Broncos’ updated cornerback depth chart after the NFL draft

Damarri Mathis seems to be the favorite to start across from Pat Surtain, but rookie Riley Moss will get to compete for a role this summer.

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CB1 Slot CB2
Pat Surtain K’Waun Williams Damarri Mathis
Tremon Smith Essang Bassey Riley Moss
Ja’Quan McMillian Devon Key Delonte Hood
Darrious Gaines Faion Hicks Art Green

After selecting one cornerback in the 2023 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos have few changes to their depth chart ahead of OTAs.

Pat Surtain returns as the team’s star cornerback with second-year defensive back Damarri Mathis likely to start across from him in Week 1. Third-round draft pick Riley Moss will also compete for rotational playing time right away.

K’Waun Williams is poised to serve as the slot cornerback again this year, but the Broncos might have a long-term plan of moving another CB inside (perhaps Mathis) to get Moss on the field more often.

Tremon Smith joined the team during free agency and he seems poised to win one of the top backup spots. Ja’Quan McMillian impressed late last year and Devon Key could be a sleeper to watch this summer as a versatile defensive back who might also compete for a safety role.

Delonte Hood and Faion Hicks will face long odds to make the active roster. Denver also added Art Green and Darrious Gaines as undrafted free agents this spring. Of the team’s UDFAs, Green might have the best chance to make the 53-man roster.

The Broncos carried five cornerbacks on their initial 53-man roster last year, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see six on the active roster this season given the team’s depth at the position.

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