Brent Austin has wasted no time turning heads in Broncos camp.
That’s no small feat in Denver, where the cornerback room is already loaded from top to bottom with Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine. Even with that kind of depth, Austin - an undrafted rookie who came to Cal after a long run through the JUCO ranks - is forcing his way into the conversation.
He picked off attention right away on Day 1, diving to break up a pass in team drills. The next day, he was at it again, making another play on the ball. Once the pads came on this week, Austin kept stacking moments, including a win against fellow newcomer and UFL Offensive Player of the Year Hakeem Butler, who had a significant size edge over him.
#Broncos WR Hakeem Butler had a standout first couple days of camp but has had a couple really low-effort reps today. Just got beat by much smaller CB Brent Austin on go-get it free-play ball
Austin continues to have a nice camp. 5’11 UDFA CB from Cal
- Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2026
For Broncos fans, the jersey number only adds to the intrigue. Austin is wearing No. 25, the same number once worn by Chris Harris Jr., one of the franchise’s most memorable undrafted success stories. Harris’ rise started the same way Austin’s is starting now: with play after play at training camp.
And Austin did show traits at Cal that can carry over quickly. As Andy Martinez wrote in April, he was a one-year starter there and made the most of it, posting an All-ACC senior season while leading the FBS in forced incompletions with 17, allowing just 45.8% completions when targeted, and showing strong ball instincts and a high football IQ.
That knack for knocking away passes matters, especially for a player who can work from the slot. In today’s NFL, that role can get overlooked even though nickel defenses are the norm and those inside corners are constantly involved.
The obstacle for Austin is the math of roster building. The Broncos don’t need help at corner in the obvious sense, but a rookie who keeps making plays can change how a team thinks. If Austin keeps this up, Denver may decide he’s too valuable to risk on waivers and move on from someone else instead.
With the preseason now just over a week away, Austin has gone from undrafted afterthought to one of the more compelling young players in camp - and maybe the Broncos’ top UDFA storyline so far.
In Other News...
Bo Nix Is Showing The Kind Of Growth Denver Needed Most
Bo Nixs second training camp after the broken ankle has offered the Broncos a useful glimpse of what progress can look like at quarterback. Early practice observations have pointed to a cleaner throwing motion and a quicker release than he showed in his first NFL seasons, the kind of subtle but meaningful growth Denver needed to see from a young passer trying to settle in as the long-term answer.
The bigger question is how much of that carries over once the games count. The improvements have helped his accuracy and timing look sharper in camp, but they still have to be tested under regular-season pressure, and new offensive coordinator Davis Webb will have a hand in shaping what comes next for Nix as the Broncos keep building around him. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Fans Immediately Had One Big Jaylen Waddle Concern
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Sean Payton later said Waddle is dealing with muscle tightness and will be evaluated, while also expressing optimism that he should be fine. There has not been an official injury status released yet, so the wait now is simply for the next update and for Denver to see whether this is just a short-lived camp hiccup or something that lingers into the rest of practice. [Read more 🡒]
Former Broncos Lineman Lands Elsewhere After Denvers Latest Line Churn
The Broncos latest wave of offensive line turnover has another familiar name finding a new home. Sam Mustipher has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, adding yet another stop to a career that has already taken him through several NFL organizations and a mix of practice squad and active roster opportunities.
Mustipher, 29, has spent time with the Bears, Ravens, Broncos, Chargers and Titans, a path that says plenty about how often veteran linemen are asked to adapt and move. For Denver, it is another reminder of just how fluid that room has been, and for Mustipher it gives him another chance to carve out a role somewhere that still needs depth up front. [Read more 🡒]