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Finding Broncos: 2 Mid-Round Targets to Fill Massive Leadership & Production Holes
The middle rounds offer the Denver Broncos some great opportunities to upgrade the defense.
After losing safety Justin Simmons and linebacker Josey Jewell, the Denver Broncos need leaders on defense. The Broncos need vocal leaders, and getting that out of rookies is rare.
When players enter the NFL, they have to earn the respect of their peers before they can step in as leaders. That doesn’t happen easily, but two prospects in the 2024 NFL draft could do pull it off and replace Simmons and Jewell with their play.
One of these prospects is a safety who would bring a unique blend of versatility and competition to the Broncos defense. The other is a linebacker cut from the old-school cloth, much like Jewell, who could bring a fresh perspective to the team.
Javon Bullard | S | Georgia
Sep 30, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard (22) tackles
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
- Height: 5-foot-10.5
- Weight: 198 pounds
- Arm Length: 30-3/4 inches
- Hands: 9 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: 8.25
Pros
Bullard has been praised for his leadership on and off the field as part of a highly talented Georgia defense. He is also praised for his high football IQ and how he sees the game. There are good instincts, and he's always in position. His ability to break down plays as they are developing is excellent.
There is excellent versatility with Bullard to play in the slot and as a two-high safety. He's exceptionally patient when reading routes and doesn’t bite on fakes from receivers. The angles he takes when working downhill as a run defender are consistently on-point, and he rarely over-pursues or gets beat around the corner.
Bullard's tackling technique is great, and he makes sure he sets his base, squares up, and drives through the ball carrier. He also has good ball skills to attack the catch point and create disruption in coverage, with four interceptions and 10 passes broken up over the last two seasons.
As a run defender, Bullard brings physicality and will work through blockers to make the play. The physical nature is there throughout every phase of his game. His versatility, leadership, football IQ, and toughness can get him on the field early on defense and special teams.
Cons
While Bullard does have good versatility, there are some things he can’t do. He shouldn’t be used as a single-high safety as he doesn’t have the range, and his lack of size will keep him from being a tight-end eraser.
A tightness in Bullard's hips can be an issue when tackling out in space. He sets his base and has great tackle technique, and a shifty ball carrier can sidestep him, which is where tightness in his hips is a problem.
Fit With Broncos
The Broncos have options to play in the slot, as well as at safety. However, Bullard brings versatility that can keep him on the field.
Teams love his ability to come in and be an immediate leader, and he can work in Vance Joseph's scheme. While Bullard isn’t similar to Simmons style-wise, he's comparable to other undersized safeties who have had lengthy and successful NFL careers.
Big Board Position: No. 100 overall.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson
Nov 19, 2022; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54)
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
- Height: 6-foot
- Weight: 228 pounds
- Arm Length: 31-1/2 inches
- Hands: 9-1/4 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: N/A
Pros
It's impossible to talk about Trotter and not mention his football IQ, leadership, and bloodlines. He sees the game differently from most, is quick with diagnosing plays, and is rarely out of position. His vision and diagnoses of plays minimize multiple concerns around his game.
Trotter's anticipation, especially as a run defender, is second to none. He is quick to get into the right running lane and cause disruption for the ball carrier.
That same anticipation shows as a blitzer, which led to excellent production, with 13 sacks and 51 pressures on 202 snaps as a blitzer the last two seasons. Trotter can side-step blockers in a tight space and brings enough physicality to work through them, also helping him as a run defender and blitzer.
Trotter's techniques are consistent and clean. His tackling technique is excellent, and he maintains proper body control through all phases.
Trotter can change direction cleanly and smoothly without wasting steps and flows with the play. Despite being smaller than ideal, his footwork and football IQ help cover up many of his issues, which can still translate to the NFL.
Cons
Trotter doesn’t have the length that teams want from linebackers these days. Teams want these taller and longer linebackers to have tight windows on these deep crossers, who are so prominent in the NFL. The length issue also sometimes shows up with securing tackles, but so does his lighter build with ball carriers being able to break free from his attempts.
Trotter's work in coverage will be limited as he doesn’t have great range. He has the football IQ to work but will likely stay limited in coverage. Trotter can also bite on play-action, and without great recovery athleticism, it can get him out of position and open the window for throws over the linebackers.
Fit With Broncos
Trotter could be a solid fit for the Broncos defense. He wouldn't help Denver's coverage issues from the position, but he is a capable defender sideline to sideline and between the tackles.
Trotter can replace some of what Jewell brought, especially as a blitzer. However, the Broncos need someone who can help in coverage from the position more than anything, as that has been a weak spot for a while.
Big Board Position: No. 110 overall.
Better Fit for Broncos
Either of these choices would be a good fit for the Broncos. Both could fill a leadership void at their respective positions while bringing quality play on the field.
The Broncos need help at both safety and linebacker, and these two players bring needed competition with quality starter potential.
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