The Denver Broncos used a first-round pick on Jahdae Barron in the 2025 draft, with the intent of letting him learn the nickelback spot before anything else. The thing is, Barron has largely had to learn by example, thanks to starting nickel JaâQuan McMillian.
A fourth-year former undrafted free agent, McMillian is having a career year for one of the leagueâs best defenses, and quietly amid larger storylines around his position mates.
However, Los Angeles Rams icon Aaron Donald offered high praise for McMillian.
Broncos NB JaâQuan McMillian Draws Strong Praise From Rams Icon Aaron Donald
GettyFormer Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald visits on the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins.
Donald, who is widely considered a sure-fire first-ballot Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible in 2029, picked McMillian during a segment of his podcast.
He cited McMillianâs day against the Kansas City Chiefs and, specifically, Patrick Mahomes.
âMy No. 1 guy this week, Denverâs cornerback, McMillan. He had a day. 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception. And one of them sacks was a third-down sack against Mahomes for them to punt the ball back to that Denver offense to be able to drive down for that game-winning field goal, man,â Donald said on âThe Inner Circle Podcastâ on November 19.
âClap it up for McMillan, man. Hell of a day, big dog. Keep it up, man. Flying around all over the place in the pass game, in the run game, and even ⦠getting after the quarterback. Man, he had a day, man. So, letâs keep it up, big dog.â
McMillian spoke candidly about that sack and how he timed up his blitz based on what he saw from Mahomes.
JaâQuan McMillian Reveals Patrick Mahomesâ Tell
GettyPatrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on after facing the Denver Broncos.
âI noticed early in the game when he was snapping the ball, his hands would come up, and the ball was coming out,â McMillian said postgame. âI just timed it up. When his hands start coming up, I start sneaking towards the edge, and just made a play. They didnât slide the protection. I just went in.â
McMillian said he tries to hold off revealing his blitz as long as possible. It worked in Week 11.
âI just seen him winding up, and thatâs why I kind of jumped. I jumped in the air. I didnât want him to throw the ball,â McMillian said. âI was going to bat it down or ⦠get the sack; one of those. But he wasnât getting that ball off.â
Mahomes chalked the game, including the interception, up as a learning experience, but it certainly elevated McMillian and the Broncosâ profile as they entered their bye week.
JaâQuan McMillian Headed for Significant Payday
GettyJa’Quan McMillian #29 of the Denver Broncos reacts after sacking Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs.
McMillian is on a one-year, $1 million contract with the Broncos and will be a free agent after the season. That makes the timing of his strong season that much more fitting, with the 25-year-old primed to be one of the more appealing options available, if he is.
McMillian ranks 11th in completion percentage allowed among defenders who have faced at least 50 targets this season, per Stathead.
That is one spot behind teammate Riley Moss.
It is also ahead of the injured Patrick Surtain II, though the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has only faced 34 targets due to a combination of his current three-game absence and stature as one of the best players (not just cornerbacks) in the league.
It might not be the Broncos, since they did draft the uber-talented Barron, but McMillian is indeed in line for a significant raise in 2026.
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