The Denver Broncos boast one of the NFL's most formidable secondaries heading into the 2026 season, but in the ever-evolving world of professional football, smart teams are always planning ahead. As the dust settles on the 2026 NFL Draft, it's already time to look toward the future—and one early 2027 mock draft suggests the Broncos could be making a major change at cornerback.

With the 2026 season on the horizon, the Broncos face a critical decision regarding Riley Moss, their starting cornerback opposite the league's best defensive back, Pat Surtain II. Moss is entering his fourth season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the year. While he made headlines in 2025—leading the NFL with 10 pass interference penalties—many fans gave him a pass, noting that opposing quarterbacks targeted him relentlessly simply because they avoided Surtain at all costs.

The front office will base its decision on Moss's 2026 performance, but Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network isn't waiting. His three-round 2027 mock draft has the Broncos selecting Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton in the first round, signaling a potential shift at the position.

"Patrick Surtain II is a lockdown CB1 for the Broncos, but Riley Moss is due for a new contract soon, and there's a chance the Broncos move on for a younger option," Cummings wrote. "The Clemson secondary houses yet another candidate in Ashton Hampton."

At 6'2" and 200 pounds, Hampton brings an intriguing blend of size and athleticism. In 2026, he earned an impressive 85.8 PFSN CB Impact grade while allowing just 0.8 yards per coverage snap. Despite his frame, he's quick and fluid, with the physicality to match up against bigger receivers. His pedigree is strong, too—his father is a college head coach, giving him a football IQ that often exceeds his years.

Whether Moss silences the doubters with a stellar 2026 campaign or the Broncos opt for fresh talent, this early draft buzz reminds us that in the NFL, the next big decision is never far away.