Editor’s note: Ninth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, cornerbacks. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, outside linebacker and inside linebacker.
On the roster (11): Pat Surtain II, Ja’Quan McMillian, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, Kris Abrams-Draine, Levi Wallace, Art Green, Quinton Newsome, Tremon Smith, Reese Taylor and Tanner McCalister.
How many on the 53? Seven
Most impactful offseason move: Passing on Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell in the NFL draft.
Like edge rusher, the Broncos needed to address the cornerback position through the draft. Denver did so by taking Abrams-Draine out of Missouri in the fifth round. However, the Broncos passed on the opportunity of taking Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell and Alabama’s Terrion Arnold in the first round to select quarterback Bo Nix. Both players would have improved Denver’s secondary and possibly been frontrunners to start alongside Surtain. Mitchell was drafted 22nd overall by the Eagles and Arnold went 24th overall to the Lions.
Biggest question to answer in camp: How soon will the Broncos offer Pat Surtain II an extension?
The Belly got paid this week, as Broncos starting right guard Quinn Meinerz agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $80 million. With Meinerz locked up for the foreseeable future, the attention turns towards Surtain, who is also eligible for an extension as he heads into his fourth season in the league. Denver picked up Surtain’s fifth-year option of $19.8 million in April, but an extension could make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Surtain previously said his main focus is improving as a player, but the questions about his future are expected to come up again during camp now that Meinerz has a new deal. Surtain is considered the face of Denver’s defense, and rightfully so. At some point, the Broncos will have to pay him as such.
Battle to watch: Outside of Surtain, which player starts at cornerback?
This will be one of the most intriguing battles during camp. Moss, who is entering his second season; Mathis, a former starter; Wallace and Abrams-Draine are among the cornerbacks competing for the role that belonged to Fabian Moreau much of last season. Wallace has the most experience, playing in 83 games (70 starts) in six seasons. He spent the past two years in Pittsburgh, totaling 86 tackles, 24 passes defended and three interceptions in 31 games. At the same time, the Broncos are high on Moss because of his quickness and athleticism. Mathis will be seeking to regain the confidence of the coaching staff after he was benched after Week 6’s loss to the Chiefs. He played 27 defensive snaps in the final 11 games of the season.
Under the radar player: Quinton Newsome
Denver signed Newsome as an undrafted free agent. He had a pre-draft visit with the Broncos and received interest from several teams before going undrafted. Newsome spent five seasons at Nebraska, being named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2022 and 2023 when he had 37 tackles, three pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery. He also held quarterbacks to an 83.5 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus. Newsome, a former safety, can play on the outside or in the slot.
Friday: Safety
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Originally Published: July 18, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.
