Broncos DC Vance Joseph on new safety: ‘He was my kind of guy’

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has known some great safeties during his time as both a head coach and coordinator throughout the NFL. Joseph has worked with standouts like former Bronco Justin Simmons, former Arizona Cardinal Budda Baker and current Bronco Talanoa Hufanga. All three are playmakers in their own right, and Joseph thinks that new free agent addition Taylor Rapp can join those ranks.

“He’s a veteran,” Joseph said after Tuesday’s practice. “He’s very smart. He’s been on great defenses. I think coach [Sean Payton] and [general manager] George [Paton], they do a great job of acquiring veterans that have been part of great cultures, and winning defenses and winning teams… He fit right in.”

Rapp, a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams and perennial starter with both the Rams and Buffalo Bills, brings a high turnover potential to a Denver team that struggled in that department in 2025. Rapp has 12 career interceptions, and still brings starting-caliber talent to the defensive backfield.

In his remarks, Joseph also praised Rapp’s versatility and toughness. “He’s smart,” Joseph said. “He can make plays on the ball. He can cover. He can blitz. He’s tough. So he was my kind of guy.”

Joseph’s defense has high expectations in 2026. Some of those goals include generating more turnovers and breaking the NFL’s sack record held by the 1984 Chicago Bears. With Joseph’s defense coming into shape with the signing of Rapp and looming roster cuts, the Broncos are looking to take the league by storm this fall.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans./c

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos DC Vance Joseph on new safety: ‘He was my kind of guy’