National Football League

Darian Stewart leads Broncos' safety race as summer closes in

Published Jun. 15, 2015 1:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Darian Stewart has already made it known that a starting job is his to lose.

Now, he's letting his play back his words up. Stewart, a free-agent pickup from Baltimore, is leading the race to fill Rahim Moore's old safety spot in Denver's defense, according to ESPN.

In minicamp, Stewart lined up where Moore once did -- right next to T.J. Ward in the Broncos' defensive backfield. Other challengers, like David Bruton Jr., had to wait their turn with the reserves.

It could stay like that, considering the rave reviews Stewart is getting in the spot.

“I'm loving Stewart right now,’’ cornerback Chris Harris Jr. told ESPN. “He's very vocal and a smart guy. I can tell that he's going to have a physical presence. When running backs come through the hole, I feel like he's going to land the hammer on them … so I'm loving what Stewart's bringing, how fast he's picking up the defense and the chemistry that we've already built together out there on the field. I love that pickup right now.’’

So must Ward, who built up a partnership with the departed Moore last season. It'll help cushion the blow of Moore's loss if Ward knows Stewart can hold his half of the field down.

Stewart welcomes that challenge, along with any other Broncos who come calling for the spot he now holds.

“It’s good, competition is what I need,’’ Stewart said. “It makes all of us better. I’m up for the challenge and as long as we stay healthy it’s going to be a heck of a battle.’’

(h/t ESPN)