ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Bradley Roby has never been a typical backup. He has a Super Bowl ring while appearing in 623 snaps—58 percent of the defensive snaps that season. He’s a former first rounder who ran a 4.3 from a blue-chip program, and now he’s getting paid like a starter, making more than $8 million this season.

He’s also in a contract year and will be a regular starter for the first time in his NFL career. More importantly, he’s taking over for Aqib Talib who was one of the Denver Broncos best defenders and one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks since his arrival in the Mile High City back in 2014. 

This is a big year for Roby no matter how you look at it and the early signs in training camp are encouraging as he’s taking his game to the next level and standing out against a much-improved Broncos passing game.

“He’s doing really well,” assessed defensive coordinator Joe Woods. “He is a very talented player, but right now I see that there’s more focus. His technique is cleaner. He’s playing with better pad level. You see him out here every day. Him and Emmanuel [Sanders] calling each other out. Then he’s going against one of the best in the league every day in practice, but I’m really pleased with where he’s at right now.”

Woods feelings have been echoed from all that have seen him so far in camp, from the media to coaches and teammates. Roby’s looked sharp early on, seemingly ready for that big next step Denver needs him to take if he’s to seamlessly replace Talib’s presence on the field.

Significant improvement from the Ohio State product would be noteworthy, as he’s always been a top 20 player at his position—he was 22nd per PFF last season. His numbers a season ago—per BSN Analytics—would concur with that, as Roby allowed receptions on just 52 percent of his targets, despite being the most targeted defensive back on the team—Talib allowed 49 percent.

On those targets (85), Roby allowed 529 yards, only 16 more yards than Chris Harris Jr., and four touchdowns, the same number of scores that Talib allowed.

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Taking the next step could vault Roby in not just being Talib’s rightful heir, but in becoming one of the NFL’s elite players at a premium position in the pass-heavy modern game.

So then, what does he need to improve on to become that elite talent?

“Just eliminate all of the distractions,” explained Roby. “Just staying locked in on what I need to do, the things I need to do to get better. That’s really it. Football 24/7—that’s all I think about. That’s all that’s on my mind. That’s what’s been the biggest thing this offseason and all of the other ones. I’m always going to focus on football.”

Of course, the trap in all this is trying to do too much for a player who already put up one interception, 17 passes deflected and a huge forced fumble in his one start against the Miami Dolphins when Talib was suspended back in 2017. 

“I told Bradley, ‘I don’t want to judge you on how many plays you make,” explained head coach Vance Joseph. “You’re judged on how many you give up.’ That’s what I want from our corners. If you’re in a good position, you’ll make enough plays, but don’t cheat. Don’t gamble to make plays, because that’s not what winning is about, that’s about you. He’s doing a good job playing within the scheme, playing good technique and not worrying about making every play, but just doing his job. That’s cornerback play in this league.”

Playing within yourself and eliminating big plays is certainly something No. 29 will need to eliminate to take that next step, especially now that he won’t be the defensive back opposing offenses target the most as they tried to avoid targeting Harris or Talib.

“I’m always going to make plays. That’s how I’ve always been when I play football,” explained Roby. “I’ve always been out there scoring touchdowns, forcing fumbles, getting picks, stuff like that. I know that’s going to come. I just also have to know not to try too hard or try to do things that are not in my job to get those things done. If you just do your job and stay where you’re supposed to be, then they’ll come.”

If all signs are correct and Roby’s truly ready to take his game to another level, the sky’s the limit for one of the Broncos’ most important defensive pieces going into the 2018 season.

When given a chance, like in the Dolphins game, Roby’s always stepped up his game; the big question is if he can do that consistently for 16 games. With explosive offenses in the AFC West and a slew of bigger receivers like Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, and the Chiefs’ new addition Sammy Watkins, the Broncos 2014 first rounder will be essential for the defense to keep their high standards.

Time will tell, but the early returns are very promising. If Roby can achieve his full-potential, Talib’s on-field swagger will soon be forgotten.