There's no getting around cornerback being a gargantuan priority for new head coach/defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

Sure, the Broncos need a quarterback. But they need someone to defend quarterbacks, too.

Bleacher Report believes an ideal solution is shoring up the position via free agency, and the online media outlet floated Ronald Darby as a potential target. Columnist Maurice Moton points to Denver's thinning depth with star Chris Harris Jr. returning from injury and 2018 starters Bradley Roby and Tramaine Brock heading to the open market.

Via Moton:

Perhaps the Broncos will allow Bradley Roby, who experienced his ups and downs in coverage last season, to walk in free agency in favor of a proven starter on the perimeter. Rookie cornerback Isaac Yiadom took the field for just 263 defensive snaps during the 2018 term.

With Harris locked in as the primary slot defender, Ronald Darby can seal the outside. He's missed 15 games over the last two seasons in Philadelphia because of a dislocated ankle and torn ACL, but he's a solid cover man when available. His recent injuries may drop the asking price on the open market, and that bodes well for Denver (projected $37.7 million in cap space).

Still, the 25-year-old is in the prime of his career with a strong resume.

In 46 games, Darby has been a source of consistency in coverage, logging 54 pass breakups and six interceptions. Assuming Darby stays healthy, Denver would acquire a solid starter to strengthen the secondary after it allowed the 13th-most passing yards per game last season.

A 2015 second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills and former Florida State standout, Darby enters his fifth NFL season following two years and 17 appearances for the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished last season as Pro Football Focus' No. 39 CB among 112 qualifiers. Harris and Roby finished No. 3 and No. 97, respectively.

Darby, who just turned 25, can play man-press and zone coverages and would fit Fangio's system, which is now (informally) coordinated by Ed Donatell — formerly the Chicago Bears' secondary coach. Both are tasked with fixing a pass defense that plummeted to 12th-worst in the league, allowing 245.6 yards per game last season.

“I think it starts with our defensive philosophy and it starts with fundamentals," Donatell said on Jan. 24. "We like the players that are here and we’ll evaluate and see what needs to be added in. But Vic is going to start with fundamentals and details. He wants people to be accountable. One of the things he prides our teams on is being penalty-free. We want to be one of the lowest penalized teams because that can help us win. Again, it’s early in the process with the defensive backs. Our big thing is minimize explosion. Explosive plays turn into points and we want to minimize that.”

The Broncos are expected to be in the market for corner help, and Darby certainly could land on their shortlist. It's a weak free-agent class which also includes Kareem Jackson, Morris Claiborne, Brent Grimes and Jason McCourty. Lots of meh.

It's possible, too, that Denver uses its first-round draft pick (No. 10 overall) to address the spot, with Greedy Williams, Deandre Baker and Byron Murphy their top options.