Here's how special teams helped determine the Denver Broncos' first 53-man roster of 2021

In March, Mike Boone was signed primarily for his role on special teams. Although his decisive cuts and speed allow him to be an effective running back on offense, it was his work on coverage and protection units that tilted the scales toward him.

On May 1, when Broncos general manager George Paton met the media after completing the draft, he said that the team emphasized special teams on Day 3. So profound was this that Paton noted that the team “targeted players that he liked” in the search for core special teasers.

“We realize we lacked in special teams last year. We need guys who can cover and block and take pride in special teams,” Paton said on May 1. “All of these players that we drafted will hopefully take special teams seriously. It’s a big part of our game, obviously.”

Thus, the construction of the back end of the Broncos’ roster at the 53-man deadline shouldn’t have been a surprise.

Nor should the fact that Paton said the words “special teams” 11 times in his question-and-answer session with local media on Tuesday.

“You want to take care of your offense, you want to take care of your defense,” Paton said, “but special teams, you really have to take care of them.”

That started with the trade for 49ers linebacker Jonas Griffith, which came together after the Broncos analyzed his preseason work.

“What really stuck out from him watching the preseason tape was his special-teams play,” Paton said. “This kid’s 6-3, he can run, he can fly, he’s really going to help our special teams, and I think we need help on special teams.

And while seventh-round outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper’s splash plays this summer have come in the pass rush — particularly in the second preseason game at Seattle — it was his work in the third phase that allowed him to win the race for a roster spot.

“He’s just a playmaker, and we’re very fortunate to have him, he’s going to help us on special teams, and he’ll help us on defense,” Paton said.

And two Day 3 picks who made the 53-man roster — safety Jamar Johnson and cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. — well, you know the drill.

Johnson “got better on special teams,” Paton said, adding, “he still needs to improve.”

As for Vincent, “He needs to improve on (special) teams,” Paton noted.

That can be said for the entire unit — especially after it allowed a second long kickoff return in as many weeks last Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.

“We’ve got to make it better. We’ve got to find the players. We’ve got to get the players that we keep covering kicks better, and if not, we’ve got to find players that will,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said. “And, obviously, we need to do a good job of coaching it, too.”

The unit also needs leadership. With the offseason departure of linebacker Joe Jones — who was released by Tampa Bay this week — new leaders beyond the kicking specialists must emerge.

When asked last week about whether any leaders had emerged, McMahon replied, “None yet.”

“Leaders produce, you know what I’m saying?” McMahon continued. “From a coverage standpoint, you have to go down and tackle, then you get a voice. There’s no voice yet. They haven’t earned it.”

Tight ends Andrew Beck and Eric Saubert are potential leaders. But as for the young core of players on the unit …

“Right now, none of those young guys have a voice,” McMahon said. “They haven’t made enough plays yet.”

The Broncos hope the moves they made Tuesday can help them find the players worthy of having a voice to lead. And if they don’t, they’ll likely keep on churning that part of the roster until they land on the right mix.

Said Paton: “Special teams, you’re going to see on this roster, is going to be of big importance.”