Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at third-year cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, No. 29.
Before the Broncos: McMillian (5-10, 183 pounds) had a stellar three-year stint at East Carolina, where he quietly racked up quite the stat sheet. From 2019-2021, McMillian recorded 127 total tackles (97 solo, 37 assisted), 28 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 12 interceptions.
Broncos tenure: McMillian was an undrafted free agent out of college in 2021, signing with Denver. In 2022, McMillian started only one game, the season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. That game, he recorded seven total tackles and nearly grabbed an interception, which was enough for Broncos coaches to take notice.
Last fall, McMillian emerged as the team’s slot cornerback. During the past season, McMillian made several highlight-reel plays. McMillian recorded three interceptions, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. One of his most memorable plays from 2023 happened when Denver visited the Buffalo Bills. On the first play of the game, McMillian stripped Bills running back James Cook and recovered the fumble on Buffalo’s 28-yard line.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. McMillian proved that he could be a formidable competitor against an opponent’s No. 2 or 3 receiver in 2023. If his performance in 2023 is a harbinger of things to come, McMillian will be a steady slot cornerback for years to come.
