The Denver Broncos have added some fresh talent to their secondary, signing rookie cornerback Paul Manning after an impressive showing at the team's rookie minicamp over the weekend. According to 9NEWS Denver's Broncos insider Mike Klis, Manning's performance on a tryout basis earned him a spot on the team's 91-man roster. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 192 pounds, Manning brings size and athleticism to the cornerback position, which is always a valuable asset in today's pass-heavy NFL.

To make room for Manning, the Broncos have waived rookie cornerback William Wright, who was signed as an undrafted free agent following the draft. This move highlights the competitive nature of roster building, especially at a position where the Broncos are already stacked with talent.

Manning comes from Henderson State, a Division II program in Arkansas, where he was named a Second Team All-GAC player in 2025. During his final college season, he recorded 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, seven pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Those numbers show a player who can disrupt plays in coverage and make an impact against the run—a combination that often catches the eye of NFL scouts and coaches.

This signing comes on the heels of the Broncos adding veteran wide receiver Mike Woods, who also impressed during the rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Both players now join the 91-man roster, though the team will need to make one more corresponding move to officially accommodate both additions.

While Manning's path to the active roster is steep, he's entering one of the NFL's most formidable cornerback rooms. The Broncos are led by 2024 AP Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, widely considered the best corner in the league. Behind him are Riley Moss, slot specialist Ja'Quan McMillian, 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron, and Kris Abrams-Draine. Those five players are essentially locked into roster spots, meaning Manning and other corners like Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson, Brent Austin, and Ahmari Harvey will be competing for a limited number of practice squad positions.

For Manning, the key to sticking around will be making plays during OTAs, minicamp practices, training camp, and preseason games. Creating turnovers, locking down receivers in coverage, and contributing on special teams will be the deciding factors. It's a long road from a tryout invite to the practice squad, but Manning has already taken the first step by turning that opportunity into a contract.