Finding Broncos: 5 DBs Who Can Add Depth to the Secondary

While the Denver Broncos have improved their roster, they still need additional help in their secondary. The class for cornerbacks is strong, and good options will fall as a result. With the safety class, it isn't nearly as strong, but there could be some hidden gems. There are also the options of corners that can return to work as a safety.

Bentlee Sanders | CB/S | Nevada

Pros

He has excellent long speed and burst.
There is the versatility to work in the slot and as a safety.
There is excellent experience with over 2,200 snaps played.
He is swift in coverage and changes direction smoothly.
There is effectiveness when working as a blitzer.
He has great ball skills, with seven interceptions and nine passes broken up.
He is tough as a run defender in the slot and doesn't back down.

Cons

He is an undersized defensive back that will likely be a slot-only corner.
His size does create some issues with securing tackles.
Teams will have to be cautious of matchups in the NFL.
His lack of length makes it hard to attack the catch point consistently.

Fit with Broncos

The Denver Broncos can use someone to develop to take over as the slot corner after this season. Sanders offers solid versatility on defense, and despite his smaller size, he plays big and physical. He would be an excellent pickup as an undrafted rookie to try and develop during the season.

DJ Ivey | CB/S | Miami

Pros

He has good size with a good build on his frame.
He is a solid athlete with an excellent explosion.
His length and athleticism are a coveted combination.
There is enough to work in man or zone schemes while working as a corner or safety.
He has shown good ball skills with six interceptions and 11 passes broken up.
He keeps his play clean, with only seven penalties in five seasons.

Cons

He doesn't have great instincts, awareness, or anticipation.
There are issues with missed tackles, missing 22 over the last four years.
There isn't consistency with his aggressiveness, and at times can be off with his timing, allowing a big play for the offense.
He can struggle with positioning and doesn't use his length the best to overcome that issue.
He isn't smooth or fluid with his movement or change of direction.

Fit with Broncos

The Broncos can use a versatile defender, and Ivey can develop as a corner or safety. If they can get him as an undrafted free agent, he could show value as an option for the practice squad.

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Ameer Speed | CB/S | Michigan State

Pros

He has great size with a good build on his frame.
He has good long speed and can gain ground quickly.
After transitioning to Michigan State in 2022, Speed managed to pick up six broken passes.
There is tremendous experience on special teams in every phase.

Cons

He never played more than 181 snaps in a season until 2022.
Due to the limited experience, the production isn't great.
There isn't great awareness or recognition on the field, which may be improved with more experience.
He needs to use his length and athleticism better.
The technique is lacking.

Fit with Broncos

Projected to go undrafted, Speed does have enticing athleticism and size to work with. However, his lack of experience creates issues with multiple aspects of his game. He will need time to develop, even as a practice squad member.

Kaleb Hayes | CB/S | BYU

Pros

He is an excellent athlete with speed, burst, and explosion.
He has solid size and a good build on his frame.
He does have a good ability to change direction and mirror his man in coverage.
He has done well breaking up passes, with 23 broken up over four years.

Cons

He isn't the best at processing plays as they happen.
There are questions about his physicality to fight through receivers or work as a run defender.
He has a 17.2 missed tackle percentage in his career, with 10 missed tackles in the last two seasons.
There are times he can get grabby and lead to penalties.
Despite the number of balls he has gotten his hands on, he has zero interceptions in college.

Fit with Broncos

Questions about his play could see him go undrafted, but he is an excellent athlete with enough to work with in man coverage. That can see him get drafted late, but if he goes undrafted, it can be enough to work with for the Broncos and try to develop.

Cameron Brown | CB/S | Ohio State

Pros

He has good size and solid athleticism.
He has smooth acceleration to gain ground quickly.
There is good timing with his play. He has the versatility to work on the boundary, in the slot, or as a safety.
There is a good range, and he can trigger downhill quickly.
There is good recovery athleticism to catch up when he gets behind early.

Cons

He has a habit of getting grabby and drawing penalties, with 13 thrown against him in his career.
Missed tackles are an issue, with 11 over the last two seasons.
There has been a lot of missed time due to injury.
He isn't the most physical defender and can be easy to box out for receivers.
There isn't any consistency in his technique.

Fit with Broncos

There is a big question about his health and if he can stay healthy enough to compete. However, he has plenty of traits and tools to work with and develop that could be worth some time from the Broncos coaching staff.

With that class's strength for corners, the Broncos would be smart to add their room. Improving their depth in the secondary is a must for the Broncos, and this is a solid draft to do that.

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