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.