The Denver Broncos have one of the National Football League’s best secondaries. Their starting safety duo of Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga should make an impact for their defense again in 2026. However, the ‘26 season is the last of Jones’ three-year contract and several other players on the backend are in the final year of their deals as well.
Safety isn’t an immediate pressing need for the Broncos. However, finding a developmental prospect with future starting potential is something I expect
them to consider given the aforementioned. One prospect to keep your eye on is fifth-year senior Bishop Fitzgerald, a former JUCO transfer that played two seasons with North Carolina State before finishing off his collegiate career with the USC Trojans in 2025.
If you’re a fan of safeties with ball-hawking traits and positional versatility, Fitzgerald should be someone high on your wish list. Let’s do a deep dive regarding his strengths and weaknesses, and why and when the Broncos should consider selection him in this year’s draft.
Player Profile: Bishop Fitzgerald — Safety — USC
Height: 5’11” | Weight: 201 pounds | Arm Length: 31-1/4” | Hand Size: 9-1/2” | Age: 22 Years Old
40-Yard Dash: 4.55 seconds | 10-Yard Split: 1.58 seconds | Vertical: 33” | Bench Press: 12 Reps
Statistics: 36 games played (26 games with NC State, 10 at USC), 148 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 10 interceptions, 14 passes defended.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Bigtime playmaker and ballhawk with 10 interceptions the past three seasons (5 in ‘25 at USC)
- Got better every year in the NCAA after transferring from JUCO
- Versatility shows on tape with Fitzgerald being able to play multiple spots in the secondary
- Sports quality click-and-close and play diagnosis ability defending against the pass
- Standout performer in zone looks and there is no doubt his prior experience as a QB helps with his coverage skills
- Allowed just a 52-percent completion percentage the past three seasons
- Does a great job with timing and competing for the ball at the catch point
- Willing and physical force against the run when utilized as a box safety
Negatives:
- Gambler’s mentality in the secondary can reap rewards, but in turn, also allow big plays (6 touchdowns allowed from ‘23 to ‘25)
- Aggressiveness downhill can result in over pursuit and poor angles in the run game
- May not have the requisite long speed and recovery ability to be deployed comfortably as a single-high option routinely in the pros
- Well-below average vertical poses some concerns having to matchup against bigger receivers and tight ends at the next level
- Missed three games in ‘25 with a knee injury
Hart’s Projection: Top 125 Selection — Early Day 3 Value
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Fitzgerald
When evaluating defensive backs, one of the big things I look for is whether or not they can cash in and take the ball away. Fitzgerald is certainly one of the best in this year’s draft when it comes to that. Head Coach Sean Payton talked about how he wanted the defense to generate more turnovers. Well, guess what? That’s Fitzgerald’s forte and premier strength.
On top of that, his connection to defensive backs Coach Doug Belk is another plus in his favor. If the internal reviews are positive, the potential odds of the Broncos having interest should rise drastically. Fitzgerald doesn’t get as much run in the press clippings as teammate and fellow defensive back Kamari Ramsey. Nevertheless, he is a quality prospect whose production and ball skills will be valued by NFL teams.
Most consensus rankings have Fitzgerald as a Late Day 3 pick. However, I think that’s severely underrating him. My gut tells me scouts and general managers will be a bit higher on him than that. It wouldn’t be surprising to see USC standout end up being an early Day 3 pick and find a home somewhere in the draft’s Top 125.
The Broncos have two selections in the fourth round. Given the depth and quality of this year’s safety class, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Denver add a versatile safety or defensive back into the mix with one of those picks. I’d be a big fan if Fitzgerald was tapped to bolster the long-term outlook for Denver’s defensive backfield. It wouldn’t be a selection for immediacy, but one that could pay dividends further down the road.
