The Denver Gazette examines each Broncos position group before the official start of training camp later this week. Next up: Defensive backs.

Projected starters

—CB Pat Surtain

—SS Talanoa Hufanga

—FS Brandon Jones

—CB Riley Moss

—NB Ja’Quan McMillian

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Projected backups

—CB Damarri Mathis

—SS P.J. Locke

—FS Devon Key

—CB Kris Abrams-Draine

—NB Jahdae Barron

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Roster hopefuls

—Quinton Newsome

—JL Skinner

—Sam Franklin Jr.

—Joshua Pickett

—Reese Taylor

—Keidron Smith

—Delarrin Turner-Yell

—Jaden Robinson

—Mario Goodrich

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Elephant in the room: Where does Barron fit?

Denver selected the best available player at No. 20 overall in the NFL draft. Jahdae Barron was simply too talented to pass. The University of Texas product won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2024 as the top defensive back in college football. He led the SEC in interceptions (five) and passes defensed (16).

But where does he fit in the secondary?

Barron has the versatility to play multiple positions. It’s possible that he challenges Moss as the second starting cornerback. He might also compete to fill the nickel spot occupied by McMillian. Barron could also provide safety depth. We’ll learn a lot more about his potential role in training camp.

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Biggest competition: Nickel

McMillian’s play fell off last year in comparison to his breakout second half of the 2023 season. His starting spot appears in jeopardy with Barron entering the fold. McMillian needs a strong training camp to maintain his standing on defense. The Broncos have too much talent in their secondary to settle for average. Barron will likely challenge McMillian throughout the season.

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Bottom line

The rich keep getting richer. Surtain is back as the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Moss returns after a breakout season. The Broncos also signed Hufanga in free agency. Denver’s secondary has all the pieces to rank among the NFL’s best in 2025.