Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at third-year cornerback Damarri Mathis, No. 27.
Before the Broncos: Mathis (5-11, 195 pounds) played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers. After missing his senior season in 2020 due to injury, Mathis returned for a fifth year in 2021 and earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. In four seasons played, Mathis totaled 87 tackles, 19 pass breakups, five interceptions and one defensive touchdown in 46 games at Pitt.
Broncos tenure: Denver picked Mathis in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He ended up starting 11 games as a rookie due to injuries at the position. Mathis ended his first season with seven pass breakups, but he allowed a 69.1% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks. Last year, he started the first six games of the season before being benched. Mathis broke up just one pass in 2023 and allowed a 74.4% completion rate to opposing QBs.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely. Despite his early-career struggles, the Broncos have not given up on Mathis yet. He’s a longshot to win a starting job this summer, but Mathis seems likely to make the active roster as a backup cornerback.
