Review of the Safety Play

Denver's Safety play was greatly improved over last year. In 2008 the safety play was the weakness of a bad Defense. Josh McDaniels went to the free agent market and was able to hit a homer run with veterans Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill. The development of Josh Barrett, David Bruton, and Darcel McBath makes the position appear a team strenght going into 2010.

Brian Dawkins- 6-0 210 14 year vet. Brian Dawkins exceeded the high expectations that Bronco fans had and was the inspirational leader of an over achieving defensive unit. The hard hitting safety was voted Team Captain and finished second on the team in tackles with 116. Brian may be in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career but he showed no signs of slowing down and was an inspiring leader on the defense.

Renaldo Hill- 5-11 205 9 year vet. Renaldo Hill played a solid safety for the Broncos in 2009. His experience as a corner allowed him to complement Dawkins run stopping and blitzing abilities. Darcel McBath will challenge Hill for playing time in 2010.

Josh Barrett- 6-2 2252nd year. Good combination of size and speed spent first 11 weeks of his rookie season on the practice squad but started the final three games. Josh was a special teams stand out in 2009 finishing seventh on the team in special teams tackles. I look for Barrett to develop under Dawkins enough that he may be able to step in when Dawkins retires.

Darcel McBath- 6-1 198 Rookie. Darcel was able to make an impact on special teams right away and led the team in special teams tackles. Got some significant playing time as the season progressed. Like Hill he has experience at corner that is a big plus for a free safety. I really see McBath starting at safety next to Dawkins before the end of next year maybe even at the start of next season. Finished the season on IR with a broken forearm.

David Bruton- 6-2 211 Rookie. David was also an impact player on special teams and started one game, against the Raiders. Could also push to step in for Dawkins but I like Barrett's size and hope he develops faster. That said Bruton can be a starter in the NFL at safety and isn't as raw as Barrett.

Vernon Fox- 5-10 206 8 year vet. Vernon was cut by the Broncos after training camp in 2009 but was resigned after Dacel McBath broke his forearm. I would expect the Broncos to replace Fox in camp with a late round pick or free agent next year.

I think the safety position was one of best things Josh McDaniels did last year Dawkins was great and Hill was also very strong. Two rookies came in and contributed on special teams and have a chance to develop into starters. I think the roster is set at safety position and not much will change at this position in the off season perhaps some free agents or a late round pick to come in and compete for a roster spot.