Broncos CB Kris Abrams-Draine is a former WR with returner experience
(Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
Kris Abrams-Draine was a do-it-all player at Spanish Fort High School in Alabama.
The versatile defensive back played wide receiver in high school, hauling in 55 receptions for 903 years and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. He later switched to quarterback as a senior and scored 30 all-purpose touchdowns.
He committed to Missouri after high school and started his college career as a receiver before switching to cornerback his sophomore season.
“I feel like DB is more [of an opportunity that] I can show my athletic ability and stuff like that,” Abrams-Draine said during a call with reporters on April 26. “I just feel like it was an easier transition for me because I’m a competitive person, so I just never turn down a challenge.”
Abrams-Draine quickly made an impact on defense, grabbing three interceptions and breaking up seven passes in 2021. Some of the traits he learned at WR transitioned well to CB.
“I’d say just knowing the route concepts and schemes that a lot of offenses like to do,” Abrams-Draine said of his experience at WR helping him at CB. “Just recognizing them, and just having ball skills to go up and fight for the ball when it’s in the air.”
Abrams-Draine ended his college career with 34 pass breakups and seven interceptions. He was picked by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of this year's NFL draft and he's now set to compete at cornerback this summer.
Abrams-Draine also returned kickoffs and punts during his time with the Tigers, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Broncos find ways to get him the ball this season. The NFL is switching to an XFL-style kickoff format in 2024 that features two returners. Abrams-Draine focused on defense in his final two years at Missouri, but he averaged 22.4 yards on 24 kickoff returns as a sophomore in 2021. He could be a sleeper to watch this summer as Denver looks for a returner to pair with Marvin Mims in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos CB Kris Abrams-Draine is a former WR with returner experience