14 players Broncos could target on waiver wire to upgrade roster weaknesses

These players were fired by their respective teams but that could benefit the Broncos.

NFL teams have made their cuts down to their 53-man rosters. That includes the Denver Broncos, of course, but that doesn’t mean rosters are set in stone.  

This is especially true for the Broncos as they will likely scour the roughly 1,200 players that were cut or waived over the last 24 hours as they try to upgrade their roster. 

Who are some of the names that could interest the Broncos? Here's who I've identified as possible targets.

Christian Westerman, OG: There are issues with Westerman as he deals with an injury and also threatened to retire. Back in July, I identified him as a player the Broncos could make a trade for, and with him available, he is still worth a look. He fits the scheme, and could be an upgrade in the depth department on the interior.

Brandon Marshall, ILB: The former Broncos linebacker was let go by the Raiders because he was using all of training camp to get healthy. He is said to be back at 100%, and he could upgrade the depth the Broncos have at the position. Marshall wants to return, but does Denver want him back?

George Iloka, S: The Broncos let Su’a Cravens go, and Trey Marshall hasn’t looked like deserving of a roster spot. With Dymonte Thomas hurt, the Broncos can use an upgrade for the fourth safety spot. Denver runs the right scheme for Iloka, but it is worrisome that he has bounced around the NFL, the last two years basically.

Jeff Badet, WR: A receiver with 4.27-second 40 speed on the market? Denver doesn’t have a big-play threat or a returner and Badet could provide them with both.

Taylor Heinicke, QB: Not the best quarterback on this list, but he is an upgrade over what Kevin Hogan provided. Heinicke only has one start under his belt, so does he have enough experience for the Broncos to give him the backup job?

Corey Nelson, ILB: Another former Broncos linebacker. Nelson is a solid cover guy and good special teams linebacker, both of which the Broncos need. It is concerning that he has bounced around since leaving Denver, but he may be worth giving a shot. The Broncos are bringing him in for a visit.

Brandon Allen, QB: Just like with Heinicke, he doesn’t have much experience, but what he has shown this preseason makes it hard to not say he isn’t an upgrade over Hogan. Is he the best option? No, but he could suffice. The next quarterback is the best option though.

Ray Ray McCloud, WR/KR: A small returner option that could be an upgrade. Not sure Denver will be interested here as the production hasn’t matched the traits so far.

Malik Jefferson, LB: When a team hurting at a position releases a high-round draft pick at that position, be cautious. The Bengals need linebacker help and releasing a former third-round pick entering his second year doesn’t look good. I turned on the tape and was clear why they let him go, as the tape was bad. Maybe a change of scenery?

Marvin Hall, WR/KR: Hall is a receiver with sub-4.3-second 40 speed. His usage came last year with the Falcons and he was a solid depth receiver and returner. He could be that deep threat and returner for the Broncos.

Braxton Berrios, WR/KR: Berrios hasn’t had the chance to show much in the NFL yet. He has good potential based off of college tape, but he was cut from a solid receiver corps and still has potential to make an impact.

Ryan Davis, WR/KR: A shifty rookie who isn’t fast, but is quick. Being a rookie, you have to look back at his college tape and see if he can offer you something you don’t have. He is a returner, but there are concerns there that could keep him from really being an option.

Pharoh Cooper, WR/KR: A former Pro Bowl returner, who has been let go by two teams already. After the one Pro Bowl year, he has regressed and there is an issue with muffs to be concerned about. Could Denver take a shot? Of course, but I don’t see it happening because of the risk.

Brian Hoyer, QB: Denver has made it clear they are looking for quarterback help. They want a veteran with experience, and with such a short time to get ready, someone with familiarity with the offense would be best. Hoyer has familiarity with the scheme, and has spoken highly of the new Broncos' offensive coordinator who was in San Francisco when Hoyer was.

Paxton Lynch, QB: There is no better quarterback option than Lynch. It isn’t his fault he has failed in the NFL. We can’t blame him for wanting to play video games instead of being a better quarterback. All he needs is a shot and he will tear it up when he gets it. He has familiarity with the Broncos, so it only makes sense...

...Okay, I can’t keep the joke up. Lynch isn’t and shouldn’t be an option for the Broncos or for any team. His preseason with the Seahawks should be the last ball he plays in the NFL. The NFL isn’t Madden, so it doesn’t have his heart or attention. Let him go off and enjoy his video games without requiring him to work to be a better player.

Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.