The Broncos figured to take one safety in Saturday’s NFL draft because Kareem Jackson is playing on a one-year contract. And they took two safeties in the fifth round.
Texas safety Caden Sterns was selected No. 152, followed by Indiana’s Jamar Johnson at No. 164. They will compete with Trey Marshall and P.J. Locke for roster spots.
In addition to providing depth on defense, the picks are a welcome boon for special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, whose units have been undermanned and now get an influx of talent.
Sterns said waiting until the draftap third day was “frustrating,” but looks forward to learning from Simmons.
“I look up to Justin Simmons and I watch his film all the time,” Sterns said. “To be able to learn from him is going to mean a lot. He has a lot of range and is versatile as well.”
Sterns was still available early on Day 3 despite running the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds at his Pro Day.
The Broncos next added Johnson, whose 2020 highlight was two interceptions at Ohio State. He is also a fan of Simmons.
“He’s one of my favorites,” Johnson said. “I’m just going to get there and learn from those (veterans) as much as I can.”
Williams on Surtain. The Broncos drafted Auburn receiver Seth Williams in the sixth round at No. 219 overall, and in his initial meeting with Denver media, he opined on first round cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Williams describes his now-teammate as “a big, physical corner out there.”
“He likes to get his hands on you and he can run, even though he has a big body, too,” Williams said.
Vincent praises Jeudy. With an eye toward his special teams ability and knowledge covering slot receiver, the Broncos used the 237th pick (seventh round) on LSU cornerback Kary Vincent.
Vincent was asked about facing Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy in college.
“Everybody always asks me who’s the best receiver I’ve guarded going through my college career; I told them all, ‘Jerry Jeudy,’” Vincent said. “He’s just one of those (talented) guys, and I’m already looking forward to practicing against him and to making each other better.”
Injury updates. Broncos coach Vic Fangio said receiver Courtland Sutton is doing well in his ACL rehabilitation and the expectation is he will be ready for training camp.
Sutton’s injury happened in September, followed by ACL tears for tight end Albert Okwuegbunam in November and cornerback Essang Bassey in December.
Fangio said Okwuegbunam and Bassey “probably not full-speed right off the bat (in training camp). But they’re both doing really, really good. I don’t expect them to be totally cut lose and free. They’ll have to be managed.”
