NFL Free Agency 2011: Odds the Denver Broncos Target These 10 Free Agents

While the fate of the NFL rests on the pages of an Eighth District Court docket, fans in Denver are still hungry for the completion of the teams’ roster.

On the heels of the draft, the Broncos promised that any remaining holes in the roster would be filled via free agency. That is a promise that remains unfulfilled for now.

Being that the odds are stacked against an agreement being made soon, it seems only appropriate to use odds when describing the chances of the Broncos targeting these potential free agents.

Running Backs

This is a position where the Broncos are looking to upgrade, as opposed to adding depth. The current stable of running backs is populated with un-realized potential, chronic injury and constant discipline problems.

None of that inspires a lot of confidence, nor does it provide the necessary components to implement a John Fox rushing attack.

There will be a new face in the backfield for the Broncos and here are the chances that it is one of these three players:

Darren Sproles: 10 percent.

Cedric Benson: 25 percent.

DeAngelo Williams: 75 percent.

It would be nice for Broncos fans to see the back of a blue and orange jersey with the name “Sproles” on it streaking towards the end zone.  However, the chances are better that the name will still be framed by lightning bolts next season.

Cedric Benson seems to have a lot of the characteristics that would be attractive to Fox and the Broncos. A powerful down-field runner who can eat up carries would fit well into the offense. The Bengals, however, will be eager to keep one familiar face on offense and the odds are that Benson will be that player.

DeAngelo Williams will be the player most likely to be targeted by the Broncos because they know he is the most “available.” His former team will likely not stand in the way of his departure and Fox should be looking for some of “his guys” to join him in Denver.

Offensive Lineman

Logan Mankins: 30 percent.

When was the last time that an offensive lineman of this caliber hit the open market?

Granted there are still a lot of factors that could keep that from happening but the Broncos, along with every team in the league, will check their bank account if he does.

Mankins would be worth the money and it will be up to the Broncos to see if the opportunity to upgrade is worth the cost.

Cornerback

Nnamdi Asomugha: 35 percent.

Ike Taylor: 40 percent.

Eric Wright: 60 percent.

Keep in mind that the Broncos already made a big splash at this position by re-signing Champ Bailey, a player who would have been high on many teams’ wish list’s had he hit the market.

The Broncos passed on the opportunity to add a corner in the draft but there is certainly a need for depth here. The chances of landing Asomugha or Taylor are linked to Mr. Bowlen’s willingness to open the checkbook.

Since those chances don’t seem great, a value player like Eric Wright could be a much safer pick (dollar-wise) than the pricier alternatives.

Wright’s tackles have declined each season for various reasons but he is still young and could really benefit from a change of scenery.

Defensive Lineman

Tommie Harris: 45 percent.

Brandon Mebane: 55 percent.

Barry Cofield: 80 percent.

The Chicago Bears are not known to make mistakes when it comes to defense and that should raise some red flags in regards to Tommie Harris. Still, if he can get anywhere near the player that he was early in his career then he might be a steal for years to come.

The difference between Brandon Mebane and Barry Cofield is only about three inches, but that could prove to be huge. Mebane is still trying to solidify himself as a run stuffing presence in the middle, but Cofield is already there.

The tape on Cofield should show the Broncos all that they want in the middle and more. His is not the name that comes to mind on the Giants vaunted defensive line, but without his efforts names like Tuck, Kiwanuka and Umenyiora wouldn’t either.

Hopefully, if given the chance he can do the same for Ayers and Dumervil.