Denver Broncos Brick, Mortar and Scrap: Defensive Back overview

BRICKS

Justin Simmons

What more is there to be said about Justin Simmons? In his time as a Bronco, he’s done nothing but become an All-Pro player on the field and model citizen for the team off of it.

As a 3rd-round pick in the 2016 Draft, Simmons has blossomed into one of the best free safeties in the NFL and shows even more signs of growing, as a player.

The Broncos have been upfront about their interest in keeping Simmons, going as far to say that they will tag him, if they can’t get deal done. Barring something unforeseen, Simmons isn’t going anywhere (nor should he). He’s one of the best players the Broncos have drafted in a while and guys like that should Broncos for life.

Kareem Jackson

The 10th year pro saw himself as a FA for the first time last off-season, sponging his first nine years with the Houston Texans. He came to Denver with a three-year deal and unintentionally started a rift between Chris Harris Jr. and the Broncos. Jackson had played cornerback his entire career and upon signing with the Broncos, it was assumed that he’d play that position.

What the Broncos actually envisioned is that Jackson would transition to Strong Safety to form a dynamic safety duo with Justin Simmons. Jackson went on to fulfill that vision and became the de facto leader of the defense.

Due to a late season suspension, Jackson was only able to play in 13 games. Despite that, his presence was immediately felt.

In his first season as a Bronco, Jackson had 71 tackles two interceptions (1 returned for a TD) and a forced fumble.

Jackson has cemented himself as that physical and experienced leader in the secondary. I’d go as far to say that he could become one of the strongest voices in the entire locker room.

For a young team in the middle of a rebuild, having a guy like Kareem Jackson could set the right example for his younger teammates to follow. As we saw in our SB 50 run, guys like that are invaluable.

Conclusion

The No Fly Zone is gone. With the potential departure of Chris Harris Jr, it will be the start of a new era for the Broncos secondary. While fans and teammates may not like the idea of the infamous crew being gone, there’s a lot of potential for their replacements to come in and provide similar results.

With guys like Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, the tone has been set for the secondary. Lousy play will not be accepted and as a fan base, we should trust in the team’s ability to keep the secondary playing at the level that we all expect them to.

Here’s to a new era and new nickname for the vaunted Broncos secondary.