Patrick Sertin II had a great rookie season with the Denver Broncos. With four interceptions, one coming back for touchdowns, and 14 interrupting passes, Surtain is likely to be the league’s top full-back.
After two secrets, do the Broncos have enough quarterback bodies to keep their defensive backfield competitive? The decline in performance after a corner injury, even if it is minor, can be significant.
As of today, Ronald Darby is the starting corner in front of Sirtein. Last season, Darby had six assists, 47 tackles, and zero any interceptions.
Hard outer corner darby with the ability to play in the hole. However, he only played a full season once, 2020, in his seven-year career, and missed six games last year…completely unreliable.
Michael Ogmodia showed flashes of his rookie season in 2020 while starting 11 games. He puts himself in an excellent position to play on the ball but struggled to block even one interception.
However, Ogmodia scored four mandatory failures in 2020 and played only two games last season after suffering a hamstring injury that hampered his development.
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K’Waun Williams was brought in as a free agent to fill the void left in the hatch following Bryce Callahan’s departure. Williams has a very physical style of play despite being 5ft 9 and 183lbs in stature, which makes him an asset in the running game.
During his seven seasons in the NFL, Williams collected four interceptions, 11 forced tackles, and 301 overall. He also found quick success from behind. Like Darby, Williams struggled to stay on the court, not playing a full season in his seven-year career.
Fourth-round rookie Damary Mathis brings in prowess at Bronco High. Matisse makes good use of sidelines when working on borders and has quick feet, which makes him a solid pick for the slot. One of his most important assets is his willingness to tackle, having missed only ten attempts in his college career.
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Mathis’ biggest minus is his penchant for drawing flags – he’s racked up 17 in his last two seasons at Pete. For reference, 2022 draft teammate Sauce Gardner has had just nine hits in the past two seasons, just two last year. Still, Mattis’ prowess for playing most positions in high school will give him plenty of opportunities to see the court in Denver.
Isang Basi is going to have a hard time taking pictures this season. With his 5-foot-10, 190-pound size, it’s hard to see him play outside because larger receivers will bully him. It’s more suitable for the slot as it will be Williams’ backup, assuming he makes the final roster.
In the seventh round, Fionn Hicks played 33 games for the Wisconsin Badgers with 28 games. He has scored 107 tackles, 16 defensive passes, and one interception in that time. His 4.37 speed makes him an asset that will help him in special teams.
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The Broncos have some strong players in the back corner but could use some help, especially when it comes to being outside. In terms of true external phenomena, Denver has only Surtain, Darby and Ojemudia.
Denver should consider bringing in another outside cornerman like Kevin King or veteran Xavier Rhodes, both of which are still available as free agents. Although there are no starting options, none of the players give Denver more depth.
As for the slots corner, the Broncos can handle Williams and Mathis, and either of them can be replaced with Kareem Jackson and Caden Sterns lockers if needed.
Coaching staff included, the Broncos will keep nine or 10 corners on the roster, so don’t be surprised to see a few changes and/or additions to the back end of the roster before the season begins.
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