CB Nolan Carroll could be cheaper option than Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for Broncos

CBS Sports NFL writer Jason LaCanfora reported on Sunday afternoon that Miami Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll was drawing interest from a number of teams.

Dolphins CB Nolan Carroll getting a lot of interest. Had one of best completion % in NFL; his advanced stats very similar to Sam Shields

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2014

As La Canfora mentioned in the tweet, Carroll has similar advanced stats to Sam Shields, who just signed a lucrative contract to remain in Green Bay. While the Broncos appear to still have their priorities set on bringing back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at corner, that may be a little more pricey than they'd like following the signing of Shields. Nolan Carroll may be a name for the Broncos to keep in mind, if they choose to look for a cheaper alternative to DRC, or simply wish to add another corner after coming to terms with Rodgers-Cromartie.

Carroll's advanced coverage numbers in 2013 were indeed rather impressive, and he has been incredibly consistent throughout the past three seasons. In 451 coverage snaps, the fourth year corner allowed just 43 receptions, or 10.5 coverage snaps per reception. To provide some context to that, Chris Harris allowed a reception every 11.6 coverage snaps, while DRC was third in the entire league, allowing a reception every 15.7 coverage snaps (advanced stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus).

By the numbers

Opposing QBs enjoyed a 65.0 passer rating when targeting Nolan Carroll, 65.0 rating when targeting Chris Harris Jr., and 67.8 when targeting Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Opposing quarterbacks did not fare well when throwing at Carroll, with just a 65.0 quarterback rating when targeting receivers who were covered by the Dolphins corner. This number is identical to the rating that opposing QBs had when throwing at Chris Harris; DRC registered a 67.8 QBR against in 2013.

While there are no reports of the Broncos contacting Carroll, La Canfora mentioned that he is receiving interest from a number of teams. The only team directly tied to the corner as of yet is the Vikings, as reported by Chris Tomasson of Pioneer Press. Although they have not contacted him yet, Carroll should be a player that Elway and the Broncos at least take a look at and gauge the price of the young corner.

What do you think Broncos Country, does Carroll sound like a fit for Denver? Who else might be a target of Elway's in the CB market?