A nose tackle who started 30 games, a safety who had 160 tackles in two years and a running back who scored 10 touchdowns in his first season.

And there have been misses …

A quarterback who didn’t stop the still-in-progress carousel, a right tackle who played 63 snaps in the first two years of his contract and a guard who missed 19 of a possible 48 games.

The Broncos’ unrestricted free agent activity over the past five years is a mixed bag of astute additions and acquisitions who never got out of the blocks. First-year Broncos general manager George Paton wasn’t around for the handiwork of John Elway, but as the start of free agency approaches Wednesday, it is worth reviewing the Broncos’ work since March 2016.

Here is a year-by-year look back:

2016

LT Russell Okung (Seattle): Okung signed what was essentially a one-year, $5 million deal. The team held the club option starting in 2017 (four years, $48 million), which they declined after he started every game, played 1,062 snaps and was called for nine penalties. Okung signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Broncos drafted Garett Bolles.

OT Donald Stephenson (Chargers): A three-year, $14 million contract lured Stephenson from the Chargers to play right tackle. He started 12 games (465 snaps and a career-high seven penalties) in ’16 and four in ’17.

DE Jared Crick (Houston): Crick played a career-high 942 snaps in ’16 (53 tackles/three sacks), but sustained a back injury in a mid-August ’17 training camp practice and never played again.

S Brandian Ross (Raiders): Signed to a one-year, $1.542 million contract, Ross was cut in training camp.

LB Dekoda Watson (New England): Watson turned his one-year deal with the Broncos (17 tackles on defense and 396 special teams snaps) into a multi-year deal with San Francisco in 2017.

2017

G Ron Leary (Dallas): The Broncos signed Leary to a four-year, $36 million contract. He played 29 of 48 games, never made it to the finish line healthy in 2017-19 and had 14 total penalties. Leary was let go last March and was not with a team in 2020.

NT Domata Peko (Cincinnati): The Broncos got 30 games (all starts) and 69 tackles from Peko during his two-year, $7.5 million contract. Allowed to walk in March 2018, he has played for Baltimore and Arizona the past two years.

OT Menelik Watson (Raiders): Watson (two years, $12.75 million) started seven games at right tackle in ’17, but was injured in August 2018, placed on injured reserve and ultimately released.

DL Zach Kerr (Indianapolis): Like Peko, Kerr played out a two-year deal (52 tackles in 27 games). Re-signed in ’19, he was cut after the preseason.

OLB Kasim Edebali (New Orleans): A special teams’ addition (163 snaps), Edebali was waived after nine games.

2018

QB Case Keenum (Minnesota): The Broncos were smitten with Keenum after he helped the Vikings to the NFC title game and signed him to a two-year, $36 million contract. He started every game in ’18, but had 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. When the Broncos traded for Joe Flacco in March 2019, Keenum was flipped to Washington.

DL Clinton McDonald (Tampa Bay): Signed to a two-year, $7 million contract, McDonald had shoulder surgery in May 2018 and was cut after participating in training camp/preseason.

2019

CB Bryce Callahan (Chicago): When available, he’s been good. The problem has been being available. Callahan (three years, $27 million) followed coach Vic Fangio to the Broncos from Chicago, but sat out all of ’19 (foot injury). Last year, he was one of their best defensive players (42 tackles, two interceptions in 10 games), but was shut down because of another foot issue.

S Kareem Jackson (Houston): Jackson has played and started 29 games in two years and totaled 160 tackles and three interceptions. He is entering the final season of a three-year, $33 million contract.

RT Ja’Wuan James (Miami): Whew, James tops the list of misses. The Broncos prioritized James (four years, $51 million) to bring stability to right tackle. But in ’19, James played only 63 snaps (three games), sustaining a knee injury in each game. He opted out of the ’20 season.

2020

DL Christian Covington (Dallas): Covington wasn’t going to make the initial 53-man roster so he was traded to Cincinnati for linebacker Austin Calitro, who became a core special teams player.

QB Jeff Driskel (Detroit): Stating the obvious, this didn’t work out. Driskel signed a two-year, $5 million contract to serve as Drew Lock’s backup. He finished up for Lock in Week 2 at Pittsburgh, but was benched for the final possession of the Week 3 loss to Tampa Bay and demoted to third-string behind Lock and Brett Rypien.

RG Graham Glasgow (Detroit): The Broncos signed Glasgow (four years, $44 million) to replace Leary. Glasgow played 13 games and had four penalties in 764 snaps. He missed time after testing positive for COVID-19.

