The Denver Broncos have big expectations for cornerback Bryce Callahan.
After a breakout season with the Bears, the 27-year-old cornerback signed a three-year, $21 million contract in the offseason, opting to follow Vic Fangio from Chicago to the Mile High City.
Essentially Bradley Roby’s replacement, Callahan will presumably line up opposite of Chris Harris Jr. in Denver’s secondary and provides the Broncos with another elite defensive back in the secondary. In 2018, Callahan recorded 45 total tackles, two sacks and intercepted two passes as well.
“He has really good speed, change of direction, balance, excellent ball skills – a really, really good leaper,” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said of Callahan on Thursday.
More than his skills on the field, which are certainly impressive, the staff also values Callahan for his brain, though. According to Donatell, Callahan is able to process information on the field extremely quickly. And due to his familiarity with the system, Callahan is essentially serving as an extension of the first-year coaching staff.
“We want him to help other players,” Donatell said. “We’ve been teaching him for four years now, so he’ll help the other guys and he’ll answer questions.”
Fangio matched those sentiments, stating that if players are smart they will rely on Callahan because he already knows what the staff is doing.
Donatell explained that with Callahan able to serve as a mentor and/or reference guide for some of the other guys on the field, the coaches can then focus on evaluating some of the other players in the secondary.
As the team continues to find its identity, this resource may prove to be invaluable for guys like Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson – both of which are being closely evaluated by the staff.
“There’s really not a lot of clarity there right now,” Fangio said of the safety position.
No matter who ends up starting in the secondary, it’s evident that the Broncos have high hopes for this group, though. For the first time in a few years, Denver has depth on the field and experienced coaches to put them in the right schemes. Only time will tell if they’re able to put it all together and return to the postseason.
