Patrick Surtein II had an exceptional season for rookies for the Denver Broncos. With four interceptions, one returned for a touchdown and 14 interceptions, Surtine has the potential to be a top defender in the corners of the league.
After Surtein, do the Broncos have enough bodies in the cornerback to keep their defensive back competitive? Weight loss in performance after a corner injury, even minor, can be significant.
As of today, Ronald Darby is the starting corner against Surtain. Last season, Darby had six misses, 47 rebounds and zero rebounds.
Darby is a solid outside corner with slot play capability. However, he has played a whole season only once, in 2020, in his seven-year career, having missed six games last year – he is not exactly reliable.
Michael Ojemudia showed flashes to his rookie in 2020 as he started 11 games. He puts himself in an excellent position to play with the ball, but struggles to catch even one catch.
However, Ojemudia scored four forced strokes in 2020 and played just two games last season after suffering a hamstring injury that hampered his development.
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K’Waun Williams was recruited as a free agent to fill the void left in the slot after Bryce Callahan left. Williams has an extremely physical style of play, although he is 5 feet 9 and tall 183 pounds, which makes him an advantage in the game of running.
During his seven NFL seasons, Williams collected four interceptions, 11 forced strikes and a total of 301 strikes. He has also found success, blitz from backfield. Like Darby, Williams struggles to stay on the field without playing a full season in his seven-year career.
Fourth-round rookie Damari Mathis brings flexibility to the Broncos’ runner-up. Matisse makes good use of the side lines when running on the border and has fast legs, making it a solid slot option. One of his most significant assets is his desire to cope, having missed just ten games in his college career.
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Matisse’s biggest opponent is his penchant for painting flags – he has amassed 17 in his last two seasons at Pete. For reference, his 2022 draft classmate Sos Gardner has had just nine penalties in the last two seasons, just two last year. However, Matisse’s flexibility to play most positions in the second team will give him many opportunities to see the field in Denver.
Essang Bassey will have a hard time getting pictures this season. Due to its size of 5 feet 10 and 190 pounds, it is difficult to see it playing outside, as larger receivers will harass it. It is much more suitable for the slot where Williams will be backed up, assuming he is on the last list.
Seventh-round draft pick Feyon Hicks played 33 games for the Wisconsin Badgers with 28 starts. He collected 107 rebounds, 16 saves and one interception during that time. His speed of 4.37 makes him an asset that will help him in special teams.
Eventually
The Broncos have some solid players in the corner, but it can be helpful, especially when it comes to the outside. In terms of true outside defenders, Denver has only Surtain, Darby and Ojemudia.
Denver should consider bringing in another outside corner like Kevin King or veteran Xavier Rhodes, both of whom are still available as free agents. Although not initial options, each player will give Denver more depth.
As for the corner slots, the Broncos can handle Williams and Mathis, each of whom can be replaced with Fuse Jackson and Caden Stearns fuses if needed.
Including the coaching team, the Broncos will keep nine or 10 corners on the roster, so don’t be surprised to see some changes and / or additions at the back of the roster before the start of the season.
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