The Denver Broncos are gearing up for the 2026 season, and their secondary is looking mighty strong. With a deep and versatile group of cornerbacks led by the formidable Patrick Surtain II, the team is poised to dominate the field. But amidst this stellar lineup, one player stands out as a key backup: Kris Abrams-Draine. As the incumbent fifth cornerback, Abrams-Draine is set to play a crucial role in the team's defense, providing depth and versatility that is hard to come by.
What makes Abrams-Draine particularly intriguing is his journey to the NFL. A fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft, he spent much of his rookie year on the sidelines, only seeing action towards the end of the season. However, his performance was impressive, allowing just 7 of 16 targets to be completed, which is a testament to his potential. In the 2025 season, he played 210 defensive snaps and 220 on special teams, notching 30 tackles. This shows his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever needed.
One thing that immediately stands out is the competitive nature of the cornerback position. With Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, and the promising Jahdae Barron, the Broncos have a loaded group. Abrams-Draine is the favorite to be the fifth man, but he will face stiff competition from undrafted free agents and fringe roster players. In my opinion, his starting caliber ability and depth make him a key asset, and it's unlikely he'll be ousted from the fifth spot.
What many people don't realize is the importance of depth at the cornerback position. While top-tier starters are crucial, having quality backups can make or break a team's performance. Abrams-Draine's ability to step in and contribute when needed is a valuable skill, and his performance against 18 completions on 24 targets in the 2025 season shows his potential. In my view, he is a key piece in the Broncos' secondary, and his role as a versatile backup is essential to the team's success.
From my perspective, the Broncos' secondary is one of the league's best, and Abrams-Draine's role as a key backup is a testament to the team's depth and versatility. As the 2026 season approaches, the Broncos are poised to dominate, and Abrams-Draine will be a key part of that success.
