Denver Broncos Brick, Mortar and Scrap: Defensive Back overview
By Aric Manthey
In this edition of Brick, Mortar and Scrap, we take a look at the defensive backfield to see who can help the Denver Broncos in 2020 and beyond.
What’s one of the most exciting things to watch in a game? Touchdowns, yes. Sacks, sure. What about interceptions? When your team makes a clutch pick, it’s an exhilarating moment that represents a momentum shift in a game.
The Broncos have been known to have some ballhawks over the years and the recent secondary is no exception. With guys like Chris Harris Jr., Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, the Broncos sported a group of defensive backs that were capable of taking one to the house on any given play. Unfortunately, 2/3 of those players are Unrestricted Free Agents and will be hard to keep.
In this edition of Brick, Mortar and Scrap, we take a look at the defensive backfield to see who can help the Broncos in 2020 and beyond.
SCRAP
Chris Harris Jr.
In what may go down as one of the best undrafted stories in NFL history, Chris Harris Jr. arrived in Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2011. After being paid a measly $2,000 signing bonus, Harris Jr. has done nothing but rise to the occasion.
Since cementing himself in the starting lineup, Harris Jr. has racked up four Pro Bowl nods, 20 interceptions, and laid the foundation for the best secondary that the Broncos have ever seen in the No Fly Zone.
With all of that said, Harris’ contract demands may be too much for the Broncos to keep him. As an Unrestricted Free Agent for the first time in his career, Harris sounds all too eager to test the open market and see what he can get.
Harris’ current situation has been much talked about, so there isn’t much to say. All I can add right now is what I think his future looks like and unfortunately, I don’t think he stays in the orange and blue.
Isaac Yiadom
As a 3rd0round pick in the 2018 Draft, many assumed that Isaac Yiadom would eventually turn into the man to play opposite Harris Jr. in the Broncos secondary. Through two seasons, Yiadom has been anything but that.
In his short time as a Bronco, Yiadom has started nine games and only managed one turnover. To clarify, it’s not the numbers that bother me about Yiadom’s play. It’s how he consistently seemed to be the one guy getting beat on every play.
I’ve never seen a player consistently get beat so much and yet, get more chances to redeem himself. While I understand the Broncos recent history about keeping draft picks, I just can’t justify using a roster spot on Isaac Yiadom in 2020.