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Denver Broncos: Looking at some second wave free agent options

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Danny Shelton #71 of the New England Patriots celebrates in the first half during Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Danny Shelton #71 of the New England Patriots celebrates in the first half during Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle Options

Danny Shelton, Patriots

Danny Shelton, a former first-round pick of the Browns, would fit what the Broncos are looking for as a two-down run stuffing specialist.

This year’s draft class is deep on the defensive line, and I think the Broncos will cash in on that at some point, but they need someone to start for them in their base defense.

Shelton is young, and was almost traded to Denver before he went to New England.

Domata Peko, Broncos

Domata Peko was still playing well this past season, and despite being in his mid-30s now, he’s still capable of eating up blocks and making plays against the run.

If the Broncos don’t find any viable alternatives in the second wave, Peko could save the day later on.

Timmy Jernigan, Eagles

Jernigan might be a better fit for a four-man defensive front, but he was a heck of a pickup for the Eagles in 2017 when they won the Super Bowl, and coming off of an injury-shortened 2018, he could be one of free agency’s great bargains.

I will be monitoring him closely, though he might get more money than the Broncos can afford.

He’s just 26 and could be a nice long-term option for someone, but may take a prove it deal this year to cash in after a fully healthy season.

Malcom Brown, Patriots

This is perhaps my favorite option of them all, as Brown checks all of the boxes the Broncos would hopefully seek in a free agent nose tacke.

He’s got the size at 6’2″, 320, and he’s got four years of solid productivity for the Patriots. At just 25 years old, Brown is also one of the youngest available free agents.

This is a free agent in the same vein as Johnathan Hankins, who re-signed with the Raiders. The Broncos were apparently expected to pursue Hankins, but that never materialized.

Brown has been a productive run defender for the Patriots for four straight years.

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