When cornerback Chris Harris arrived in Denver in 2011, he was mentored by Champ Bailey. Harris is now paying it forward by helping groom second-year cornerback Davontae Harris, who has started the last four games.
“He is one of my kids,” the elder Harris said after Sunday’s 24-19 win over the Browns. “I am just happy [about his success] and try to give him as much knowledge as I can. He is improving every week and is getting better every week. That is all we need him to do.
“If he can lock down the number two receiver and hold them up, we have a chance to win every week.”
Harris has performed well since earning a starting job and has totaled 20 tackles and broken up two passes this season. The cornerback was quick to point out after Sunday’s win that all of the team’s veteran defensive backs have been helping mentor him this season.
“I am always around Chris every single day asking him questions,” Harris said. “He is probably tired of me by now. I ask him a million questions a day. I’m asking K-Jack [Kareem Jackson] a million questions a day. Justin Simmons and basically all of the vets really have by back.
“If I have any questions, whether at night when I call them, in the morning when it is late and we are about to leave they will stay after and do extra stuff with me. Those guys have been huge for me in my growth.”
If Harris continues to develop and show improvement, he could prove to be a reliable No. 2 cornerback in Denver’s secondary going forward.
