The Denver Broncos were literally a stone’s throw away from advancing in the 2012 playoffs, but the secondary—primarily the corners—simply broke down which is where I also believe is the team’s biggest need.
Champ Bailey isn’t the same player he was a decade ago. While he is still a top 15 corner in the league, the 34 year old Bailey has certainly past his prime.
On the other side is the upcoming Chris Harris. Harris is certainly benefitting from Champ Bailey’s presence. From a fantasy standpoint, Harris ranked out as the 51st DB in IDP, 2012.
The duo, however, were amoung the top ten in YPCS.
The moral here is the Broncos would be wise to find a solid corner prospect to learn from Champ and Harris NOW before the last leaf falls from the mighty oak.
That prospect could be Xavier Rhodes, FSU.
Rhodes is a very similar player to the old Champ Bailey. He’s fast, aggressive, fluid in his motions and is very football smart.
I believe if the Denver Broncos wait until the second or even third round, they won’t find the caliber of talent suitable to take over for the ageless Bailey.
Tony Carter and Omar Bolden are the other two corners for the Denver Broncos. Both of these players are expected to compete for a starting job in 2013, but neither really showed anything last season to suggest they’ll simply roll into camp and usurp Bailey and/or Harris.
Rhodes, on the other hand, can take a year or so learning from the master himself and eventually be THAT GUY who takes someone’s job.
The pick makes sense for Denver.
Next up will be the Kansas City Chiefs. Be sure to follow your team below.
| NFC North 2013 team Needs: | GREEN BAY PACKERS MINNESOTA VIKINGS CHICAGO BEARS DETROIT LIONS |
| NFC East 2013 Team Needs: | PHILADELPHIA EAGLES DALLAS COWBOYS WASHINGTON REDSKINS NEW YORK GIANTS |
| NFC South 2013 Team Needs: | ATLANTA FALCONS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS CAROLINA PANTHERS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS |
| NFC West 2013 Team Needs: | ST. LOUIS RAMS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ARIZONA CARDINALS SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS |
| AFC North 2013 Team Needs: | BALTIMORE RAVENS CINCINATTI BENGALS CLEVELAND BROWNS PITTSBURGH STEELERS |
| AFC East 2013 Team Needs: | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS NEW YORK JETS MIAMI DOLPHINS BUFFALO BILLS |
| AFC South 2013 Team Needs: | INDIANAPOLIS COLTS HOUSTON TEXANS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS TENNESSEE TITANS |
| AFC West 2013 Team Needs: | DENVER BRONCOS SAN DIEGO CHARGERS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS OAKLAND RAIDERS |
