ENGLEWOOD — Who will emerge from a crowded Broncos position room as the No. 3 safety?

JL Skinner is eager to make his case.

The fourth-year pro has mostly contributed on special teams in Denver. Skinner blocked a punt in Week 10 a year ago that sparked a home win over the Raiders. But he also dealt with a shoulder injury all season. Skinner is healthy after surgery and drawing praise from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

“He’s had a great camp. He made a total commitment this fall with his body (and) with his prep. Every single day he’s been on,” Joseph said after Tuesday practice at Broncos Park. “He missed the entire spring with a shoulder injury. He came back on fire. … So, I’ve been proud of him.”

Skinner was a sixth-round draft pick out of Boise State. He’s appeared on just 54 defensive snaps over three NFL seasons in Denver. But the exit of P.J. Locke in free agency (Cowboys) opens the possibility of an increased role.

“Most definitely. I want to take a big leap this year. Having that opportunity is something I’m very thankful for. I love P.J. Locke. That’s a great player. That’s a baller. I’m glad that he was able to go somewhere and get what he deserved,” Skinner told The Denver Gazette. “Now, it’s time for me to step up and really take what I feel like I’m earning in this camp. Just build that reliability and trust with the coaches. If anything goes wrong, I’m in and ready to go.”

Skinner added that he wants to “get back to the old Boise State player” who the Broncos drafted in 2023. He logged 65 tackles, four interceptions and eight passes defensed in his final college season. Skinner said the first step was addressing his shoulder injury.

He estimates it took place before 2025 training camp.

“Playing with a fully torn labrum is pretty tough,” Skinner told The Denver Gazette. “Usually, people tear the front or tear the back. I had a full 360. It was kind of tough. Sometimes it would pop out and things like that. … I’m very glad I got the surgery because it’s a lot better now. No clicking or popping out. Nothing like that. I’m just able to play football and have fun.”

The final Broncos preseason game, Friday night at home against the Vikings, will be Skinner’s final audition to make the 53-man roster as the primary backup safety. Or maybe a showcase for the 31 other NFL teams.

Denver signed veteran safety Taylor Rapp last week. He’s made 72 starts over the last seven NFL seasons between the Rams and Bills. The Broncos return depth safety Devon Key, who earned first-team All-Pro honors last year on special teams. The team also drafted rookie safety Miles Scott (Illinois) with a seventh-round pick.

Skinner has clear upside because of his elite physical traits at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. He’s ready for the spotlight.

“My size allows me to do different things. A tight end isn’t necessarily too big for me. I’m kind of a bigger safety. I pride myself on being able to do those things,” Skinner said. “My size allows me to do a lot of different things in the scheme. Go cover on the back. Also drop into the box and be that safety-linebacker they need to go fill that hole and make a tackle.”