The Denver Broncos found tremendous value in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft when they grabbed Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the No. 20 overall pick in the draft. The Broncos will add the player who just won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best cornerback in the nation, to the same secondary that has the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II.
It's a great move for a team that has a chance to have one of the best defenses in the entire league next season, but something the team will now have to consider is what happens with cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian. Undrafted out of East Carolina in 2022, McMillian has not only won a spot on the Broncos' roster the past few seasons but he's become an integral piece of the defense.
He made nine starts for the Broncos last season and has become one of the better slot corners in the league, registering two interceptions in each of the past two seasons. However, Barron projects best as a nickel corner in the NFL and will likely slide into that role while Surtain and Riley Moss man the outside.
Some fans will suggest trading McMillian, but the team would get next to nothing in return for him. The likely scenario is that he ends up taking a back seat this coming season and being a capable option for the team, but one who sees his snap count drastically decrease in favor of the rookie.
The Broncos did not expect to have a shot at drafting Barron and decided the value was too good to pass on when they did. It gives the Broncos what could be one of the best cornerback rooms in the entire league this coming season, but it will likely be one that features a lot less McMillian.
McMillian will be entering his fourth year in the league. He's played in 34 games with 13 starts and has 139 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks and two fumble recoveries in that time. His interception of Jameis Winston on Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns last season, which he returned 44 yards for a touchdown, sealed that win for the Broncos.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Hopefully, the team can still keep him in the mix as much as possible next season as he is growing into a terrific player.
MORE BRONCOS CONTENT
Why did the Broncos pass on offensive playmakers in favor of Jahdae Barron?
Jahdae Barron scouting report: What NFL Draft experts said about Broncos cornerback
Broncos add Jim Thorpe winner to secondary with first-round pick in 2025 NFL Draft
Broncos will be forced to face Ashton Jeanty twice per season following NFL Draft result
Final Broncos mock draft predictions from Omarion Hampton to Emeka Egbuka