Denver Broncos Free Agent Safety Breakdown

During 2013-2014 season the Denver Broncos were able to have a lot of success by piecing together their secondary seemingly on a weekly basis. Going into the season cornerback was pretty set as far as starters go with Champ Bailey, Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, and Chris Harris making up one of the better groups of corners in the league. Rahim Moore was the starter at free safety, and Duke Ihenacho won the battle for strong safety. Rahim Moore is a solid starter in the NFL, and while Ihenacho flashed at times he showed that he was shaky against the pass. Denver will get Rahim Moore back healthy next year, but I wouldn't be surprised if they went out and signed a true strong safety. Should Denver look to go after a strong safety they should include the following players in their consideration. 1) TJ Ward from the Cleveland Browns. TJ Ward is a player who would be a household name if he didn't play in Cleveland. Ward has above average coverage ability, can cover a ton of ground, has amazing instincts, and is a punishing hitter. Though he is a bit undersized he would fit fantastically into what is hopefully an attempt to get more physical on defense. 2) Donte Whitner from the San Francisco 49ers. Whitner also fits the profile of the type of safety that Denver is looking for. He would be coming from one of the most physical defenses in football with San Francisco, and would provide a verbal leader in the defensive backfield. Also a bit undersized Whitner, like TJ Ward, makes up for any issue with his size with ferocity, and speed. 3) Bernard Pollard from the Tennessee Titans. Bernard Pollard is a player who you hate if you are playing against him, but would be happy to have on your team. Think Bill Romanowski. Pollard does not have the coverage skills that either of the above two safeties have. In fact I would say the weakness in his game is his coverage skills. What Pollard does exceptionally well is tackle, and play physical football. He has a reputation for playing on the borderline of dirty, and while I wouldn't assume any players intentions are malicious Pollard plays an old school style of football. Denver needs attitude, Denver needs a player who can get under opposing teams skin, and Denver flat out needs more nasty on its defense. Pollard would fit that roll fantastically. As of today nobody is really sure how the safety position in Denver will turn out. Champ Bailey has recently said he would be open to a move to free safety, Denver could look to the draft, or stay with Ihenacho. Regardless of their decision safety will be a position to watch going into the 2014-2015 season.