What can we expect from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in 2013?
Harrison: AFC summer subplots
Summer is upon us, but there's still plenty to ponder. Elliot Harrison provides a burning question for each AFC team. **More ...**
He had moments with the Arizona Cardinals when he looked like a legitimate No. 1 cornerback. Things went south during an extremely uneven run with the Philadelphia Eagles. Naturally gifted, the contrast in his play was stark.
Will another fresh start, this time with the Denver Broncos, do the trick? Rodgers-Cromartie cancelled his scheduled free-agent visits with other teams after the Broncos critiqued his game during their meeting.
"They told me about my flaws. Nobody had done that, and it impressed me," Rodgers-Cromartie said Friday, according to the Bradenton Herald. "They told me what I needed to work and how they would get me better instead of telling me about what I could do."
The Broncos plan to play to Rodgers-Cromartie's strengths, using him in more man coverage on the outside. He received special praise for his work this offseason.
"He is one of the best I've seen, who can recover after he gets beat because his hips are so fast," Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas said. "He is like Champ (Bailey). Going against both of those guys every day in practice is a real battle. They both are the best."
Motivation won't be a problem for Rodgers-Cromartie, who's still just 27 and in line for a big contract if he can prove himself to be a high-level performer. He's exactly the type of player the Broncos can afford to take a chance on right now.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
