Denver Broncos: Top performers through the first quarter of 2019

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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 15: Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a third down stop against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on September 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Kareem Jackson, DB

2019 stats: 16 total tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1 tackle for loss (3 games)

Although Kareem Jackson missed out on the Broncos’ most recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he’d been one of the top performers defensively since the start of the season.

When the Broncos signed Jackson away from the Houston Texans, it was clear they had a versatile weapon in their secondary, but the plan was apparently to play him at the safety position and when Bryce Callahan re-injured his foot, Jackson was pressed into nickel duties.

He performed quite well, showing off his range and tackling ability throughout the first three games of the season and coming up with a few big pass breakups as well.

Jackson’s presence on the defense is going to be essential for the Broncos going forward this season. They need him at full strength if they are going to turn the ship around.

Hopefully, with Duke Dawson getting up to speed in the defense, Jackson will be able to re-join Justin Simmons at the safety position and we’ll get to see what this coaching staff envisioned for him when he signed on for $11 million per season, but he’s played well in a role he was not expected to have to play.

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