The Broncos have a good combination of veterans and young players in their locker room. A pair of young defensive backs have stood out coming up big at times making a promising future for themselves. Safety Quinton Carter and cornerback Chris Harris were former Big 12 rivals and should improve themselves and the Broncos defense this coming year.
They came into the league without an offseason, but did have help from veterans Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. With those two leading the secondary they helped the Broncos defense only allow opposing offenses to convert under 34% of their third-down conversions.
Chris Harris, undrafted from Kansas, had a nice rookie year totaling 72 tackles with an interception against the Raiders in a 38-24 victory. He started the first game of his career in Week 13 against Minnesota helping the Broncos get a huge 35-32 win.
Quinton Carter,drafted out of Oklahoma in the fourth round, had a good year as a replacement for Rahim Moore who disappointed many his rookie year. He started in 10 games putting up 56 tackles and a sack. In the playoffs Carter made his presence felt as he picked off Ben Roethlisberger that put Denver in an easy situation to score which led to a field goal by Matt Prater that extended the score to 17-6 over Pittsburgh at the time. In the divisional playoff round Carter intercepted Brady capping off a nice season for the rookie.
The veterans in Bailey, Florence, and Porter have been mentoring the young guys, and Carter and Harris have done all they can to keep all the information in their heads. Both players have taken their challenges on well and be part of Del Rio's defense this year.
"I think the group is pretty good," Del Rio said. "We've got a good group of vets that are doing their best to share some of the knowledge that they've gathered over the years. I think he does take some time -- most of the guys do -- but Drayton in particular, Champ, those guys have been really good about giving some insight to some of the younger players, helping them grow."
Head coach John Fox believes the offseason workout will benefit the two players greatly which can make them into consistent contributors on the defense.
"The second time around, their sophomore season, they feel way more comfortable," Fox said. "Again, you have to develop a pro body. This game is twice as long as the college game when you figure in the preseason as well as the playoffs. It takes a while. They are much further along and much more comfortable the second time around."
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