The Denver Broncos' defensive backfield stands as arguably the most complete unit in the NFL. With five proven cornerbacks and a safety group that remains strong despite P.J. Locke's departure in free agency, there's little cause for concern outside of the unpredictable nature of injuries.
However, the draft is always about finding value, and Day 3 could present some hidden gems. Even with a low apparent need, the Broncos would be wise to consider talented players who fall into the later rounds—you never pass up a potential steal when the board falls your way.
To identify the best fits, we've analyzed the past seven drafts under the Sean Payton and George Paton regime, scoring prospects against an empirically-derived "Payton/Paton Fit Score" (PPFS). Below, we break down the top-tier defensive backs most likely on Denver's big board for the 2026 NFL Draft. All prospect descriptions and round projections are based on AI analysis and Dane Brugler's "The Beast" draft board.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (Projected Round: 1st)
A 6'0", 185-pound press-man corner from LSU, Delane is the cleanest profile in this class. With 8 career interceptions, no medical red flags, and a first-round grade, he embodies the alpha mentality Denver covets. The Broncos' front office has deep ties to the LSU pipeline, and Delane's press strength, elite ball skills, and recovery speed are a perfect schematic fit. His immediate impact potential makes him a long-term boundary complement to Patrick Surtain II and Ja'Quan McMillian. (Tier 1, PPFS ~88)
Toriano Pride Jr., CB, Missouri (Projected Round: 6th-7th)
At 5'10" and 185 pounds, Pride is a speed demon who ran a 4.32 forty—the second-fastest time among defensive players at the combine. With 5 career interceptions, including pick-sixes in both 2024 and 2025, and perfect durability over 52 career games, he's a classic Day 3 value target. Missouri pipeline connections, Hula Bowl validation, and proven ball production make him an archetypal fit for Denver's later-round strategy.