Denver Broncos: Seven free agents who could still help

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 12: Mike Scifres #5 of the San Diego Chargers is injured while trying to tackle Eric Decker #87 of the Denver Broncos on a punt return during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 12, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

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Johnathan Hankins, NT

Last offseason, the Broncos opted to sign veteran defensive tackle Domata Peko instead of pursuing some of the younger players in free agency.

That move turned out to be one of the wisest the team could make.

One of the players the Broncos passed on in free agency last year who signed a big money contract elsewhere was Johnathan Hankins, a young nose tackle who was drafted by the New York Giants.

After playing solid run defense in New York, Hankins took his talents to the Colts, where he again showed out as a solid player against the run.

The Broncos have Domata Peko back for one more season, but they lack depth or a future plan at the nose tackle position.

Hankins could provide them with both, as he’s just 26 years old and could potentially be a very underrated long-term solution.

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