Broncos Will Have A Tough Camp For Defensive Backs, With Positions Up For Grabs

The Denver Broncos had the top-rated defense in the NFL, and it shows in the roster construction. The Broncos are very deep in multiple position groups, so cracking this roster is going to be an uphill task, even for some very good players.

There will be competition, however, and Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post did a rundown on some of the key positional defensive groups. He came up with some interesting final selections that are well worth a second look, so let’s go there with his projections in the Broncos secondary.

Cornerback (5)

Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine

Also: Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson, Brent Austin, Ahmari Harvey and Paul Manning

Everyone knows who the gold standard is here. That would be Pat Surtain II, who was the Defensive Player of the Year the year before last. Surtain suffered a shoulder injury last year, but the Broncos had enough depth to overcome his absence.

That depth will produce a fascinating positional battle this year. The Broncos have three other very good quarterbacks, and only two of them will get enough playing time. Moreover, J’Quan McMillian and Riley Moss are both in contract years, and they’re competing for playing time.

Ross has been Mr. Reliable during his time as the starter. He does have problems, however, with certain fast receivers, and when he gets in a mismatch penalties tend to happen. McMillian, meanwhile, has become something of a playmaker, and the Broncos would love to see what he can do with more playing time.

The third member of this playing-time triangle is Jahdae Barron. Barron was the Broncos’ first-round draft choice last year, but he didn’t always play like one. Denver is expecting more from him this year, and this should be a fun battle to watch.

Safety (5)

Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, Devon Key, Miles Scott and JL Skinner

Also: Tycen Anderson and Parker Robertson

Most of the members of this group will compete for playing time on special teams. Hufanga was signed as a free agent, he played well, although he did drop some key interceptions. Jones is solid, while Key is a depth piece. Skinner is at a key point in his career right now, according to Gabriel, and he’ll need a strong camp to keep or advance his position. Key could also be in a position to move up, and he could replace P.J. Locke as the third safety after all of the depth chart moves are said and done.

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