Second and third-year players ready to break out in 2018

Justin Simmons

I was already vying for the Broncos to use Simmons in a more featured role two years ago and now that he has been given the opportunity to be a key figure in the Broncos defensive scheme, I expect a big year from him in his second season as a full-time starter. Simmons shows range, awareness and secure tackling ability.

While the Broncos even trusted Simmons even as a single-high safety, he should benefit from more of a downhill or underneath role, where he can be aggressive against the run and not have to worry about defending 53 yards wide grass, once ball-carriers slip through the second level.

Simmons showed a lot of improvement in his pass coverage as well. With Aqib Talib sent to Los Angeles and Bradley Roby moving into the starting lineup, I could see him and Chris Harris stay on the outside primarily, while dropping Simmons down into the slot and leaving him one-on-one with people from that spot.