To find the last time the Denver Broncos took a safety in the first round of the NFL draft, you have to go back to 1989.
Of course, the late Dan Reeves’ close examination of Arkansas’ Steve Atwater was crucial, as the elusive safety led to a Hall of Fame career and led the Broncos to back-to-back World Series championships. Late 1990s. Despite the impressive impact of the last safety in the first round, don’t expect the Broncos to target that spot with the No. 12 in the 2024 draft. The Broncos have so many other big needs, but we’ve got this one covered. This is your opportunity to determine a safe position for subsequent rounds.
There is currently uncertainty surrounding the future of startup duo Justin Simmons and P.J. For Locke, who will be an unrestricted free agent, finding another safety gem would waste valuable capital in Denver.Enter Kaden Stearns. The Broncos drafted Stearns in the fifth round out of Texas in 2021. With Stearns emerging, it felt like the team could move on from veteran Kareem Jackson for a long time.
Unfortunately, the 24-year-old Stearns suffered two torn hamstrings in the season opener.After missing most of the 2022 campaign with a hip injury, Stearns spent more time watching the Broncos than playing, which hurt his career momentum. Stearns’ long time on the field and in the gym was a major disappointment.