RB Melvin Gordon (Chargers): A splurge acquisition by Elway even though Phillip Lindsay was coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Gordon (two years, $16 million) rushed for 986 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games as Lindsay battled multiple injuries.

P Sam Martin (Detroit): Signed away from the Lions (three years, $7.05 million), Martin averaged 46.8 yards on 65 punts.

TE Nick Vannett (Pittsburgh): Vannett (two years, $5.7 million) was added to join Noah Fant in two-tight end personnel. He had 14 catches for 95 yards and one touchdown in 361 snaps (15 games).

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Ryan, what’s the situation with DeMarcus Walker? Is he likely to make the final 53? I think coach and crew handled him very poorly (as they did so many others … sigh). Thanks for all your great work.

— Mike Koonce, Bend, Ore.

Walker, a second round pick in 2017, has two sacks in 13 career games. Last year, he barely made the roster when the Broncos decided to keep him as a sixth defensive linemen instead of veteran Clinton McDonald. Problem was, the Broncos had only five active linemen on Sundays and Walker was limited to three games. The math again doesn’t work out for Walker if new coach sticks with five active linemen (, , Shelby Harris, Zach Kerr and rookie Dre’Mont Jones). Walker will start training camp on the roster bubble and let����ap face it, the only reason the Broncos haven’t given up on him yet is because of his draft status. If I had to bet a buck, I would say Walker makes the initial 53-man roster.

After all the OTAs, my primary concern heading into the season is inside linebacker. The personnel is the same as last year, which was not pretty. Arguably our biggest position of need and we did nothing to address this in the draft. Are we hoping that scheme or the waiver wire is going to do the job?

— Allan Tremblay, Edmonton

The only change at inside linebacker was the departure of , whose contract option was declined and he eventually signed with Oakland. and Josey Jewell will start camp as the base-down starters and are likely to hold those roles entering the Week 1 opener at Oakland. But what about the sub package situations? Brief looks during the off-season program suggest that Davis/Jewell are Fangio’s choice if the Broncos play nickel. That means Fangio is counting on scheme adjustments to improve the linebackers’ ability to cover tight ends. One camp sub-plot is rookie Justin Hollins, who was drafted as an outside linebacker but also learned the sub-package inside linebacker spot.

Adam Rank has the Broncos going 2-14 this year? Obviously he spends a lot of time in Colorado enjoying the plant life. I see a big step forward this year with some of the changes made in the offseason. If Joe Flacco can play to form, I see eight to possibly 10 wins if breaks go our way. Thoughts?

— Jeff Axline, Jefferson, Md.

Adam’s goal at this time of year is to throw out predictions that generate web traffic and attention. Mission accomplished with his Broncos forecast. It����ap tough for any team in the NFL to go 2-14 — the organization basically needs to have a system-wide, season-long breakdown. Heck, as flawed as last year’s Broncos team was, they still found a way to win six games. Now, about a taking a big step forward. Flacco is obviously a key in terms of pushing the football down the field and making the offense functional. This defense is set up to stop teams on a consistent basis. If the Broncos can score just a few more points a game, some of those 2018 close losses will turn into 2019 narrow victories.

Ryan, I saw the Broncos released their all-time Top-100 team. Which of the team’s young stars has a shot at cracking the list in a few years?

— Mike, Sheridan

Four current Broncos were on the top 100 team, which was posted on Monday: Outside linebacker , defensive end Derek Wolfe, cornerback and receiver . An easy pick down the road is outside linebacker . Maybe receiver if he develops into a No. 1 target.

What moves will Broncos general manager make?����Here is a look at what Elway has done during the first wave of free agency during his first eight years running the Broncos’ personnel department��(players added via trade or late in free agency not included).

2018

Tramaine Brock (Vikings), cornerback

Contract: One year, $3 million

Notable: Started five games last season with 23 tackles and six pass deflections. … Missed five games with groin and rib injuries.

(Vikings), quarterback

Contract: Two years, $36 million

Notable: Started 16 games last season with 3,890 yards passing, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. … Will be traded to the Redskins when the league year begins on Wednesday.

Clinton McDonald (Buccaneers), defensive tackle

Contract: Two years, $7 million

Notable: Had offseason shoulder surgery and was cut after the preseason. … Signed with Oakland and played in 15 games (31 tackles).

2017

Zach Kerr (Colts), defensive end

Contract: Two years, $3 million

Notable: One start over two seasons with 52 tackles and two sacks.

