Brick, Mortar, Scrap Part 7: DBs

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) celebrates during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) celebrates during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Player: David Bruton Jr.

Explanation: I love David Bruton. So much so, that he was the first “Unsung Hero” in my series of that namesake.  A great player on the field and ambassador off of it, Bruton’s impact with the Broncos far

Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos strong safety David Bruton (30) in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos strong safety David Bruton (30) in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

exceeded his 4th round status in which he was selected with in the 2009 NFL Draft.  As one of the few good moves that was made by former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, Bruton proved to be an outstanding Special Teams player in his time with the Broncos.

When he re-signed with the team in 2013, it was at a value much lower than he’s expected to receive now.  Despite his reputation as a dominant Special Teams player, Bruton had his best statistical season on defense, notching 3 starts with 49 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.

He’s proven that he’s ready to take the next step and become a full-time starter at Safety and he deserves every opportunity to pursue that. Unfortunately, it probably won’t be with the Broncos.

With all of the other Free Agents the Broncos will try to retain in combination with two starters already entrenched at his position, it will be very difficult to retain Bruton’s services.

As much as the Broncos value his play and leadership qualities, it will be hard for the Broncos to retain Bruton under the current circumstances. If they can find a way to keep Bruton around, that would be awesome. I’m just not expecting it.

Thanks for everything you’d done for the Broncos, David Bruton Jr. You deserve every penny you get in Free Agency.

Player: Omar Bolden

Explanation: Bolden has become the poor man’s David Bruton.  An underrated Special Teams player and versatile defensive player, Bolden proved to be a wise selection in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos strong safety Omar Bolden (31) returns a kick during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Denver won 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos strong safety Omar Bolden (31) returns a kick during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Denver won 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

With the ability to play all four positions in the secondary, Bolden could be a valuable commodity on the Free Agent marketplace.

Even though he hasn’t shown the capabilities to being a full-time starter in his first four NFL seasons, he has a chance to expand his role on a defense potentially, become a starting Defensive Back down the road for an NFL team.

I could see the Broncos trying to retain Bolden because of what I mentioned above, but there are plenty of other teams in the league that could offer him more for the same services. I wouldn’t be  surprised if he’s re-signed, but he’ll certainly get a chance to test the market before that.

Players: Josh Bush and Shiloh Keo

Explanation: Not a whole lot to say about these two. Both players have connections to the coaching staff

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos players Josh Bush (20) , Shiloh Keo (33) and Aqib Talib (21) break up a pass to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in the end zone during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos players Josh Bush (20) , Shiloh Keo (33) and Aqib Talib (21) break up a pass to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in the end zone during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

and were serviceable reserve players down the stretch for the Broncos this past season.  I could see one of these guys coming back next year, but not both.  These two are best served as depth and nothing more.