Editor’s note: This is the ninth in a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, edge rushers and inside linebackers. Today: cornerbacks.
Broncos’ in-house moves: None
Under contract: Pat Surtain II (two years), Riley Moss (three years), Ja’Quan McMillian (one year), Tremon Smith (one year), Reese Taylor (one year) and Art Green (one year)
Need scale: 8. Yes, the Broncos have one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Surtain. But who starts on the opposite side of him? During the 2023 season, Mathis was replaced in the starting lineup by Fabian Moreau. And even though Denver moved up to draft Moss in the third round in last year’s draft, he is still unproven. The last time the Broncos drafted a cornerback in the first round, it worked out. Could they have that same luck again?
Top Five
1. Terrion Arnold, Alabama: Arnold, who started in 21 games at Alabama, is coming off his best season. He totaled 63 tackles, 12 passes defended and five interceptions while being named first-team AP All-American. Arnold is a scheme-versatile player who can develop into a No. 1 cornerback.
2. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo: Mitchell has the skill set to be a starter as a rookie. He is a physical corner with good size and speed (4.33 seconds in 40-yard dash at combine). More importantly, Mitchell has elite ball skills, recording 45 passes defended and six interceptions in the last three seasons at Toledo.
3. Nate Wiggins, Clemson: Standing at 6-foot-1, Wiggins is a tall corner with good length and speed. In 2023, he recorded 29 tackles and six passes defended. Wiggins also allowed a 43.9 completion percentage when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.
4. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama: McKinstry, a five-star prep recruit, was the top cornerback in the nation from the 2021 class. He started in 33 games in three years at Bama and was named first team All-SEC by The Associated Press in back-to-back seasons. He recorded 67 tackles and 22 passes defended during that span.
5. Cooper DeJean, Iowa: DeJean suffered a fractured fibula that caused him to miss the final four games of the 2023 season. DeJean has experience at safety and cornerback. He is known for his playmaking abilities with five interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns in 2022.
Other Broncos options
The Broncos have eight picks total but no second-rounder. A look at options spanning Round 1 to the back of the draft.
1. Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri: Abrams-Draine started his college career as a wide receiver before transitioning to cornerback in 2021. In his first year as a defensive back, Abrams-Draine led the team with seven passes defended. As a junior, he had 51 tackles and three interceptions.
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2. Max Melton, Rutgers: Melton started in 40 games for the Scarlet Knights, recording 114 tackles, 22 passes defended and eight interceptions. Melton allowed a 65.7 passer rating when targeted in 2023, according to PFF. He has experience playing inside and outside.
3. Elijah Jones, Boston College: Jones allowed 13 catches for 194 yards and one touchdown on 40 targets, according to PFF. He also had five interceptions and eight passes defended in nine games. A potential Day 3 target, his lack of size (6-1, 185) and strength could raise some concerns.
4. Khyree Jackson, Oregon: Jackson, who grew up in Upper Marlboro, Md., spent two seasons at Alabama before transferring to Oregon in 2023. He shined in his lone season with the Ducks, recording 34 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and seven passes defended in 12 starts.
5. Caelen Carson, Wake Forest: A Senior Bowl invitee, Carson has missed 11 games over the last three seasons due to injury. But when he was on the field, he was productive. Carson accounted for 120 tackles and 26 passes defended in 36 career games.
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