What the signing of Taylor Rapp could mean for the Broncos

The Denver Broncos bolstered their roster on Thursday by signing veteran safety Taylor Rapp, a move that could prove significant for the team despite taking place late in the month of August. The Broncos are expected to field one of the NFL's strongest defenses this season, but the safety position behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones was in question.

The addition of Rapp, a former second-round pick who has been part of a Super Bowl-winning team, should provide the Broncos with a much-needed veteran presence in the secondary.

Rapp's signing helps address a situation where the Broncos were both young and inexperienced, with good special teams contributors like Devon Key, JL Skinner, and Tycen Anderson, but lacking in depth and stability. If an injury were to occur, such as the one that befell Jones last year, P.J. Locke stepped in and performed well, but Locke has since signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

Rapp's arrival provides the Broncos with an additional player to rely on in a crunch situation, known for his excellent ball skills and hard-hitting style.

The decision to sign Rapp will likely impact the roster, as the Broncos will have four or five safeties on their 53-man roster. This means that one of the previously mentioned safeties, such as Anderson, Skinner, or Key, may find themselves on the wrong side of the roster bubble. Miles Scott, a seventh-round pick, remains in contention as well but could potentially be placed on the practice squad.

While Rapp's signing comes after a premature season-ending knee injury in Buffalo, his recovery should be fully healed. This move could be a significant step towards achieving the Broncos' overall goals for the upcoming season.