ESPN poll of top NFL brass ranks Justin Simmons as league’s best safety
Jul 9, 2022, 3:00 PM
Do the Denver Broncos have the best safety in the NFL?
According to an ESPN poll released on Saturday morning they do.
Justin Simmons was ranked No. 1 in the NFL by voters that included “more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players.”
Simmons, 28, was ranked as high as No. 1 (obviously) and as low as No. 8 on all of the ballots. He finished No. 2 in the survey before last season. Rounding out the top-5 were Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers), Kevin Byard (Tennessee Titans), Derwin James Jr. (Los Angeles Chargers) and Budda Baker (Arizona Cardinals).
The second-team All-Pro in 2021 had five interceptions (tied for the league-lead among safeties) and 12 passes defended (tied second among safeties) a season ago.
“He can play deep in coverage, helps with the run and he can cover in man coverage on a tight end or a running back,” an AFC scout told ESPN. “He’s got the ideal range and size to handle everything.”
Simmons’ 53.5 disrupted dropbacks (interceptions, pass breakups, sacks) over the past three seasons led all NFL safeties during that time.
“If you’re judging safety play by who’s the most complete and checks the most boxes, he’s that guy for me,” an AFC defensive coach told ESPN.
Simmons and the Denver defense will obviously have to be great for the Broncos to reach their goals in 2022, but they finally have some help on offense with the addition of QB Russell Wilson. It’s an exciting time to be a Broncos fan, and Simmons is a huge reason why.
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