Denver Broncos: Top 5 storylines to follow at 2021 training camp
4. Secondary chemistry
The unit that is expected to be the best on the entire team in 2021 is the secondary.
The Denver Broncos trotted out a unit at the end of the 2020 season that included guys like De’Vante Bausby, Will Parks, Alijah Holder, Parnell Motley, and others.
As beloved as Parks has been and even Bausby in his short time in Denver, it’s a wonder that Vic Fangio’s defense was able to show so well in the final eight games of the season, even with a couple of absolute duds in there (against Buffalo and Las Vegas, specifically).
The Broncos allowed just 21 passing TDs last season, good for second-best in the NFL. The red zone defense under Vic Fangio has been outstanding, but the team has not exactly had top-flight personnel out there.
George Paton made it his highest priority to upgrade the secondary when he got to Denver. Here’s a quick recap of his biggest moves there:
- Re-signing safety Justin Simmons
- Re-signing safety Kareem Jackson
- Signing free agent Ronald Darby
- Signing free agent Kyle Fuller
- Drafting Patrick Surtain II
The Broncos also brought in additional help via day three of the 2021 NFL Draft with Caden Sterns, Jamar Johnson, and Kary Vincent Jr.
Bryce Callahan and Michael Ojemudia — starters in 2020 — return as well to give this unit enviable talent and depth.
How will this unit mesh together?
Given the fact that there are so many veteran players out there and now every starter besides Darby going on three years or more with Vic Fangio, it should be pretty outstanding.
Pat Surtain II is expected to fit right in with his veteran-like approach and maturity level.
These guys need to find ways to create more turnovers for Fangio and not only keep teams from scoring in the red zone, but eliminate those red zone trips altogether.