Denver Broncos Free Agency: 6 Free Agents the Broncos Should Target in 2012

2012 might seem like a long way off considering the 2011 league year hasn't even officially started yet. Still, the Broncos need to be as well prepared for the next class of free agents as they are for the current one.

The melee that is sure to ensue when all 400 free agents finally hit the market will be fast and furious. So much so that it may leave teams out of luck when they go looking for players who could be gone within minutes of free agency opening up.

Couple that with the unknowns related to player performance and possible injury in 2011, and it is easy to see why the Broncos would do well to keep an eye on these players, as well, who are slated to be free agents in 2012.

As always, these players situations are subject to change depending on the new CBA or potential resigning rumors with their current teams, but as of today they were listed in the 2012 free agent class.

Running Back: Frank Gore

If the Broncos strike out on DeAngelo Williams and are forced to settle for a quick fix at running back, it is nice to know that Frank Gore will be available in 2012.

It would seem that new head coach Jim Harbaugh will have plenty of plans for Gore in the coming season. However, if he stays healthy and has a great season, his price tag may go up and allow him to hit the open market.

His power style will also fit in nicely with what John Fox is going to try and implement in Denver. When healthy, Gore gets stronger as games go on and will be the prototypical workhorse the Broncos need.

Offensive Line: Roberto Garza

The Broncos are sorely in need of a rugged, veteran presence in the middle of their line. Garza can play center or guard, should either Walton or Beadles falter.

Even though the Bears offensive line was somewhat maligned last year, and Garza will be closer to the end of his career than the beginning, he is worth a shot.

First, it was more a function of poor decision making by the QB in Chicago that led to many of the sacks. The line can hardly be blamed for all of that.

Second, if the Broncos can get three to four more years out of Garza to help establish a nasty and dominant offensive line, it will be worth it.

Wide Receiver: Marques Colston

The Denver Broncos receiving corp have a lot of potential in varying degrees amongst their ranks. Still, it is safe to say that there will be room for a player like Colston in 2012.

It could be because Thomas never recovers from injury and fails to reach potential. Or perhaps, Brandon Lloyd or Jabar Gaffney significantly decrease in their productivity.

Whatever the case is, the Broncos would be lucky to have the size and athletic ability of Colston on their roster. His size alone creates a pretty wide margin for error in terms of accuracy…if that ends up being a problem in Denver.

Defensive Line: Haloti Ngata

Who won’t want to take a shot at Ngata?

This is a situation where the Broncos might look to slap a band aid on the defensive line for 2011 in preparation for a player like Ngata hitting the market in 2012.

The price tag will be high, but this player is everything the Broncos are looking for on the inside of their defensive line. He comes from one of the finest NFL defensive pedigrees in Baltimore and looks to have a lot left in the tank.

Linebacker: Lawrence Timmons

Speaking of great defensive pedigrees, how would a guy who worked with Dick LeBeau sound?

Timmons could be at a perfect point in his career for a change of scenery and would be a welcome sight on the Broncos defense. There was a time when the lineup of Gold, Wilson and Mobley were as good as any in the league.

Timmons could help to create another great trio in Denver.

Cornerback: Bryant McFadden

The cornerback position was in the news recently for the Broncos, but not for anything fans want to read about.

Suffice it to say, Champ is solid for the next four years, and the other side might need some work.

If the Broncos are unable to sign Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor this offseason, then why not wait and take a crack at his running mate Bryant McFadden?

McFadden would be a nice complement to help blanket the opposite side of the field almost as well as Champ does on his side.