Clayton: Broncos have tough decision to make at slot CB

Along with sorting out rebuilding a young linebacking corps, the Denver Broncos have to figure out what the do at cornerback.

Bryce Callahan went on injured reserve, taking away one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league. The last thing you would think the Broncos would have is any worries in the secondary. With the signings of Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller and the drafting of Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos and the league felt they have the best secondary in football.

Now there are questions.

What are the options for Vic Fangio?

“Nate Hairston is (a candidate),” Fangio said. “We are going to take a look at Kyle Fuller in there. Those are the two main options. In a pinch, Pat Surtain can go back in there.”

You get the feeling they aren’t going to put Fuller on the outside after he got benched for giving up big plays. It could come down to Fuller and Hairston.

Hairston played in the later part of the fourth quarter of the Washington game last week.

“He was ready to go,” Fangio said. “There it is. You are in the middle of the fourth quarter of a tight ball game and you have to go. It was at the point in time where they were throwing it a lot. He came through, and I was pleased with his play.”

If Fuller doesn’t get in the mix, he will go down as one of the worst signings this offseason. A Hairston decision will continue to make this defense younger.