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The Denver Broncos worked diligently to improve their defense this offseason. Their first three moves in free agency were all on the defensive side of the ball. Players like strong safety T.J. Ward, defensive end DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Aqib Talib have certainly upgraded the Broncos defense.

Another player who has helped the team look better defensively is rookie cornerback Bradley Roby.

A star at Ohio State because of his speed and ability to change direction on a dime, the Broncos liked what they saw on film so much they committed a first-round pick to secure Roby’s services.

Roby immediately faced an uphill battle when selected by the Broncos. He started training camp battling second-year corner Kayvon Webster for the nickel job with the Broncos. Webster received plenty of experience as a rookie in 2013, but his edge was not enough to keep Roby from the spotlight.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio likes the progress he’s seen in Roby’s game.

“I think it’s been gradual and I think it will continue. He’s been very solid in terms of coming in and working hard. There is so much to learn at that position, such a challenging position, in particular with the way things are called nowadays, what you can and cannot do going from the college game to our game."

Del Rio continued, "I think he’s done a nice job working hard and fitting into the secondary and playing a variety of roles for us. He played inside, played outside, made some big stops throughout the year. There are some things he’s got to get better at that he will get better at. So it’s been a good start for him for the first half of the year.”

Tested Early

It didn’t take long for Roby to be tested in the regular season. In fact, in the Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts the rookie was targeted multiple times—including on the final play for the Colts.

Trailing 31-24 late in the fourth quarter on a 4th-and-6 play, Andrew Luck targeted veteran Reggie Wayne who was covered by Roby. As this picture shows, Wayne uses a lateral move to get release at the line of scrimmage. At the top of the route tree, Wayne makes a “jerk” move in attempt to get open.

NFL.com - Game Rewind

This picture shows Roby using his speed to close quickly on the ball—not commit a pass-interference penalty—and knock away the pass. This play ended the Colts' final chance to at least try and tie the game to force overtime.

NFL.com - Game Rewind

In the game against the Colts, Roby had seven tackles (all solo), one fumble recovery and three pass breakups.

Roby takes a lot of pride in being a good tackler.

“I just want to do my job. If a guy comes in my area, I want to get him down. I’m not going to take pride in missing tackles, I don’t want to be known for that. I just like to play football, so it comes with it.”

Tested Often

With Chris Harris and Aqib Talib in the defensive backfield, Roby is continuing to see his fair share of targets. Quarterbacks must feel more comfortable going after the rookie than they do targeting either one of the veteran stars on the outside.

The Broncos defense struggled in Week 11 against the St. Louis Rams. Roby was not immune to those struggles.

This picture shows the play he was burned on by wide receiver Kenny Britt for a 63-yard touchdown. Roby initially shows press coverage, but as the snap draws nearer he backs off to give Britt a cushion of about 10 yards. Britt effortlessly speeds by Roby as the rookie corner fails to recognize he has no safety help over the top.

NFL.com - Game Rewind

Here we see Roby leaping to grab Britt but to no avail.

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Roby now feels more comfortable compared to his first game in the NFL.

“I’m more comfortable with the defense, picking things up. I’m kind of in a rhythm on how to prepare each week, how to prepare for different receivers and things like that. I think I’m a lot better. I think I have a ways to go. I’m still working on it. From the first game though I’m way ahead where I was. Each week I just try to get better.”

Comparison to other Rookie Corners

First-Round Cornerbacks in 2014 Pick Player College Team 8 Justin Gilbert Oklahoma State Cleveland Browns 14 Kyle Fuller Virginia Tech Chicago Bears 24 Darqueze Dennard Michigan State Cincinnati Bengals 25 Jason Verrett TCU San Diego Chargers 31 Bradley Roby Ohio State Denver Broncos Pro-Football-Reference.com

This next table shows the stats compiled by all the cornerbacks selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. As you can see, Roby measures up favorably to the other rookies. In fact, Roby is the leader in almost every category.

Rookie Cornerback Stats 2014 Player Snaps Tackles Int Sack FF/FR PBU Bradley Roby 487 41 2 1 0/1 6 Kyle Fuller 478 38 3 0 3/0 3 Justin Gilbert 256 23 0 0 0/0 5 Jason Verrett 207 19 1 0 0/0 3 Darqueze Dennard 46 6 0 1 1/0 1 ESPN Stats & Info

Summary

Roby has made some mistakes as a rookie—but he’s made plenty of big plays for the Broncos too.

Del Rio likes the young corner’s growth compared to the expectations that come with a first-round pick.

“He’s off to a good start, there is no denying that. One of the first things I did with him was talk about the talent of that room and the fact that he would have to work a certain way to have a chance and I didn’t want him to be frustrated come this time of year if he wasn’t playing.”

Del Rio explained, “We’ve got another, a fourth corner in Kayvon Webster, that is a really good football player. That is not to discount any of the other guys, but we’ve got a good group.” Del Rio concluded, “And he had to work hard in order to have a chance to even be considered in the rotation and he’s done a nice job and earned his way, and like I said, we’ve still got a long way to go and a lot of improving to do yet, but I like the way he’s started the year.”

Through the ups and downs of his rookie season, Roby has maintained his confidence. The Broncos have a quality scouting department, and they certainly have proven an eye for talent at the defensive back position. Whether it’s an undrafted free agent like Chris Harris or a first-round pick like Bradley Roby, the Broncos know what to look for in cornerbacks.

Roby has gotten off to a great start with the Broncos, and he has the upside to develop into a quality starting corner for years to come.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via email from the Denver Broncos unless otherwise noted. Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac.com. Transaction history provided by ProSportsTransactions.com.