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You read that right. All three of the Denver Broncos trio of cornerbacks made the NFL’s Top 10 list at the position. You don’t have to be a math wizard to know that it is a rare feat to land two, much less three, players at the same position on these kinds of lists.
Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. are nearly interchangeable as shutdown corners. While Talib is a playmaker and a game changer, Harris simply just shuts everything down that comes his way.
5) Aqib Talib, Denver Broncos (Last week's ranking: 5)
Next up: at Oakland Raiders, 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Although Talib didn't play last week with a back injury, I'm not going to shuffle him. Talib did not practice Wednesday, but hopefully he's back on the field Sunday, or he'll slip out of the top five.
6) Chris Harris Jr., Denver Broncos (Last week's ranking: 9)
Next up: at Oakland Raiders, 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
It was another solid performance by Harris last week, as he allowed two receptions for 49 yards on five targets and a passer rating of 76.3. I'm looking forward to the Broncos' Week 9 matchup against the Raiders in prime time. The biggest key for Harris (and Talib if he returns) against Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree will be his eyes. He can't get caught looking in the backfield or anticipating routes, because the Raiders' receiving duo loves doing double-moves.
The Broncos are truly blessed to have these two working it week in and week out. The wild card is third-year cornerback Bradley Roby who has an off game now and then. Last week against Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers he didn’t have anything close to an “off game”. He played out of his mind in place of the injured Talib.
10) Bradley Roby, Denver Broncos (Last week's ranking: NR)
Next up: at Oakland Raiders, 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
I've been saying it for a long time ... Roby can start on ANY team, and he proved it last week when Talib was out. He stepped up in a big way when he picked Philip Rivers and took it to the house. Roby reacted quickly when Chargers receiver Tyrell Williams bobbled and didn't secure the catch. Against the Chargers, Roby allowed two receptions for 34 yards on eight targets. His performance knocked Rhodes, who struggled to tackle Monday night, out of the top 10.
Cherish this unit, Broncos Country. You’ll likely never see one like it again.