Ja’Quan McMillian has emerged as an impressive play-making defensive back for the Denver Broncos this season, totaling 42 tackles (including seven behind the line), four pass breakups, three quarterback hits, two interceptions and two sacks over the last ten games.
Playing in the slot, McMillian has reminded Broncos fans and pundits of former Broncos slot cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who was a key member of the team’s famous “No Fly Zone” secondary.
Many fans think of McMillian as a rookie because he was on the practice squad for all but one game last year, but as Harris pointed out on Twitter/X, McMillian is technically a second-year player.
“He’s an Excellent player (playmaker ) but I think I finished top 3 in the league my 2nd year and I played [outside] corner,” Harris wrote on Twitter/X.
He’s an Excellent player (playmaker ) but I think I finished top 3 in the league my 2nd year and I played corner . https://t.co/fXZCsHLzNp
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) December 10, 2023
(Harris was graded as the fifth-best cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2012, his second season.)
It’s not an insult from Harris, who has praised McMillian this season.
"He's definitely going out there and making plays. I love what he's doing"@ChrisHarrisJr is a big fan of Ja'Quan McMillian 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/T8sTudgJAM
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) November 27, 2023
Broncos safety Justin Simmons wasn’t interested in making comparisons, noting that Jmac is Jmac and CHJR is CHJR.
Jmac has been Jmac. Played with both and Jmac has been exceptional for us and what we ask him to do. https://t.co/SGi61HUE3D
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) December 11, 2023
He doesn’t have to be “the next Chris Harris” to be an excellent slot cornerback. McMillian has been exceptional for Denver this season, and fans and pundits have taken notice.
J Mac the coldest! Debate your granny!! https://t.co/QpzrrBOdPR
— Kareem Jackson (@ReemBoi25) December 11, 2023
The amount of game changing plays JaQuan McMillian has made since becoming a starter is wild
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 10, 2023
Ja’Quan McMillian appreciation post pic.twitter.com/lwrH4ITYJz
— Bryce 🎸 (@MileHighMims) December 11, 2023
Ja’Quan McMillian!! Continues to be a gem of a find!
Wow, this D is playing with its hair on fire today! Seem to be everywhere
— Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars) December 10, 2023
Ja'Quan McMillian is the real deal. Broke up the play on the previous down. Then gets the strip, the scoop and the score.
Play is being reviewed, but my goodness.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) December 10, 2023
it's crazy how Ja'Quan McMillian is now the best player in the league
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) December 10, 2023
Ja'Quan McMillian was such an interesting eval out of college.
Doesn't have ideal size (under 5-10, 29" arms) or speed (4.55 40), but played with outstanding instincts and ball production at ECU. Good players make plays. https://t.co/AMHy94CSgG
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 10, 2023
Ja'Quan McMillian is a MONSTER.
Send that kid to the Pro Bowl.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) December 10, 2023
Denver needs to extend Ja’Quan McMillian right now.
He first started ballin since that Chargers game in last game of season last year.
— 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧 (@CameronParkerPO) December 10, 2023
#ProBowlVote Ja’Quan McMillian
— Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) December 10, 2023
Ja'Quan McMillian is a PLAYMAKER.
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) December 10, 2023
How does a game changer like Ja'Quan McMillian go undrafted! Denver lucked up and got a stud !! #BroncosCountry
— Phillip Lindsay (@I_CU_boy) December 10, 2023
McMillian, 23, will earn $750,000 this season before getting a small increase to $915,000 in 2024. As an undrafted playing playing on a rookie contract, McMillian will likely remain a big bargain for the Broncos for at least two more seasons.