(Cowboys), guard

Contract: Four years, $36 million

Notable: Seventeen starts through two seasons. … Sustained season-ending torn Achilles in Week 6 loss to Rams last year. … Under contract next season ($9.2 million).

(Cincinnati), nose tackle

Contract: Two years, $7.5 million

Notable: Thirty starts over two seasons with 69 tackles and 1.5 sacks. … Not expected to be re-signed by Broncos.

Menelik Watson (Raiders), offensive tackle

Contract: Three years, $18.75 million

Notable: A bust. Started seven games in 2017 and Broncos gave up on him in August 2018.

2016

(Seahawks), offensive tackle

Contract: Five years, $53 million

Notable: Started 16 games in one season … Denver declined his contract option in 2016. … Signed with Chargers in 2017 and earned a nod.

(Chiefs), offensive tackle

Contract: Three years, $14 million

Notable: Sixteen starts over two seasons. … Signed in 2017 with the Browns . … Retired from the NFL prior to the 2018 season.

2015

(Ravens), tight end

Contract: Three years, $12.2 million

Notable: Started 16 games over one season with 46 catches for 517 yards and three touchdowns. … Cut prior to the 2016 season.

(Ravens), safety

Contract: Two years, $4.25 million

Notable: Fifty-eight starts over four seasons with 250 tackles, 24 pass deflections and nine interceptions. … Voted to Pro Bowl in 2016. … Released by Denver last week.

(Chiefs), defensive end

Contract: Two years, $4 million

Notable: Started four games over one season with 32 tackles and two sacks. … Released by Denver in 2016.

2014

(Cowboys), edge rusher

Contract: Three years, $30 million

Notable: Thirty-three starts over three seasons with 85 tackles, 21 1/2 sacks and 44 quarterback hits. … Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2014-15). … Retired after the 2016 season.

(Patriots), cornerback

Contract: Six years, $57 million

Notable: Fifty-eight starts over four seasons with 186 tackles, 48 pass deflections and 11 interceptions (six returned for touchdowns). … Pro Bowl selection every year in Denver. … Traded to the Rams in 2018.

(Browns), safety

Contract: Four years, $22.5 million

Notable: Forty-one starts over three seasons with 224 tackles, 19 pass deflections and three interceptions. … Pro Bowl selection in 2014. … Released from Denver prior to 2017 season and signed with the Buccaneers.

(Steelers), wide receiver

Contract: Three years, $15 million

Notable: Seventy starts through five seasons with 374 receptions for 4,994 yards and 75 touchdowns. … Earned Pro Bowl selections in 2014 and ’16. … Re-signed to a three-year, $33 million contract extension in 2016.

2013

Terrance Knighton (Jaguars), defensive tackle

Contract: Two years, $4.5 million

Notable: Thirty-two starts over two seasons with 76 tackles and five sacks. … Signed with the Redskins in 2015.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Eagles), cornerback

Contract: One year, $5 million

Notable: Started 13 games with 39 tackles, 14 pass deflections and three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). … Signed with the Giants in 2014.

, offensive guard (Chargers)

Contract: Four years, $23.5 million

Notable: Started 47 games over three seasons. … Named first-team All-Pro in 2013. … Denver released Vasquez in 2016.

Wes Welker, wide receiver (Patriots)

Contract: Two years, $12 million

Notable: Twenty-one starts over two seasons with 122 receptions for 1,242 yards and 12 touchdowns. … Signed with the Rams via free agency in 2015.

2012

Mike Adams (Browns), safety

Contract: Two years, $4 million

Notable: Twenty-three starts over two seasons with 144 tackles, 17 pass deflections and one interception. … Signed with the Colts in 2014.

Joel Dreessen (Texans), tight end

Contract: Three years, $8.5 million

Notable: Fifteen starts over three seasons with 48 receptions for 403 yards and six touchdowns. … Released by Denver in 2014 after a failed physical.

(Colts), quarterback

Contract: Five years, $96 million

Notable: Fifty-seven starts over four seasons with 17,112 passing yards and 140 touchdowns. … Two Super Bowl appearances (one victory) and the 2013 NFL MVP. … Retired in 2016 after 18 NFL seasons.

Brandon Stokley (Giants), wide receiver

Contract: One year, $925,000

Notable:��Started nine games with 45 receptions for 544 yards and five touchdowns. … His second stint with the Broncos (2007-09). … Signed with the Ravens in 2013 through free agency.

(Colts), tight end

Contract: Three years, $8.1 million

Notable: Nine starts over three seasons with 86 catches for 848 yards and five touchdowns. … Signed with the Falcons in 2015 via free agency.

