The Denver Broncos held a workout on Wednesday with veteran free-agent safety Taylor Rapp, according to media reports.
It’s unclear whether Rapp was offered a contract following his visit while the Broncos prepare for Friday’s preseason opener against the Falcons.
A second-round draft pick in 2019, Rapp has recorded 488 total tackles, 31 pass deflections, 12 interceptions, and two forced fumbles across 93 career appearances — 57 with the Los Angeles Rams and 36 with the Buffalo Bills, who released him in March. He also started 72 games.
The 28-year-old has not played a full regular season since the 2021 campaign due to a variety of injuries, most recently a knee issue that helped catalyze his departure from Buffalo.
Rapp was a decorated collegian at Washington, earning Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2016 as well as first-team All-Pac-12 selections in 2017 and 2018.
“Versatile three-year starter who combines tenacity with football intelligence to play at a consistently high level,” reads his pre-draft scouting report. “Rapp isn’t big, but he’s well-built and durability hasn’t been a concern despite his physical nature as a striker. He played all over the field this year and might be best-suited in a mix between down safety and two-high looks with the ability to cover tight ends. His coverage talent is average, but his run support effort and open-field tackling are clearly defined strengths that make him a relatively safe selection.”
While it’s not unusual for teams to churn their rosters during training camp — Denver recently executed a pair of transactions — this might be read as a bit of an indictment on the incumbent safety corps, especially the backups.
The Broncos are set atop the depth chart with Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones, but they may not like what they see from the likes of Tycen Anderson, Miles Scott, JL Skinner, and Parker Robertson.
There aren’t any glaring injuries that would’ve prompted Rapp’s visit, suggesting the club believes it can improve its talent level at the position. (This, however, assumes Rapp is eventually signed.)
Perhaps the Broncos are merely doing due diligence; perhaps they’re waiting until after Friday’s preseason opener to re-assess the situation.
The aforementioned reserves will have an extended chance to acquit themselves with the starters only prepared to play about 15 snaps. If they don’t, Rapp could be the next newest Bronco.
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