4. Charles Tillman

EXPERIENCE: 13 years     DRAFT: 2nd round (35th overall) out of La-Lafayette

CAREER STARTS: 164     HONORS: Pro Bowl (’11,’12); AP 1st-Team All-Pro (’12); PFF 1st-Team All-Pro (’12); Walter Peyton Man of the Year (’13)

’15 CAP HIT: $1.5M     PREDICTED ’16 CAP HIT: $1-2 M

LAST YEAR: 55 total tackles; 2 interceptions; 7 passes defended; 2 forced fumbles; 1 fumble recovery

BEST YEAR: 86 total tackles; 3 interceptions; 3 touchdowns; 16 passes defended; 10 forced fumbles; 2 fumble recovery (2012)

WHY THE BRONCOS COULD BE INTERESTED: At this point in his career, Charles “Peanut” Tillman probably isn’t going to offer that much on the field. Not only is he 35 years old, but he’s coming off a torn ACL suffered late into the season.

But if the Broncos were to sign Tillman, it wouldn’t be for his on-field production; it would be for what he does off the field.

Tillman is one of the best men in all of football, and he’s proven that over and over again. That’s why the Panthers brought him in, and when he ended up having a solid season for them, it was a fantastic bonus. Like DeMarcus Ware, Tillman could be the calming veteran presence on a fiery Broncos defense.

And if he can give us couple of his patented “Peanut Punches,” all the better.