Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has praised the talent of the team’s rookie class, evident in the nine rookies who made the 53-man roster. Among them, Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft, was named the starting quarterback.
However, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder sees another rookie as a potential “early breakout candidate.”
Holder’s choice is fifth-round cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine.
“The former Tiger’s versatility in college, covering both the boundary and the slot, will be key this season, potentially earning him a role off the bench for the Broncos,” Holder wrote on August 28.
“While the Broncos have their starting cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain II, Ja’Quan McMillan, and Riley Moss, an injury could disrupt the secondary. Abrams-Draine’s ability to play multiple positions might allow him to step in, and his preseason performance suggests he’ll be ready.”
During the preseason, Abrams-Draine allowed only two catches for 16 scoreless yards on 10 targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
His 86.0 coverage grade ranked third among rookie cornerbacks and 14th overall at the position.