Denver Broncos Select Illinois Defensive Back Miles Scott at Pick 246 in 2026 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos made a key addition to their secondary by selecting Miles Scott, a standout defensive back from the University of Illinois, in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft at pick 246. This move comes as a critical step to address the Broncos’ safety depth, especially following injury concerns last season.
Scott’s journey to the NFL is a remarkable story of grit and adaptation. Originally a walk-on wide receiver at a prestigious Big Ten program, Scott’s path wasn’t smooth. “
Literally after the first spring drills, I knew he was a DB,
” said head coach Bret Bielema, who recognized Scott’s defensive potential early on but waited until after his redshirt freshman year to offer him a scholarship and facilitate the position switch.
During his three seasons at defensive back, Scott became a consistent force for the Illini, starting 37 of 38 games and earning the role of team captain in both 2024 and 2025. Over that span, Scott amassed 182 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 18 passes defended, showcasing a sharp football IQ and a reliable tackling ability that drew NFL attention.
Why Denver Needed Scott Now
The Broncos’ safety room faced challenges entering the 2026 season, most notably with starting free safety Brandon Jones recovering from a late-season pectoral injury. Jones has proven himself a solid starter, but with recent health concerns, Denver’s secondary requires fresh talent with immediate upside. Scott fits that bill.
Despite not being the flashiest athlete on the roster, Scott offers versatility and a deep understanding of pass coverage thanks to his background as a former wide receiver. “He’s fluid and sticks with his man well,” Bielema explained, highlighting Scott’s unique skill set that blends defensive awareness with offensive experience.
Illinois Legacy Continues in Denver
Scott becomes the third Illini selected in this year’s draft and joins former Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant in Denver’s locker room, adding to the Broncos’ growing connection with the Fighting Illini program. Illinois has a longstanding tradition of producing quality defensive backs who transition successfully to the NFL, and Scott appears poised to continue that legacy.
Coach Bielema expressed confidence in Scott’s future impact, stating, “
I think he’ll be a really good NFL player. NFL teams are very excited about him, and today was another great accent for that.
” Scott’s work ethic and leadership as a two-time team captain in college further underscore his readiness for this critical next step.
What’s Next for Miles Scott and the Broncos
As training camp approaches, Scott’s focus will be on earning a spot in the Broncos’ defensive rotation and potentially stepping in as a reliable free safety option if Jones’ recovery timeline extends into the season. The Broncos’ coaching staff will be closely monitoring Scott’s transition to the pro level, particularly his coverage skills and tackling consistency against NFL competition.
For Broncos fans hungry for improved pass defense and secondary stability, Scott’s selection at pick 246 could prove a savvy late-round find with the potential to develop into a key contributor in Denver’s defensive backfield.
