Editor’s note: Tenth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, safeties. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and cornerbacks.
On the roster (eight): P.J. Locke, Caden Sterns, Brandon Jones, JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell, Devon Key, Omar Brown and Keidron Smith.
How many on the 53? Six
Most impactful offseason move: Releasing Justin Simmons
The Broncos made a tough decision in March by releasing All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, the team’s longest-tenured player, to clear up $14.5 million in cap space. Simmons was not only a respected leader on defense but one of the best ballhawks at his position, totaling 30 interceptions since 2016 — the most by any player. With Simmons gone, Denver is banking on newly-signed safety Brandon Jones discovering untapped potential, and P.J. Locke improving after an impressive 2023 campaign.
Biggest question to answer in camp: What sort of production can Caden Sterns provide?
Denver will need a collective effort from Locke, Jones and Sterns to help fill the void behind left by Simmons. Sterns has shown the ability to be a playmaker on defense but has struggled to stay on the field. He missed the final 12 games of 2022 due to a hip injury then played two defensive snaps in last year’s season opener before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Sterns spent most of organized team activities and mandatory minicamp working with trainers and watching his teammates scrimmage from the sideline. It will be interesting to see if Sterns’ production ramps up during camp, given he was a potential starter before his knee injury. And with Delarrin Turner-Yell rehabbing from a torn ACL, the Broncos could use as much depth as possible at safety.
Battle to watch: Sterns vs. Locke
For now, Locke, who signed a two-year, $7 million deal in March, and Jones appear to be the front-runners to start at safety. But if Sterns, an unrestricted free agent in 2025, is healthy, he could make things interesting. The former Texas standout totaled four interceptions and nine passes defended in the first 21 games of his career. While Locke is a hard-hitting safety who could be utilized in blitz packages, Sterns provides the ball skills Denver’s defense will need.
Under the radar player: JL Skinner
Skinner, the Broncos’ sixth-round pick in 2023, rarely saw the field as a rookie, playing one defensive snap and nine on special teams. However, head coach Sean Payton sees value in the former Boise State standout.
“He has good instincts,” Payton said in June. “I’d say the second half of last season, even when he was running (on the) scout team, he stood out on the tape. I think he’ll want to build on that.”
Since Turner-Yell will most likely miss time during the regular season, Skinner could play himself into a bigger role. Coming out of college, Skinner was praised for his ball skills and ability to play in multiple coverages. He totaled six interceptions, 11 passes defended and a pair of forced fumbles in his last two seasons at Boise State.
Saturday: Special Teams
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Originally Published: July 19, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.
