Denver Broncos' DB coach could unlock youth revolution in secondary

The Denver Broncos are not expected to boast one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2024, at least according to national platforms that have the roster ranked among the league’s worst. But the team is shutting out that noise; it believes it can surprise people, especially pundits who never moved past takes generated after the Miami Dolphins hung 70 on Denver last fall.

If the Broncos are able to surprise people this season, a young secondary that takes a big step forward could be a major reason. Obviously the Broncos have arguably the best cornerback in the league in Pat Surtain II, but outside of his elite play there are a lot of question marks in the defensive backfield.

Enter former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Leonhard is considered one of the best offseason pickups the Broncos made in 2024, and his hiring as defensive backs coach should help fans who were justifiably upset about the loss of Christian Parker from the staff.

Leonhard has quite a bit of young talent to work with, and the Broncos are hoping he can coach up his players into an above-average unit. The second corner position is wide open, with second-year player Riley Moss rotating with veteran Levi Wallace and the Broncos 2022 fourth-round pick Damarri Mathis as they all compete to win the job.

Safety is also a spot where the Broncos are seeing lots of young competition. Caden Sterns is being eased back into the rotation, after sustaining a torn patellar tendon in his knee in Week 1 last year. P.J. Locke will see plenty of playing time, and 2023 draft pick J.L. Skinner is trying to earn a place on the field.

The Broncos already have a star in the making in slot corner Ja’Quan McMillian, and 2024 draftee Kris Abrams-Draine is turning heads early in training camp as well. At 5'11, Abrams-Draine could have inside-outside versatility at corner. After a good day of practice Monday, head coach Sean Payton singled out Abrams-Draine for praise.

Leonhard has plenty of options if he wants to start a youth movement in the Broncos’ secondary, and his reputation as a developer of talent will be a big asset to a team that is hoping to surprise people defensively in 2024.