ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --The Quentin Jammer the Broncos signed Wednesday isn't the same player that was a first-round pick of the Chargers 11 years ago. But the Broncos' depth is such that he doesn't have to be.
It's unlikely he'll dislodge any of the top three cornerbacks -- Champ Bailey, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie or Chris Harris -- from their positions. Bailey's coverage skills have remained at an elite level for longer, Rodgers-Cromartie has more range in coverage and Harris' skill set is ideal for playing as the slot cornerback, although he proved last year that he is also effective outside at right cornerback.
But Jammer's size means he could be in the Broncos' plans in their dime package. He becomes fifth of the Broncos' nine cornerbacks to measure at six feet or above, and at 200 pounds, he weighs more than all but one cornerback (rookie Aaron Hester). Only two of the Broncos' five returning safeties are heavier than Jammer.
Jammer could be an asset covering tight ends. In 2012, the Broncos often used a safety as the sixth defensive back last year -- usually Jim Leonhard, who signed with the Saints, or David Bruton, who at 217 pounds is the Broncos' heaviest defensive back.
But there are no guarantees for Jammer as he arrives in Denver. The Broncos' defensive back corps is among the deepest in the league, and now their depth beyond the top five includes two players who have been first-teamers recently -- Jammer and safety Quinton Carter, a starter in 2011. Bruton has started two playoff games. Cornerback Tony Carter, who currently appears to be the fourth cornerback, was a No. 3 cornerback last year and played frequently, and two mid-round draft picks the last two years -- fourth-rounder Omar Bolden in 2012 and third-rounder Kayvon Webster last month -- also figure into the mix.
If the Broncos' secondary stays healthy through training camp, someone of note will not be on the 53-man roster, as it seems unlikely -- and fairly unprecedented -- for seven cornerbacks to make the post-camp 53. But with Jammer in the mix, whoever survives will have made it through a scrum that could be the most competitive on the roster -- and perhaps one of the most competitive anywhere in the league.
