The Denver Gazette examines different Broncos position groups before the start of training camp with rookies reporting Wednesday:

Defensive back

Projected starters

— CB Pat Surtain

— SS Talanoa Hufanga

— FS Brandon Jones

— CB Riley Moss

— NB Ja’Quan McMillian

Projected backups

— CB/NB Jahdae Barron

— FS Devon Key

— SS JL Skinner

— CB Kris Abrams-Draine

Roster hopefuls

— CB Brent Austin

— CB Jaden Robinson

— CB Reese Taylor

— DB Blake Cotton

— DB Sean Fresch Jr.

— S Parker Robertson

— S Miles Scott

Elephant in the room: Where does Barron fit?

The Broncos drafted Jahdae Barron at No. 20 overall a year ago, and the versatile defensive back did not earn a starting job. No sweat. The University of Texas product joined a talented secondary that had no clear weaknesses. But the expectations will rise entering Barron’s second season.

His position flexibility at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds is a valuable asset. Barron has enough talent to challenge Riley Moss as the starting outside cornerback. Moss has struggled at times with drawing too many defensive pass interference calls. Barron faces a stiffer task jumping Ja’Quan McMillian at nickel back on the depth chart after the latter’s standout season in 2025.

Barron said in January he’s “just staying committed to the process” and “not being attached to the results.” That growth mindset will be needed in training camp with Barron projected for a bigger role in 2026.

Biggest competition: Third safety

P.J. Locke left Denver in free agency to sign with the Cowboys. That opens up a hole at third safety behind Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones. There are two clear candidates with a chance to earn it out of training camp.

Devon Key was named first-team All-Pro after making 26 special teams tackles a year ago. JL Skinner is another special teams standout with elite size (6-4, 220) and the potential for a bigger role on defense. The Broncos also drafted rookie safety Miles Scott in the seventh round.

Bottom line

Surtain is one season removed from the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and is widely considered the best cornerback in the NFL. Hufanga and Jones make up one of the best safety duos in the league. The Broncos’ secondary remains one of their biggest team strengths.