Editor’s note: This is the 10th in a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, edge rushers, inside linebackers and cornerbacks. Today: Safeties.
Broncos’ in-house moves: Released Justin Simmons, re-signed P.J. Locke to two-year deal, signed Brandon Jones to a three-year deal.
Under contract: Locke (two years), Jones (three years), Caden Sterns (one year), Delarrin Turner-Yell (two years), JL Skinner (three years), Keidron Smith (one year), Devon Key (one year) and Tanner McCalister (one year).
Need scale: 7. Even though Denver added Jones in free agency, Sterns and Turner-Yell are recovering from season-ending injuries. The Broncos are high on Skinner but could still add more depth at the position.
Top Five
1. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota: Nubin set the program record for interceptions (13) while recording 207 tackles in 55 career games. He was named a first-team All-American in 2023 after he accounted for 53 tackles and five interceptions.
2. Javon Bullard, Georgia: Bullard was the defensive MVP of the 2022 CFP National Championship game after intercepting two passes. In 2023, he totaled 56 tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended in 12 games. Bullard can play multiple positions in the secondary, including nickel.
3. Jaden Hicks, Washington State: Hicks is a durable safety, having played in every game over the last two seasons while making 23 consecutive starts. As a redshirt sophomore, Hicks had 79 tackles (six for loss), 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a pair of picks.
4. Cole Bishop, Utah: Bishop started in 29 of 35 career games at Utah. He was a semifinalist for the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation’s best defensive back, with 60 tackles, two interceptions and three sacks in 11 games (10 starts).
5. Calen Bullock, USC: Bullock, a four-star prep recruit, played at safety and nickel during his time with the Trojans. He started in 26 games over the last two seasons, recording 111 tackles, 12 passes defended and seven interceptions.
Other Broncos options
The Broncos have eight picks total but no second-rounder. A look at options spanning Round 1 to the back of the draft.
1. Beau Brade, Maryland: Brade led the Terps in tackles over the last two seasons. As a senior, he had 75 tackles and ranked second on the team with six passes defended. Brade can play in multiple spots and develop into a quality run supporter. He can be a rotational secondary player but will have the biggest impact on special teams.
2. Tykee Smith, Georgia: Smith spent two seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Georgia, where he played the last two years. As a senior, Smith led the team in tackles (70), tackles for loss (8.5) and interceptions (four).
3. Josh Proctor, Ohio State: At 25, Proctor is an older prospect who played six seasons with the Buckeyes. He struggled to stay healthy, missing 18 games due to injury. Proctor had his most productive season in 2023, when he accounted for 47 tackles and eight passes defended in 11 starts.
4. Sione Vaki, Utah: Vaki was a finalist for the 2023 finalist for Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award after he tallied 51 tackles (8.5 for loss) and two sacks. He also saw some time on offense, rushing for 317 yards and two touchdowns on 42 carries. He even caught 11 passes for 203 yards and three scores.
5. Trey Taylor, Air Force: Taylor, the cousin of former Ravens safety Ed Reed, tallied 74 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) to earn the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award. Taylor is projected to be a seventh-round pick or a priority free agent.
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