Finding Broncos: Two Safeties to Build Depth on the Defense
The Denver Broncos have boasted a pretty good defense over the past few seasons, especially in the secondary. Going into 2023, the defense figures to keep playing at a high level, but there are some depth concerns, especially at the safety position. With Kareem Jackson, a free agent, Caden Sterns returning from an injury that sidelined him for more of the 2022 season, and PJ Locke showed inconsistent play in his opportunities last season, the need is evident.
Jordan Battle | S | Alabama
Pros:
- A savvy veteran player with three years of starting experience.
- He puts himself in the proper position to make plays coming down from the high safety position.
- He shows decent range to play in a double-high formation.
- Versatile nickel defender that excels in man coverage.
- Smooth hips and transitions in man coverage.
- He packs enough punch in the running game to be a reliable box defender in the running game.
- A measured approach to ball carriers with patient feet and good head positioning. Doesn’t duck his head as a tackler.
- Three interceptions returned for a touchdown.
Cons:
- Can be overly patient at times, being late to make a decision and transition through the route.
- Angles can be a little sketchy at times.
- He lacks upper body technique when taking on blockers at the second level and doesn’t disengage well.
- He misses some tackles in open space due to lunging rather than bringing his legs to the show.
- The range is lacking to be a single high centerfielder at the next level.
- Better playing moving downhill and sideline-to-sideline rather than away from the ball.
- Lacking acceleration and explosiveness to hang with quicker receivers.
Overview:
Jordan Battle is a highly experienced and savvy safety with over 50 games played for a talented Alabama defense. Considered one of the top safety prospects in the class, Battle does exactly as his name claims every game, bringing a sense of physicality and aggression as a run defender. He has played in several positions, including as a nickel defender and box safety. He’s smooth in man coverage, showing fluid hips and instincts to match and mirror against most receivers with relative ease.
Battle struggles when he is tasked with playing with range moving backward, and in angular pursuit. He lacks the range to be a true single-high safety and can sometimes over-pursue ball carriers when going toward the sideline. There are several missed tackles out in open space due to this. However, Battle should be able to hit the ground running at the NFL level and become a solid starter.
Fit with the Broncos:
Jordan Battle fits with the Broncos in a potential starting strong safety role where he plays closer to the line of scrimmage, accentuating his physicality in the running game. Battle also plays well in man coverage and could become a high-quality defender against tight ends, something the Broncos haven’t had for a while. Battle was considered a vocal leader at Alabama on and off the field, a trait needed for this Broncos' defense.
© Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jammie Robinson | S | Florida State
Pros:
- Compact build with a major sense of urgency to make plays.
- He fires downhill rapidly as a run defender.
- Decent fluidity, especially in the click and close.
- He is fairly explosive in his first step.
- Twitch and lateral agility are a plus.
- Transitions from sprint to shuffle well, allowing him to close angles rather quickly.
- He is a heat-seeking missile in open space against ball carriers.
- Played multiple different alignments, including reps as a blitzer off the edge.
- He plays with good physicality at the catch point.
Cons:
- Length is lacking.
- Long speed is a problem in foot races.
- Can get left behind fairly easily.
- He needs to use his arms better as a wrap-up tackler.
- He takes poor angles when crashing downhill in run support.
- His ball skills aren't up to par.
- Probably limited to a role closer to the line of scrimmage in coverage.
- The range is lacking in the back half.
Overview:
Jammie Robinson is an instinctual safety with a high motor that excels playing close to the ball and as a run supporter. He climbs uphill rather quickly, sometimes getting into trouble with a poor angular attack, and finds a way to lay a good pop on the ball carrier. Sometimes, he needs to bring his arms with him and wrap up, but overall, he is a decent tackler that doesn't allow much yardage after initial contact.
In coverage, Robinson lacks the range and ball skills for high-end ball production, but his urgency and physicality can help make up for it. There are a lot of instances in which Robinson allows separation and gets left behind, leading to open receivers down the field. Because of this, Robinson projects best as a box safety or nickel defender with more focus on run support rather than playing in the deep half of the field.
Fit with the Broncos:
The Broncos have already expressed interest in Robinson, having a formal interview with him at the NFL Combine earlier in the draft process.
His best fit in this defense comes as the box safety or nickel defender, especially on early downs, and as a special teams' weapon as a gunner. Robinson has enough coverage ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage, particularly in zone coverage off the ball, where he can read and react, using his first step and closing speed to close on receivers in the flats.
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