The Denver Broncos took a major developmental step in the 2026 NFL Draft today by selecting Illinois safety Miles Scott in the seventh round with the 246th overall pick. The safety, known for his high football IQ and durability, now officially joins the Broncos’ defensive backfield as the team looks to reinforce its secondary.
Scott’s journey to the NFL is a story of resilience and determination. Starting as a walk-on at a Big Ten program that demands elite talent, he initially played wide receiver before switching to defensive back—a move that required patience and adaptation. According to Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, the change was clear after early spring drills. “Literally after the first spring drills, I knew he was a DB,” Bielema said. However, because Scott was self-funding his college career initially, the coaching staff waited until after his redshirt freshman season to award him a scholarship and shift him fully to defense.
Since making the switch, Scott has been a standout player, starting in 37 of 38 games at safety and earning team captain honors in both 2024 and 2025. His collegiate career stats include 182 tackles, seven interceptions, and 18 passes defended, highlighting his consistency and playmaking ability. This level of leadership and production is rare in late-round draft picks and signals immediate value for Denver.
The Broncos’ safety depth has been a concern entering 2026. Injuries sidelined starter Brandon Jones late last season with a pectoral injury, creating uncertainty about his readiness for the upcoming year. Scott, a natural candidate to compete for the starting free safety spot, brings a unique advantage with his background as a former wide receiver. Bielema praised Scott’s fluidity and coverage skills, emphasizing that his experience in offense helps him anticipate opponents’ moves on defense.
“I think he’ll be a really good NFL player,” Bielema stated after Illinois’ recent game against Northwestern. “(NFL teams are) very excited about him, and today was another great accent for that.”
Scott also reunites with former Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant, who is already part of the Broncos roster, potentially easing his transition to the professional level. The Broncos will rely on Scott’s intelligence and tackling ability to fortify their defensive backfield as they aim to improve on last season’s results.
With three Illini players drafted this year, Illinois once again highlights its tradition of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs, a promising trend for the program and the league. For Scott, the late-round selection is just the beginning of proving he belongs at the highest level.
What’s next? The Broncos will be preparing for offseason workouts and training camp where Scott will have the opportunity to compete for playing time in a safety room that desperately needs fresh talent. His work ethic and leadership in college suggest he could be a key contributor sooner rather than later.
This draft pick signals the Broncos’ strategic push to blend savvy veterans with fresh, high-IQ players as they look to build a competitive defense in 2026 and beyond.
