Only one Broncos player among ESPN’s top 100 in 2021
Aug 31, 2021, 5:45 AM
If ESPN’s predictions on the NFL’s top 100 players for this upcoming season are any indication, it’s going to be a long 2021 campaign for the Denver Broncos.
Not only did three Kansas City Chiefs — Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce — land in the top 10, but also the lone Broncos player on the list was safety Justin Simmons at No. 59.
“Simmons can do everything, from covering, to playing the run, to being a leader on his team,” writes ESPN Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold.
ESPN predicts roughly 96 tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble from Simmons in 2021, which is about on par with his career averages in each category.
During a press conference earlier this offseason announcing Simmons’ four-year extension, Broncos general manager George Paton touted the Pro Bowl safety as among the best in the league at his position.
“It’s a space and cover league. No one can play in space and cover as good as Justin at safety in the NFL,” Paton said. “It’s such a passing league, and his ability to play the run, play in space, blitz and cover a tight end — it’s huge to have that on your football team.”
At No. 92, Simmons made the list ahead of the 2020 season as well, along with pass rusher Von Miller at No. 46. Incidentally, the list published a week before Miller’s season-ending ankle injury.
Simmons also graced the NFL Top 100, as compiled by NFL Network, along with Bradley Chubb (No. 40) and Garett Bolles (No. 82).
