Why the Broncos drafted Illinois safety Miles Scott

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - OCTOBER 04: Miles Scott #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini lines up against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 04, 2025 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With their first of three 7th round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Illinois safety Miles Scott to add some more depth to their secondary. He’s a 6-0, 203-pound safety prospect with 4.62 speed and a 37.5-inch vertical. He started his college career as a wide receiver before transitioning to safety in the spring of 2023. From there, he would become a key part of their secondary and is viewed as an ascending talent due to his rawness at the position.

During his career, Mile Scott totaled 182 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 7 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns, 11 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had an undrafted grade on Miles Scott, but did say he processes well, has good ball skills, and hasn’t yet hit his ceiling as a safety.

Scott is a good-sized athlete for the position, with the tracking and ball skills of a former wideout. A two-time captain, he wore the green dot for the Illini, and his experience as a route runner helps him sort, key and drive on throws in coverage. He is a fluid mover in space to turn and run with receivers or tight ends, although his ordinary speed does show at times. He made substantial improvements in his run-game angles and tackling technique in 2025. Scott has only adequate range for the position, but he processes well, with burst and ball skills to impact plays. A wide receiver most of his life, he has yet to hit his ceiling as a defensive back.

The Broncos drafted Scott simply to add more depth and competition to their safety room. Behind starters and , it’s fairly wide open. They lost key reserve PJ Locke to free agency this offseason and haven’t really replaced that role as of yet. Currently, they have three players who all profile as special teams players and not really defensive players. was an All-Pro special teamer last season. They signed , but he has been nothing but a special teams ace throughout his career, and has primarily played special teams as well. So, when it comes to the defensive side, it’s a wide-open competition, and that is where Scott could make some noise this summer.