Denver made some noise this offseason, signing three key veterans to add some much-needed experience to the offense. The result? Three starters who could make the difference between a Super Bowl and missing the playoffs entirely.

But can any make the difference between a fantasy title and competing in your league’s “toilet bowl?”

Absolutely.

All three are projected to be drafted post-first round, including Travis Henry. Expected to go in the second round of most drafts, Henry poses a threat to opposing defenses. Not only is he now a part of The System, but he’s the most talented back to enter the system since Clinton Portis.

In Denver’s run-happy offense that rewards running backs — even those that would otherwise be backups on another team (Olandis Gary, anyone?) are are both patient and explosive, Henry is a godsend. Fantasy owners who let him slide to the second round in favor of a less proven back — Laurence Maroney, for example — will be disappointed at the end of the season.

Just take a look at the past 5 seasons Denver had a running back with 270+ carries:

2004: Reuben Droughns — 275 carries, 1240 yards, 6 touchdowns

2003: Clinton Portis — 290 carries, 1591 yards, 14 touchdowns

2002: Clinton Portis — 273 carries, 1508 yards, 15 touchdowns

2000: Mike Anderson — 297 carries, 1487 yards, 15 touchdowns

1999: Olandis Gary — 276 carries, 1159 yards, 7 touchdowns

No doubt Travis Henry is more talented than both Gary and Droughns, even Mike Anderson who managed nearly 1500 yards on fewer than 300 carries. And he did that in 14 games. The point is, none of those backs eclipsed 300 carries, but all except Gary averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry. And Anderson and Portis managed at least 5.0 yards per carry in their three seasons.

And that’s just rushing yards.

Those backs also averaged about 250 yards receiving (and another score). All things considered, those backs averaged about 1650 yards and 10-11 touchdowns per season. And the two big ones — the two that Henry has the potential to match this season — averaged 1811 yards and just over 15 touchdowns per season.

Travis Henry’s Projection: 1750 yards from scrimmage; 15 combined scores

While you savor on those numbers, let’s take a look at the team’s other two acquisitions, tight end Daniel Graham and Brandon Stokley.

The first was signed to be used as a receiver, according to Broncos coaches.

“We need to get him the ball,” Assistant Head Coach/Offense Mike Heimerdinger says.

Heimerdinger also said he hopes to get the ball to Graham 55 times this season. The most Graham has caught thus far in his 5 year career is 38 passes back in 2003. Incidentally, he also caught 4 touchdowns and a season later he had 30 receptions, 7 for touchdowns.

Denver also plans to use Graham as a red zone target for Jay Cutler. He has the potential to be a solid fantasy tight end if Shanahan can work his magic, but Graham is hindered by a history of injuries. In fact, he averaged 12 games per season over his career and he has never played more than 14.

If you can draft him as a high TE2, do it. He has potential and there is little risk involved.

Daniel Graham’s Projection: 40 receptions; 460 yards; 6 touchdowns

The other player mentioned — Brandon Stokley — was acquired to compete with veteran Rod Smith for the slot position in the offense. But with an injury making Rod Smith almost certain to wind up on the PUP list at the start of the season and out for as many as 6 games, Brandon Stokley is a lock to start the season as the team’s number three target.

But Smith isn’t the only receiver on the PUP list. The team’s current number two wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, has also found his way to the PUP list with a strained quadriceps. He’s expected to start practicing again next week, but the strain certianly doesn’t hurt Stokley projections.

Brandon Stokley’s Projection: 25 receptions, 300 yards, 2 touchdowns

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