Additions give secondary much-needed versatility
When the revamping of the Broncos’ secondary started in mid-March with the signing of Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan, the rest of the defense took note.
“When we signed those guys, I was happy,” outside linebacker Bradley Chubb said. “It’s definitely going to be special. If they can make the quarterback hold it a little bit longer so we can get there, it’s going to be fun.”
Not fun was watching the Broncos’ secondary defend the pass last year. They fell from fourth in yards allowed per game (200.6) in 2017 to 20th (245.6) in 2018 and allowed 56 completions of at least 20 yards, compared to 47 the previous season.
Change was needed. First-year coach Vic Fangio brought veteran secondary coach Ed Donatell with him from Chicago and named him defensive coordinator. Jackson and Callahan were later joined by cornerback De’Vante Bausby.
And cornerback Chris Harris’ contract dispute was semi-settled (raise this year, free agent next March).
Point: Jackson’s starting position (safety or corner) will be a week-to-week deal.
Counterpoint: The more safety he plays, the better off the Broncos will be.
Jackson played exclusively at safety in base packages during the offseason practices that were open to the media. His instincts and physical play will allow the Broncos to play him in a strong safety-type role and keep Justin Simmons in the deep middle part of the field.
Jackson was moved to safety by the Houston Texans last year before injuries forced him back to corner. He tied a career high with 17 pass break-ups. But safety is his best spot. In sub-package situations, expect Jackson to play cornerback with Harris and Callahan.
Point: Callahan’s arrival will allow Harris to play outside on third down.
Counterpoint: Why mess with success, since Harris is regarded as one of the NFL’s best slot cover men?
Fangio craves versatility. Last year, Harris had to play the slot because there was nobody else. This year, depending on the opponent, Fangio could deploy Harris, Jackson or Callahan to cover inside.
The plus for Harris is he could be assigned to shadow the opponent’s No. 1 receiver regardless of where he lines up, which means more targets and more takeaway opportunities.
Callahan is the key to that possible formula. In four years with Chicago, he never played a full season (45 of a possible 64 games). But out of the slot, he knows how to track receivers and can also be a blitzer (two sacks last year).
Point: Bausby is the favorite for the top reserve cornerback spot.
Counterpoint: Even though he has experience in Fangio’s scheme, he’ll need to do well in camp.
Bausby, who played in the AAF this winter, was poked by Fangio during the offseason program for his inconsistency.
Bausby played four games for Fangio’s Bears in 2016 (12 tackles) and six games for Philadelphia last year. The lack of experience means he needs to stay available and productive during camp.
Plan A for the Broncos should be for Bausby to fill a reserve role behind Harris/Callahan in the base defense and Harris/Callahan/Jackson in sub personnel.
Point: The competition for the backup safety spots is Will Parks and then everybody else.
Counterpoint: Special teams play could be a deciding factor.
Simmons, Jackson, and Parks as the top three safeties is a safe bet. But after that, there is uncertainty.
The roster math could play a role. If Fangio is committed to nickel (three cornerbacks/two safeties) as his primary sub package, it may mean he keeps more linebackers than safeties.
Su’a Cravens, Trey Marshall, Dymonte Thomas, Shamarko Thomas and Jamal Carter are the candidates. Carter would have made the team last year if not for a preseason hamstring injury. Both Dymonte and Shamarko Thomas have special-teams ability. Marshall could slide through waivers and be on the practice squad.