Now that NFL training camps are kicking off, with both rookies and veterans reporting, rosters are about to get even more of a shake-up. The Denver Broncos are pretty much set with the guys they're bringing into camp, but there could always be room for improvement.
The Broncos could be a sneaky, competitive team this year if a few things go right. But, the roster might benefit from adding a couple more veteran free agents.
Whom should Denver target, and bring in, for training camp? We list three possible targets, while adding two guys Denver should completely avoid.
Dalvin Cook, RB
The running back position should be a strength for the Broncos this season, assuming all goes well with Javonte Williams returning from injury. The team plans to ease him in, of course, and will not push him. Behind Williams is veteran Semaje Perine, who is a capable backup and can also catch the football.
But, if the Broncos truly wanted to do everything possible to win this year and even to just compete within the division, signing Dalvin Cook would be a smart move. Forming a two-headed monster between Williams and Cook, while keeping them both fresh by not overworking either one, could be the perfect strategy. Not to mention, Sean Payton loves his running backs.
That would relegate Perine to more of a reserve role, but give the Broncos what might be the best back field duo in football, should health be on their side.
Marcedes Lewis, TE
The Broncos' tight end room is led by Greg Dulcich, who looks like one of the better, up-and-coming, young tight ends in the game today. Behind him, there are a few intriguing names but nobody that stands out.
If we're really trying to protect Russell Wilson and give him the best blocking, why not take a shot on veteran Marcedes Lewis, who is still not calling it a career? His blocking is some of the best ever at the position. But, he's also a fantastic leader and locker room presence.
Bringing in Lewis would be highly beneficial to this Broncos team.
Chris Wormley, DT
The Broncos could afford to add one more player to beef up the depth within their defensive line, and Chris Wormley is one of the better names still available. The 29-year-old has made 31 starts over his six-year career, but served mostly as a backup in Pittsburgh last year.
He is one of the best run-stopping defensive linemen still out there, and at this stage in the offseason, he would come cheap.
Last year, Wormley was given a strong run defense grade via Pro Football Focus, at 78.2. He was credited with 15 stops, 11 pressures and nine hurries while playing just 40 percent of defensive snaps.
Now, it's on to two free agents the Broncos should avoid as they kick training camp into gear.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB
While a guy like Dalvin Cook has plenty left to offer, the same cannot be said about Ezekiel Elliott. His career might just be closer to being over than we think. Watching him last season in Dallas, it was clear that he's not the same guy. He ended with a career-low in rushing yards, but most notably in yards per attempt at just 3.8.
Elliott is not a running back who can make things happen unless the blocking is perfect in front of him, at this point. Denver shouldn't even entertain bringing him in. It would likely result in more hype than anything else, and the money and roster spot simply wouldn't be worth it.
Matt Ryan, QB
Look, I understand folks' concerns with Russell Wilson. He looked completely lost last year. And, beyond the fact that he looked lost, if the Broncos saw him go down to injury, it would be up to 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham to fill the void.
While Stidham doesn't necessarily breathe wholesome confidence into Broncos fans' hearts, he is at least much younger and a bit more mobile than a guy like Matt Ryan.
Last year, we saw what Ryan had left in the tank. He looked just about out of gas at this stage of his career. The Broncos should stand pat at quarterback and avoid attempting to upgrade Stidham. Instead, trust Sean Payton.