JL

Skinner

The Broncos have rattled off three straight wins against the Packers, Chiefs, and Bills and now look to knock off another top opponent in the Vikings, winners of five straight themselves. It appears to be all hands on deck for the Week 11 tilt.

The two-time All-Mountain West performer accrued 157 tackles, 15 PBU, six interceptions, and a solid 82.1 PFF coverage grade over the last two seasons. Almost shockingly tall for the safety position, Skinner (6’4/209) is a full inch taller than Quentin Johnston with 32” arms that helped him hold opponents to a microscopic 40.1 NFL passer rating when targeted in 2022. His long, loping strides help him to cover ground and stay with tight ends, though he’s probably not going to be cut out for mirroring NFL slot receivers. A pec injury caused him to miss the pre-draft testing process, but on tape he displays a taste for physicality with Skinner lined up in the box on 54% of his snaps last year. He profiles an enforcer with plus range and tight hips that will likely keep him from working the slot too often. Proven special teams value will help Skinner provide value in multiple facets of the game while he develops into a defensive backfield contributor.

If Skinner (6'4"/218) had decided to declare for the NFL this year, he would have been one of the top safety prospects in the draft. With one more year in College Football, he’ll be at the top of every team’s list that’s looking to improve their secondary in 2023. Skinner finished the season with the four-most solo tackles by a safety along with seven tackles for a loss and two interceptions.