No other NFL general manager has been more aggressive in free agency the past three years than the Broncos’ John Elway. Here are the players Elway might target at the Broncos’ positions of need when teams can begin negotiating with players’ agents Saturday:
RELATED: John Elway, Broncos remain aggressive in free agency
CENTER
Rodney Hudson
Age: 25
2014-15 Team: Chiefs
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 299 pounds
Not the sexiest position, but would be a big prize at $7 million per year.
Others: Stefan Wisniewski, Raiders; Samson Satele, Dolphins; Brian De La Puente, Bears
RIGHT OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Derek Newton
Age: 27
2014-15 Team: Texans
Height: 6-6
Weight: 313
Familiar with Gary Kubiak, Rick Dennison and zone-blocking scheme. Broncos might go tackle in draft’s first round and back up with cheap free agent.
Others: Tyler Polumbus, Redskins; Joe Barksdale, Rams; Ryan Harris, Chiefs
LEFT GUARD
Clint Boling
Age: 25
2014-15 Team: Bengals
Height: 6-5
Weight: 310
Lighter on his feet than Mike Iupati and Orlando Franklin. Broncos’ Michael Schofield and Ben Garland would have a chance here.
Others: Iupati, 49ers; James Carpenter, Seahawks
TIGHT END
Charles Clay
Age: 26
2014-15 Team: Dolphins
Height: 6-3
Weight: 255
With Ryan Tannehill, not Peyton Manning, at QB, Clay had more catches and yards the past two seasons (127 and 1,364) than Julius Thomas (108, 1,277).
Others: Owen Daniels, Ravens; Jordan Cameron, Browns; Tony Moeaki, Seahawks
FULLBACK
Jed Collins
Age: 29
2014-15 Team: Lions
Height: 6-1
Weight: 255
If the Broncos sign him, James Casey is more H-back than fullback. Collins has some receiving skills.
Others: Jerome Felton, Vikings; John Kuhn, Packers
SAFETY
Da’Norris Searcy
Age: 26
2014-15 Team: Bills
Height: 5-11
Weight: 207
Broncos already have one of league’s top secondary payrolls. Searcy would be cheaper than Devin McCourty or Rahim Moore.
Others: McCourty, Patriots; Antrel Rolle, Giants; Darian Stewart, Ravens
DEFENSIVE END
Pernell McPhee
Age: 26
2014-15 Team: Ravens
Height: 6-3
Weight: 280
Had 7.5 sacks last season while Kubiak was thinking of next play for Ravens’ offense.
Others: Anthony Spencer, Cowboys; Jared Odrick, Dolphins; George Selvie, Cowboys
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Nick Fairley
Age: 27
2014-15 Team: Lions
Height: 6-4
Weight: 308
There’s a good player in there somewhere. The Lions never saw him.
Others: Dan Williams, Cardinals; Cedrick Thornton, Eagles
