Spiritguy
03-17-2010, 10:18 AM
For all the stability in the Broncos' defense in 2009 — they had the same 11 starters in 10 games — they never quite got settled at the nickel cornerback spot.
And despite two young corners on the roster, Alphonso Smith and Tony Carter, the Broncos showed they want more competition at the position when they signed free agent Nate Jones, a seven-year veteran previously with the Dolphins.
Smith, Carter, veteran Ty Law and Jack Williams, released when Law signed in November, all saw time as the Broncos' fifth defensive back.
"I guess they feel they have some needs somewhere that I can help them with, so that's why I'm here," said Jones, who signed this month. "I think they like my versatility, being able to do a lot of things in the secondary, corner, nickel, safety, whatever it is. I'm just looking to be an unselfish player and get in where I fit in."
Jones said he spoke to former Dolphins defensive backs Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill about the Broncos. Goodman and Hill signed here as free agents a year ago to become part of the Broncos' revamped secondary, along with safety Brian Dawkins.
Jones said he expects to compete for the nickel spot and contribute on special teams.
"This is a talented, talented secondary, and the statistics show it. They did well last year. I think it's a privilege to come here, and I think I'll learn a lot," Jones said. "There are no shoo-ins here, or on any team. But the opportunity is there."
link (http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14688886?source=rss)
And despite two young corners on the roster, Alphonso Smith and Tony Carter, the Broncos showed they want more competition at the position when they signed free agent Nate Jones, a seven-year veteran previously with the Dolphins.
Smith, Carter, veteran Ty Law and Jack Williams, released when Law signed in November, all saw time as the Broncos' fifth defensive back.
"I guess they feel they have some needs somewhere that I can help them with, so that's why I'm here," said Jones, who signed this month. "I think they like my versatility, being able to do a lot of things in the secondary, corner, nickel, safety, whatever it is. I'm just looking to be an unselfish player and get in where I fit in."
Jones said he spoke to former Dolphins defensive backs Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill about the Broncos. Goodman and Hill signed here as free agents a year ago to become part of the Broncos' revamped secondary, along with safety Brian Dawkins.
Jones said he expects to compete for the nickel spot and contribute on special teams.
"This is a talented, talented secondary, and the statistics show it. They did well last year. I think it's a privilege to come here, and I think I'll learn a lot," Jones said. "There are no shoo-ins here, or on any team. But the opportunity is there."
link (http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14688886?source=rss)