of-pace back who, if nothing else, can help the Broncos in practice scenarios.

Devine is similar in size and stature to Broncos-tormentor Darren Sproles. Even if Devine never makes it onto the roster this season, he would see a lot of action on the scout team allowing the defense to practice bottling up a diminutive runner with shifty moves.

Running Back: Darren Evans, Virginia Tech

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Running back Darren Evans #32 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs with the ball as linebacker Hunter White #25 of the Boise State Broncos defends at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/G

Evans offers the size and bruising power that might be more in line with what John Fox hopes to implement in Denver.

Coming off a senior year in which he sported a 5.7 yards per carry average and 11 touchdowns, Evans has the potential to be a solid contributor in the NFL. Don’t forget that any man who played for Frank Beamer knows how important special teams are and could make the roster with that experience alone.

Wide Receiver: Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Dane Sanzenbacher #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a reception against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Sanzenbacher can follow in the footsteps of a player like Brandon Stokley who was sorely missed by Kyle Orton on third downs this season.

Sanzenbacher’s role grew with the OSU offense every year, and though his size and speed kept him from being drafted, it shouldn’t keep him from getting a shot. The age of Jabar Gaffney and the health of Demaryius Thomas make this a position where depth might become an issue sooner then later.

Fullback: Henry Hynoski, Pitt

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Henry Hynoski #27 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs with the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh won 28-10. (Photo b

Though the notion of having a fullback is not as prevalent as it was in years past, the Broncos might look to bring in a true fullback to compete with Spencer Larsen.

Hynoski was the lead blocker for multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons for Dion Lewis while at Pitt. Bronco fans have been waiting to see a 1,000 yard rusher return to their backfield and Henry could help pave the way.

Defensive Tackle: Colby Whitlock, Texas Tech

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LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 01: Colby Whitlock #93 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders tackles Chris Ogbonnaya #3 of the Texas Longhorns in the Longhorns endzone for a safety during the first half of the game on November 1, 2008 at Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.

The size is right and the Broncos have shown that they are familiar with trying to find diamonds in the rough out of the Big 12 this year.

Whitlock provides a good mix of run stopping size and athleticism, which allowed him to notch 8.5 tackles for loss from the interior line position in his senior season. If it weren't for the depth of talent at this position, a player like Whitlock wouldn't usually be available, but the Broncos probably had a suspicion that he would still be around.

Defensive Tackle: Ian Williams, Notre Dame

6'2". 319lbs. Pure nose tackle.

No more should have to be said, but for those wondering why he is still available, scouts were most likely wary of the MCL injury that caused him to miss four games.

The Broncos said that defensive line would be addressed through free agency and Williams may very well be the reason that they felt comfortable saying that.

Linebacker: Mark Herzlich, Boston College

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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 13: Mark Herzlich #94 of the Boston College Eagles moves on the field during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on October 13, 2007 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Boston College defeated Notre Dame 27-14

The league needs more players like this, and if his health history was cause for not using a draft pick on him, so be it.

The simple fact of the matter is that this kid should be on every team's list regardless of need at the position. There is no roster or locker room in the league that a player with this type of character and courage can’t help.

By the way, with 11 career interceptions and over 300 tackles, the kid can play a little too.