Denver Broncos: Breaking Down Options at Free Safety in 2015

The Denver Broncos have to make tough decisions before the start of free agency. They have several needs this offseason, and defensively they’ll be looking for players who fit the new 3-4 defense.

Last offseason, the Broncos worked diligently to improve their secondary. They first added strong safety T.J. Ward in free agency from the Cleveland Browns. Shortly after, they signed free-agent cornerback Aqib Talib from the New England Patriots.

In addition to acquiring those free agents, the Broncos also selected cornerback Bradley Roby out of Ohio State in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. All three of these additions paid dividends for the Broncos in 2014.

This offseason, the Broncos could have an opening at the free safety position. There will be plenty of options for the Broncos, and they will need to examine each option closely.

What do the Broncos do at the free safety position? Let’s take a look.

Broncos Free Agents

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The Broncos have 13 unrestricted free agents to consider this offseason. The name to highlight here is Rahim Moore. Originally a second-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Moore has had his ups-and-downs with the Broncos.

Moore is remembered mostly for missing on the Jacoby Jones touchdown catch in the 2012 playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens. That play was a low point in his career, but Moore worked hard to fight back from that.

He played with better confidence in 2013 but was lost for about half the season with a rare lower leg injury. Moore did a good job again in 2014, finishing the season with 50 tackles and a career-high four interceptions.

Despite Moore’s production, ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold expects the Broncos to let Moore walk in free agency.

Quinton Carter is also set to be an unrestricted free agent when the new league year starts. The Broncos added Moore and Carter in the 2011 NFL draft, and both flashed upside early in their pro careers. Carter was able to start over Moore during their rookie season.

His career was set back by a major knee injury that required microfracture surgery. Carter missed most of the next two seasons as he recovered from this injury. He returned to the field for the Broncos in 2014, but he was later lost for the season with another knee problem.

It may be unlikely that we see either one of these safeties return to Denver in 2015.

Outside Free Agents

USA TODAY Sports

The dream scenario for the Broncos would be to find a way to sign Devin McCourty away from the New England Patriots. That notion seems like a pipe dream. According to Jeff Howe, from the Boston Herald, the Patriots could use the franchise tag on McCourty if the two sides can’t come to a new long-term agreement.

While adding McCourty has to be considered a longshot, perhaps bringing back Mike Adams would make more sense.

Undrafted out of Delaware in 2004, Adams spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns before he landed with the Broncos in 2012. Adams spent two seasons with the Broncos, and he proved that he was a team-first guy. The Broncos used him as a starter and as a reserve player, and during both instances Adams never complained, he worked hard and did a good job.

The Broncos released Adams after the draft in 2014. The Indianapolis Colts later picked him up, and he put up career-best numbers—plus he was named as a Pro Bowl alternate. Adams was a starter at free safety for the Colts, and he responded with a career-high 63 tackles.

Denver could bring Adams back, and he would be teamed up alongside T.J. Ward again. The two were teammates with the Cleveland Browns in 2010 and 2011. Adams won’t come with a price tag the size of McCourty’s, but at 33 years old the Broncos may choose to add a young safety through the draft.

2015 NFL Draft

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Broncos might look to the draft to fill their need at free safety. There are zero first-round free safeties in this draft class, according to NFLDraftScout.com. However, the Broncos could find quality talent in the second round.

Cody Prewitt, from Ole Miss, is the 61st-overall prospect and the top-ranked free safety on NFLDraftScout.com. His size immediately stands out on film. Prewitt measures in at 6’2” 217 pounds and with his long arms he can be asked to reroute receivers on certain plays.

Even though he’s a larger safety, Prewitt has the anticipation to stand out in coverage. I like his ability to get into proper position consistently as the defense’s center fielder. Prewitt is a smart player who has good closing burst to the ball. His long arms also help him snare ball-carriers in the open field, and he’s a sound tackler on film.

Prewitt does not have the quick-twitch ability to change direction on a dime. Instead, he uses build up speed in and out of his backpedal as a coverage player.

Another second-round prospect the Broncos could consider is Chris Hackett from TCU. Like Prewitt, Hackett has good size at 6’2” 195 pounds.

Hackett quickly understands what an offense is trying to do as the play breaks down in front of him. He doesn’t arrive at the ball-carrier with a thud, but he is a high-effort tackler who can bring his man down. Hackett is a playmaker in coverage, compiling 12 interceptions during his college career—including nabbing seven picks in 2014.

His playmaking ability is both a positive and a negative. Hackett will get caught peeking at the quarterback’s eyes in anticipation of a pass. This makes him easy to move by savvy quarterbacks who use their eyes well.

Summary

The Broncos have multiple priorities this offseason. They need to find upgrades for the offensive line, plus finding a nose tackle for the defense might be the top two priorities.

Filling the void at free safety isn’t discussed that often, but it’s another part of the puzzle.

An option for the Broncos is to promote players already on the roster. David Bruton has plenty of starting experience even though he’s primarily known as a special teams standout. Another answer for the Broncos might be to shuffle around some corners to safety. Cornerbacks Omar Bolden and Kayvon Webster may be asked to switch positions in 2015.

Finding a free safety may not get the headlines like the need at offensive tackle or tight end, but it is an important position the Broncos need to address.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions. Draft grades provided by NFLDraftScout.com.