Draft preview: Defensive backs

Broncos in-house offseason moves: Signed CB K’waun Williams (San Francisco) and S J.R. Reed (New York Giants), re-signed CB Kareem Jackson and S P.J. Locke and re-acquired CB Essang Bassey off waivers (Los Angeles Chargers).

Under contract: CB — Williams (two more years), Pat Surtain II (three plus fifth-year option), CB Ronald Darby (two), Michael Ojemudia (two) and Bassey (one). S — Jackson (one), Locke (one), Justin Simmons (three), Caden Sterns (three) and Jamar Johnson (three).

Need scale (1-10): 5. By signing Williams to play the nickel spot and resigning Jackson to be paired with Simmons, the Broncos don’t need to draft a cornerback or safety in round 2 or maybe even round 3. But depth is required, preferably a cornerback who plays inside and outside and a versatile safety who can play man coverage.

Top five

1. CB Sauce Gardner, Cincinnati: Could go fourth overall to Jets. Nearly 6-foot-3, had nine interceptions in 37 games. First-team All-america selection last year.

2. S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame: Not a speedster (4.59-second 40-yard dash) and limited to seven games last year (knee), but productive (138 tackles and eight interceptions in 31 games). No- doubt top safety.

3. CB Derek Stingley, LSU: Sensational as true freshman in ’19 (firstteam All-america and six interceptions). Played only 10 combined games in 2020-21 (foot/leg injuries), which hurt stock.

4. S Daxton Hill, Michigan: Two interceptions, 69 tackles in 14 games last year. Can play deep middle/box as safety and cover slot receiver if asked. Could be top nickel defender in draft.

5. CB Trent Mcduffie, Washington: Only two career interceptions in 28 games, but opponents often threw away from him, impacting numbers.

Broncos’ options

The Broncos don’t have a first-round pick, but do have nine selections. A look at five possibilities:

1. S Jalen Pitre, Baylor: Broncos would have to move up from No. 64 for him. Played hybrid LB/S position for Bears last year and had 70 tackles and two interceptions in 13 games.

2. CB Damarri Mathis, Pittsburgh: Intercepted five passes in 49 games (25 starts), including two interceptions last year after missing 2020 with shoulder injury.

3. S Alontae Taylor, Tennessee: Played cornerback for Volunteers (four interceptions in 45 games) but could move to safety in NFL (162 career tackles).

4. CB Tariq Woolen, Texas-san Antonio: Was a receiver for first three college seasons. Moved to cornerback and had two interceptions and 60 tackles in 20 games.

5. CB Damarion Williams, Houston: Can play against the slot receiver and broke up 15 passes in his last two years for Cougars (21 games).

Thursday: Linebackers.