2011

Willis McGahee (Ravens), running back

Contract: Four years, $9.5 million

Notable: Twenty-three starts over two seasons with 1,930 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. … 2011 Pro Bowl selection.�� … Cut by Denver prior to the 2013 season.

Pressing question.��How early and how often will the Raiders throw to receiver Amari Cooper?

It happens throughout an NFL season. A key receiver doesn’t get many opportunities one week and the coaching staff prioritizes him the next game.

Cooper had only one catch (three targets) in last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It was only the eighth time in 47 games he had fewer than two catches.

“If we had more first downs in the second half and had more time of possession, perhaps we would’ve seen more of Cooper,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. “But you look at the film, we had him wide open deep (on one play). We didn’t go there. He was open a couple of times and for whatever reason, we didn’t go that route. Yeah, we want to get him going. That����ap easier said than done.”

The re-signing of speedy receiver Martavis Bryant may open things up for Cooper.

In six career games against the Broncos, Cooper has 17 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Spotlight players.��The Raiders wasted no time acquiring defensive tackle reinforcements after they produced one sack in last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Enter Johnathan Hankins and Clinton McDonald.

A five-year veteran, Hankins spent four years with the New York Giants and last year with Indianapolis. He has 12 sacks in 67 career games.

McDonald was with the Broncos in training camp until his release. He can provide an interior pass rush, including 8 1/2 sacks the last two years with Tampa Bay.

“(McDonald) fits what we do,” Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “He’s a good team player, he’s serious about his job and he loves football. Hankins, I followed his career and he’s a big guy (320 pounds) in there. He’s athletic for a big guy.”

Rookie Maurice Hurst and fifth-year veteran Justin Ellis will also play.

Watch for …��Broncos quarterback Case Keenum to play a cleaner game.

Keenum threw three interceptions against Seattle, leading to 14 Seahawks points. He also threw three touchdowns.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said. “Has Case gotten enough turns at these concepts to know what to do when it����ap not there? Probably not. It����ap learning on the fly. A couple of the looks in the game (last) Sunday, he had never seen before because it was just the first offseason we’ve ever had running these concepts.

“What we need to do a good job of as coaches is not giving them too much so we can get enough repetitive turns and not have 50,000 plays — maybe 50 — so we can get enough turns to where they know what to do when it����ap not there.”

Injury report.��Every Broncos player practiced fully on Friday.

“We’re lucky, obviously, (to playing) Week 2 in the season and to have everyone healthy and ready to go,” coach Vance Joseph said.

Time to give up on quarterback ?

Cut 2017 draft picks Brendan Langley, De’Angelo Henderson and ?

Attempt to trade a defensive lineman for a draft pick or help at another position?

Is there room for six receivers and five safeties?

General manager and coach must have answers to those questions by Saturday afternoon. But before then, it’s all speculation. Here is our best guess on the team’s final 53-man roster:

OFFENSE (25)

Quarterbacks (3)

Makes it: , and Paxton Lynch.

Doesn’t make it: None.

Analysis: Based on his career and preseason play, Lynch does not merit a roster spot, especially because the Broncos could put that spot to better use on an extra safety or inside linebacker. But logic doesn’t always come into play when formulating the roster. Lynch’s draft status (2016 first-round pick) will keep him around even though he squandered a shot at being the starter (last year) or the backup (this year). A few weeks ago, we thought adding a veteran No. 2 passer would make sense. But the market hasn’t developed and Kelly has shown good poise during his playing opportunities.

Running back (4)

Makes it: , , and (fullback).

Doesn’t make it: De’Angelo Henderson and .

Analysis: There will be interest in Henderson (a 2017 draft pick) if the Broncos make him available in a trade on Friday before putting him on waivers. Why Booker over Henderson? Many fans have asked that this week. Booker provides two roles — he has experience and he can be trusted to pass protect on third down. The Broncos have embraced a youth movement at running back, but not to the point where everybody is new. We expect Williams to be a practice squad candidate.

Tight end (3)

Makes it: , and .

Doesn’t make it: (injured), and .

Analysis: Fumagalli’s groin surgery forced him to miss the entire offsesason program and he did not make it to the first preseason game when the issue flared up. Traylor will be the beneficiary. If there is a fourth tight end kept instead of a sixth receiver, we would go with LaCosse. Heuerman’s return from an early-camp knee injury was a relief for the Broncos, who might have had to look outside the organization for help if he didn’t return.

Receiver (6)

Makes it: , , , , and Isaiah McKenzie.

Doesn’t make it: , , , , and .

