Broncos can fill a need Kareem Jackson may leave them with
The Denver Broncos may not be able to bring back veteran safety Kareem Jackson, who wasn't too bad for the defense last year. He has been heard on NFL Network saying he wants to play at least one more year, but he also wants to go somewhere he can win. That may not be Denver. […]
The Denver Broncos may not be able to bring back veteran safety Kareem Jackson, who wasn't too bad for the defense last year. He has been heard on NFL Network saying he wants to play at least one more year, but he also wants to go somewhere he can win. That may not be Denver.
As of right now, the two starting safeties would be Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns. Sterns showed flashes last season, but I don't know if he is the starting safety long-term. Luckily for the Broncos, they could get a starting-caliber safety in the third round.
Jordan Battle, the Alabama safety, may be available when the Broncos pick at 67. Here is what Pro Football Focus thinks about the prospect:
Battle may not be a special athlete, but he plays such a steady brand of football that it rarely gets exposed. He earned 80.0-plus coverage grades while playing more than 800 snaps in each of the past three seasons. If you’ve started at defensive back for four years under Nick Saban, chances are you know ball. Battle certainly qualifies. He’s a smart, physical defensive back that any defense would love to have. Battle doesn’t have quite the range for a pure single-high safety nor the man skills to play the slot. He needs to be put in a role where his instincts can give him a head start. His deficiencies in man coverage are mainly traits-based, but he’s still going to have to go toe to toe with receivers at times in the league. Battle could do a better job using his physicality when matched up in man coverage. – PFF
Battle may come in and be better than both Sterns and Locke right away. Or, he could be a depth and developmental piece for the Broncos' defense coached by Vance Joseph. Simmons will need a guy to help him on defense, and the cornerback group as things currently stand.
Battle is a guy who has very high potential, but there is a reason he may be available in the third round – his athleticism isn't the best for the position. But he has shown that he can do some elite things, he will just need to be developed.
