Broncos could see a lot more of a rising rookie in Week 12
The Denver Broncos could see a lot more of fast-rising rookie safety Caden Sterns in Week 12 against the Chargers if Kareem Jackson can’t play.
The Denver Broncos have a stellar rookie class in 2021, led by future All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and stud running back Javonte Williams.
The Broncos’ rookie class is deep, and the majority of it has made a substantial impact throughout the season.
Even Denver’s day three picks are making big contributions this season already, including fifth-round safety Caden Sterns and seventh-round edge Jonathon Cooper.
Broncos could see a lot more Caden Sterns in Week 12
Although the Broncos boast arguably the best duo of safeties in the NFL with Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, they have carved out a role this season for Sterns, an outstanding athlete out of Texas.
Sterns fell to the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after struggling in his sophomore and junior seasons with the Longhorns, but he had some first-round hype leading into his junior season based on what he showed as a freshman and how highly touted he was coming out of high school.
For the Broncos this season, he has yet to play even 20 defensive snaps in a single game, but that hasn’t prevented him from making a tremendous impact.
He’s got 15 total tackles, two QB hits, two tackles for loss, two sacks, four passes broken up, and two interceptions.
His most recent interception came in a blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys.
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Sterns’ athleticism, range, and ball skills are all tremendous, and the Broncos have really unlocked something with him by sending him on blitzes and allowing him to rush the passer.
For Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers, we might get our most extensive look at Sterns yet, and not just as a dime ‘backer.
Kareem Jackson is questionable for the matchup against the Chargers at best after not having practiced through Wednesday.
This could wind up being a glimpse at the future for Denver, who have Jackson through this season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
Unless general manager George Paton decides to bring Jackson back, it could be Sterns and Justin Simmons on the back end for Denver going into the foreseeable future.