Champ Bailey is the obvious starter. He is one of the all time greats at his position. He is still very good and a top flight corner. He had a bad game against Baltimore, but that was probably the only one of the season. I would not be surprised if he plays some safety on third downs in order to maximize his ball hawking skills.
Chris Harris, who surprised everyone two years ago, starter to start when Tracy Porter went down with an injury. When Porter came back, Harris held onto the starting spot. He is very talented, he stays on top of his man and is a very good tackler. He was thought of as a guy who could only play nickel corner, but that notion was stomped when he played the outside very well when he starter. However, when they went into the nickel package, he slid back into the 3rd corner spot because that is where he is best. He is likely to start again, but I expect him to slide back to the nickel spot when the package comes in.
In free agency, the Broncos picked up Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. I think he will play a big role in the defense. He has a lot of talent, but has not been able to put it all together yet. He has blinding speed, but he needs to learn how to cover better one on one. He will have to battle for playing time, but I think his raw talent will be enough for him. If he could develop a little more and learn from Champ Bailey, then the entire league should be on the lookout for him. I think the best part about him is that he is on a one year "prove it" deal. That should bring the best out of him.
Tony Carter immediately took over for Tracy Porter when he was injured and he had a couple of really good games, the first San Diego game comes to mind. He then did not play so well and was replaced in the starting lineup by Chris Harris. He still came in and played outside corner in nickel situations, which was quite a lot. He is skinny and fast, but not a good tackler. He is a decent ball hawk. Overall, I don't think he is starter quality, but he could be great in the right spot.
Omar Bolden was drafted in the 4th round of the 2012 draft, but it does not seem like the front office or coaching staff was enamored with him because they drafted Kayvon Webster in the 3rd round of this years draft. Bolden did not get a lot of playing time and I was not particularly impressed with what he brought in the pre season. He seemed slow and did not have good ball skills. Webster is very fast and Elway, in particular, was impressed with his coverage skills. These two will be fighting for a roster spot come training camp.
Mario Butler and Aaron Hester are likely not to make the team this season. Butler was on the practice squad last season and that is probably the best he can hope for this season. The same goes with Hester. They both might also not make the team at all. They are very raw and are likely not going to develop in tome for the season.
Champ and Harris are locks to make the team. Almost, any combination of players can make up the other three on the roster. I am guessing it will be Carter, Rodgers-Cromartie and Webster. There is a reason the Broncos drafted Webster right after they drafted Bolden the year before, they must see something in him that they do not like. However, he could land on the practice squad if he cleared waivers. Don't be surprised if Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the final cuts. The Broncos did it to Drayton Florence last season. If he does not show up to play and his work ethic is not up to snuff, Fox and Elway will not blink an eye before they cut him. I think the Broncos have one of the best corner crews in the league. Champ is one of the best ever, while Harris might be one of the most underrated corners in the league. Carter can play well at times and Webster has loads of potential. It will be fun to watch this group work next season. Although they kept five corners last season, it is a real possibility that they keep six this season in order to be able to hang onto Omar Boldin
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