The Denver Broncos seem to have done it again.
Three years ago, the Broncos used a first-round draft pick to select cornerback Pat Surtain. All-Pro.
Two years ago, Denver signed Ja’Quan McMillian as an undrafted free agent. Impressive slot cornerback.
Last year, the Broncos used a third-round pick to select Riley Moss. Pro Bowl-talent.
This year, Denver used a fifth-round pick to add Kris Abrams-Draine. So far so good.
With Moss (knee) sidelined, Abrams-Draine made his NFL debut in Week 13, then he saw extensive action in Week 15 coming out of the bye. He allowed just one catch for 11 yards in 34 coverage snaps on Sunday, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Mizz🤞🏽🤞🏽 https://t.co/gPS9tK7ACE
— Kris Abrams-Draine🦍 (@KD1ERA) December 16, 2024
“The last two weeks, he showed some moxie, stayed with his guys, didn’t panic when the ball was in the air,” coach Sean Payton said this week. “There’s something about him and so … I was really encouraged.”
Abrams-Draine rotated with Damarri Mathis, who also played well on Sunday. Mathis has had an up-and-down tenure in Denver and he has one year left on his contract, so it’s no surprise that fans have focused on Abrams-Draine over the last two weeks.
Kris Abrams-Draine was phenomenal yesterday!! Possibly the best draft class by the Broncos ever!!! pic.twitter.com/fejckmJmBP
— Eddie Mack 😎 (@THEBADGUYXL) December 16, 2024
“He’s developing very well,” Surtain said when asked about Abrams-Draine last week. “He’s learning fast. He’s played a good amount of ball — a great amount of ball actually in the SEC. He’s built for moments like this. To see him out there with those few snaps, I think he did pretty good.”
The 23-year-old defensive back appears to have a bright future ahead of him, and the Broncos might just have the best cornerback room in the NFL.
