A converted wide receiver who became a two-time captain and ball-hawking safety at Illinois before Denver drafted him in round seven.
Miles Scott's college career took an unusual turn when he switched from wide receiver to safety at Illinois, a move that unlocked five productive seasons and two captaincies. The Broncos drafted him in the seventh round in 2026, betting on the route-running instincts he carried over from his receiver days.
Path to the league
Scott walked on at Illinois as a wide receiver in 2021, redshirted, then caught four passes as a backup in 2022 before switching to defensive back ahead of the 2023 season. He appeared in 55 total games over five years with the Illini and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round, 246th overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Scott made an immediate impact at his new position, returning an interception 48 yards for a touchdown in his first game at safety. Over his final three seasons at Illinois he started 37 of 38 games, finishing his career with 182 tackles, seven interceptions and eight passes defended while earning All-Big Ten recognition and an East-West Shrine Bowl invitation.
2025 season recap
In his final season at Illinois, Scott served as a two-time team captain and continued to anchor the Illini secondary, adding to his career totals of 182 tackles and seven interceptions across his time at the position. His performance and leadership helped him earn a seventh-round selection from Denver, and he signed his four-year rookie contract on May 7, 2026.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Miles Scott (American football)
- Mile High Report: 2026 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos select Illinois safety Miles Scott with their 246th overall selection
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Safety
- Group
- defense
- College
- Illinois
- Hometown
- Dolton, IL, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