Analysis: Three of our tougher calls. Six receivers instead of five. McKenzie (a 2017 draft pick) on the team. And Patrick instead of Cracraft. The top four spots were locked going into camp and Thomas, Sanders, Sutton and Hamilton did nothing to change our opinion. Could the Broncos keep Patrick and Cracraft as the Nos. 5-6 receivers if they make cornerback Adam Jones the punt returner? Maybe in a month, but not yet. McKenzie will make the team but be on the clock.

Offensive line (9)

Makes it: ( C), Garett Bolles (LT), (LG), Jared Veldheer (RT), (RG), (RT/RG), (LG), Elijiah Wilkinson (OT/G) and Cyrus Kouandjio (LT).

Doesn’t make it: J.J. Dielman (injured), Sam Jones, Austin Schlottmann, Jeremiah Poutasi, Leon Johnson, Andreas Knappe (injured) and Austin Fleer.

Analysis: The Broncos gave up on right tackle-turned-reserve right guard Menelik Watson earlier this month, freeing up a roster spot for Garcia, who we didn’t have on our pre-camp projection. But Garcia’s solid play combined with Leary’s ankle and knee issues make him an important backup. McGovern serving as the backup center allows the Broncos to keep an extra offensive tackle (Turner) or swing man (Wilkinson). Jones worked as the second-team center throughout camp but missed time with a back injury. He will be a good practice squad addition.

DEFENSE (25)

Defensive line (7)

Makes it: , , , DeMarcus Walker, Zach Kerr, Shelby Harris and Clinton McDonald.

Doesn’t make it: Caushaud Lyons, , DeShawn Williams and DeQuinton Osborne.

Analysis: Never cut good defensive linemen. That is why the Broncos should keep seven, not including occasional defensive end . We keep seven at the expense of a fifth inside linebacker. The starters are Wolfe, Peko and Gotsis/Chubb and the second unit, particularly Kerr and Harris, was very good in the preseason. A fun group to watch play and also see how their snaps are allocated.

Outside linebacker (4)

Makes it: , Bradley Chubb, and .

Doesn’t make it: Jeff Holland, Antonio Simmons, Marcus Rush and Jerrol Garcia-Williams (injured).

Analysis: Ray made it through camp unscathed (wrist) and Barrett returned after missing time (hamstring). Miller and Chubb showed their power in defending the run and athleticism on looping inside to create pressure on the passer in the preseason. We had Holland on our pre-camp projection but he has not flashed as a pass rusher like we thought he would. A team may take a flier on Holland via waivers because he is only 20 years old. If he clears, the Broncos should sign him to the practice squad.

Inside linebacker (4)

Makes it: , , Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson.

Doesn’t make it: , Joseph Jones and .

Analysis: Anderson and Jones are tough cuts because they provide solid depth and special teams play. Bierria is a practice squad option. We have Johnson on the roster because the Broncos wouldn’t have signed a player with his background (hasn’t played in 3 1/2 years and was recently acquitted in a rape trial) if they weren’t going to try and develop him. Stashing Anderson on the 53 would usually mean an extra inside linebacker is kept, but we ran out of room.

Cornerback (5)

Makes it: , , Tramaine Brock, Adam Jones and Isaac Yiadom.

Doesn’t make it: Brendan Langley, C.J. Smith, Marcus Rios and Michael Hunter.

Analysis: Jones’ signing on Sunday was bad news for Langley, a 2017 third-round pick. Special teams play won’t be enough for Langley to make it. Jones’ arrival also means Yiadom will be a healthy scratch, which was probably the Broncos’ plan from the beginning. Brock returning from an early-camp hamstring injury crystallized the depth chart even before Jones was signed.

Safety (5)

Makes it: , , Su’a Cravens, and Dymonte Thomas.

Doesn’t make it: Trey Marshall, Shamarko Thomas and Jordan Moore.

Analysis: One of our few curveballs is keeping a fifth safety (Thomas). Cravens (knee) just returned to practice on Monday and Parks (knee contusion) was held out of last week’s Washington game. Those injuries have allowed Thomas to get time as the sub-package safety/linebacker hybrid. If he stays healthy, Cravens will make an impact.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

Makes it: Marquette King (P), (K) and (LS).

Doesn’t make it: None.

Analysis: There was no camp competition for the above trio. Where things get interesting is in the return game. Lindsay took the first kickoff return in the first three preseason games and McKenzie the first punt return. If McKenzie doesn’t make the team, do the Broncos trust a rookie (Lindsay) or a recently-arrived veteran (Adam Jones)?