Denver Broncos: Pre-free agency rumors and thoughts

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Running back Royce Freeman #37 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a second quarter touchdown with center Matt Paradis #61 during an NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Johnathan Hankins #90 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Upgrading the interior defensive line

In order for the Broncos’ edge players to be effective, they need to have productive interior linemen.

They are reportedly going to be targeting Johnathan Hankins, who has already played for the Giants, Colts, and Raiders in his young NFL career.

Hankins is a traditional two-down nose tackle, and he would be a nice player to have playing next to Shelby Harris, Adam Gotsis, and Derek Wolfe.

I’ve been pining for the Broncos to sign him for a while, now.

Getting a guy like Hankins in the middle of the defense would keep the Broncos’ run defense playing at a high level, but they would also need to address this area in the draft or later in free agency.

The Broncos’ run defense has been strong since the 2017 season started and having that elite run defense allows the Broncos’ main area of strength — the pass rush — to shine.

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