JM #29

Ja'Quan McMillian

Cornerback · East Carolina

An undrafted East Carolina product who became Denver's starting slot corner and a playoff hero.

Ja'Quan McMillian went from an unheralded East Carolina free agent signing to one of the most productive slot corners in the league, and his big-play ability has made him a key piece of Denver's secondary. His interception of Josh Allen in overtime of a playoff win became one of the signature moments of his career.

★ Second-team All-American at East Carolina (2021)

★ Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist

★ Two interceptions in each of the 2024 and 2025 seasons

★ OT interception of Josh Allen sealed a Divisional Round win

Path to the league

McMillian starred at East Carolina, where he was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and earned second-team All-American honors in 2021. He went undrafted in 2022 and signed with the Broncos, working his way into the starting lineup at slot corner midway through the 2023 season.

Career highlights

McMillian recorded 81 tackles, an interception and 10 passes defensed in a breakout 2024 season, cementing himself as Denver's full-time starting slot corner. He has become known for his physicality and ball skills despite going unselected in the draft.

2025 season recap

McMillian played all 17 regular-season games in 2025, finishing with 56 tackles, 4.0 sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and nine passes defensed, tying his team high in picks for a second straight season. His interception of Josh Allen in overtime of Denver's Divisional Round win set up the Broncos' game-winning drive.