Finding Broncos: 5 Safeties Who Can Compete for Starting Role

Finding Broncos scouts the 2023 NFL Draft with a group of safeties who can compete for a starting job.

The Denver Broncos have made some vital improvements with free agency but still have multiple needs. Right now, they are looking at Caden Sterns to start next to Justin Simmons. However, with added competition for Sterns with the starting job, it also can improve the depth by giving them that third safety option. 

J.L. Skinner | S | Boise State

© Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

• He is a big safety with a big build. 
• There is no question about his motor, as he gives 110% every snap. 
• He is a physical defender that will go for the big hit when it is there. 
• While he didn't test due to the torn pec, his athleticism is evident when watching his tape. 
• He has shown good ball skills when he is in position with seven interceptions and 10 passes broken up. 
• He is disciplined and only has been called for four penalties in college. 

Cons

• He suffered a torn pec during the draft process. 
• There are doubts about if he has versatility for the NFL. 
• With his big high-cut frame, he has issues with changing directions. 
• He needs to develop better anticipation in the passing game. 
• There are issues with his angles when triggering against the run or attacking the catch point. 
• He struggles to keep blockers off his body at the second level. 
• There needs to be a concentrated effort on cleaning up his tackling miscues, with 28 missed tackles over three seasons. 

Fit with Broncos

JL Skinner isn't a box safety only, but that is what his skill set is best suited for. However, there is enough to work as a double-high safety at the next level as long as he can keep the play in front of him. If that is what Vance Joseph is looking for, he would be a great fit, but over the years, Joseph has seemed to value more versatility and athleticism. 

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DeMarcco Hellams | S | Alabama

© Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

• He has good side and a good build for the NFL. 
• He brings good versatility to the secondary, able to fill multiple roles. 
• He has demonstrated good ball skills with four interceptions and 13 passes broken up over the last three seasons. 
• He has good tackling technique and doesn't miss many tackles. 
• He does exceptionally well working downhill and triggering to make his run fills. 
• He does well in reading and breaking down passing concepts. 
• He quickly triggers and closes on underneath throws, limiting the number of yards allowed after the catch. 
• There is excellent anticipation on routes to trigger and attack the catch point. 

Cons

• He didn't test out well athletically. 
• There isn't great lateral agility, and his flipping to run has some wasted steps. 
• There are issues getting off of blocks. 
• There are issues with his angles when triggering in run support. 
• The athleticism shows when he gets beat early and has to recover. 
• There isn't a great range to work as a single high. 
• What missed tackles he does have, are often a result of not coming to balance and form as a tackler. 

Fit with Broncos

While the Broncos need someone to compete with Caden Sterns for a starting job, they need to improve their depth at the very least. Hellams isn't the best athlete, which could keep him from being a consistent starter in the NFL. However, he can be a solid depth piece who can excel on special teams. 

Tyreque Jones | S | Boise State

© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

• He has decent enough size and build for the NFL. 
• There is good long speed to his game. 
• There is great length to work with, and he uses it well when attacking the catch point. 
• He is praised for his football IQ and how easy he is to coach and work with. 
• He has solid ball skills with four interceptions and 10 passes broken up over five seasons. 
• The speed is there, and he can quickly close ground on the ball. 

Cons

• He isn't a great athlete overall. 
• He is clunky with his change of direction, with a lot of wasted steps. 
• He doesn't have great range, which can be an issue even in a two-high system. 
• When blockers get on his frame, he rarely gets off in a timely manner. 
• He has 48 missed tackles in his career, which is a missed tackle percentage of 22.3 in his career. 
• His missed tackles also pop up on special teams. 

Fit with Broncos

Jones would be a rough fit for the Broncos because he doesn't have enough to help on special teams while he develops on defense. His missed tackle rate is also extremely high. Overall, he isn't the best fit for the scheme the Broncos run on defense, with questionable range and versatility. 

Anthony Cook | S | Texas

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

• He has good height and a frame with room for more mass. 
• He has the ability to be a nickel in the NFL. 
• He is smooth and fluid and does well with changing direction. 
• He does well to mirror when working in zone. 
• He has good instincts and awareness when working in zone coverage. 
• There is good versatility to work as a two-high safety and play in the slot. 
• There is an avenue to immediate contribution on special teams as he develops on defense. 

Cons

• He is a little light on his frame and can use more mass. 
• He doesn't have the best ball skills, with no interceptions in his career and 10 passes broken up. 
• His tackling isn't consistent, and he missed 16 in 2022. 
• There are times when he is out-muscled by physical receivers. 
• He may struggle to handle tight ends consistently in coverage. 

Fit with Broncos

Cook is a solid fit for the Broncos as someone who can be a versatile defender. However, he has to develop quite a bit before being ready on defense. While they work to develop him there, they can at least get him on the field to help with special teams. 

He was once a highly-rated prospect currently projected to go undrafted. That can be great value for a team with five draft picks. 

Ronnie Hickman | S | Ohio State

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

• He has solid size with a good build and great length. 
• He has good awareness and instincts. 
• He is a physical defensive back and holds his own against tight ends in coverage. 
• There is the versatility to play a two-high and in the slot. 
• He has the traits to contribute right away as a special teams player. 
• He knows his run fills and plays with good discipline. 

Cons

• He isn't the most aggressive defender and misses chances to attack the catch point. 
• The instincts aren't there, and he can be caught out of position. 
• His angles, when working downhill against the run, need improvement. 
• There could be better burst to close on the ball. 
• The tackling technique needs to be cleaned up. 

Fit with Broncos

Ronnie Hickman has good traits to work with that could see him a starter in the NFL. He may not be the most versatile of defenders, but he brings enough to give defensive coordinators options on how to use him. With the scheme Vance Joseph runs, Hickman is a solid fit, and he is a fit as an immediate contributor on special teams. 

This isn't the best class for safeties, and if you don't land one earlier, you will be in a poor spot. Maybe the Broncos can find a hidden gem in the draft or as an undrafted free agent, but they may be better suited to adding a free agent for help.

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