Earlier in the week leading up to the NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos’ All-Pro cornerback Chris Harris Jr. boldly stated that the “No-Fly Zone” was still intact despite the recent losses to the Broncos’ secondary. After the departure of Aqib Talib, the Broncos were searching for depth at the cornerback position.
With their compensatory third-round pick, the Broncos selected Boston College cornerback Isaac Yiadom. Yiadom fits a similar mold to the Broncos’ third round selection last year: cornerback Brendan Langley. General Manager John Elway seems to think that the Broncos can continue to build off of their successful secondary with tall, rangy corners. That’s exactly what Yiadom brings to the team.
Yiadom was a consistent starting cornerback for Boston College, earning the starting role his sophomore year and never looking back. Yiadom challenged receivers of all speeds and sizes in college with a physical presence and can cover receivers in press coverage and zone coverage. Yiadom also contributed greatly to special teams, which makes him a valuable asset for the Broncos.
Yiadom might not contribute immediately his rookie season, as the Broncos have their starting cornerbacks in place with Harris Jr., former first round pick Bradley Roby and recently signed Tramaine Brock filling the spots for the starting secondary. However, Yiadom will provide the Broncos with a young, athletic depth option who could develop into a quality starting cornerback under the guidance of Harris and rest of the Broncos’ secondary.
With Talib’s departure, the “No-Fly Zone” might not ever truly be the same. But the Broncos are doing well to stockpile defensive backs to give their defense the depth it needs to be successful. Look for Yiadom to develop as a backup corner at first, while seeing extensive playing time on special teams.