Brent Austin Eyes Spot in Broncos' Competitive Cornerback Unit

The Denver Broncos boast one of the most formidable secondaries in the NFL, which poses a significant challenge for undrafted free agents aiming to secure a position on the 53-man roster. Among these hopefuls is Brent Austin, who concludes this year's undrafted spotlight series. For a comprehensive list of other undrafted players with the Broncos, visit The Sporting News.

Brent Austin, a cornerback standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds, hails from California. His college journey began at James Madison, where he spent two seasons, before transferring to South Florida. Most recently, he finished his collegiate career at California after moving there when head coach Curt Cignetti took the reins at Indiana.

During his time in college, Austin recorded a total of 110 tackles and notched three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a game-changer when he secures the ball. The Broncos successfully outmaneuvered other teams to sign him after the draft.

He enters a highly competitive cornerback lineup that includes established players like Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, and Kris Abrams-Draine. If the Broncos opt to retain a sixth cornerback, Austin will face off against Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson, and fellow undrafted free agents Ahmari Harvey and Paul Manning for that coveted spot.

On a scale from 1 to 10, Austin's chances of making the final roster are rated at a 2. While he excels in zone coverage and demonstrates proficiency in breaking up passes, his man-to-man skills require refinement. Additionally, his size may pose a challenge at the professional level. Nevertheless, his game tape indicates that he is a player who learns and evolves on the field.

With a strong cornerback roster already in place, Austin faces an uphill battle unless unexpected developments occur, such as injuries or trades. However, strong performances during training camp and preseason could prove he is the standout undrafted player for the Broncos this year, potentially influencing the decision to keep a sixth cornerback. If he does not make the team, he is likely to land on the practice squad, unless another team claims him off waivers.