Kris Abrams-Draine Bio
Kris Abrams-Draine is an American professional football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 4, 2001, in Mobile, Alabama, he played college football for the Missouri Tigers before being selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos with the 145th overall pick. Abrams-Draine transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback during his college career and quickly established himself as a defensive standout, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2023. His journey from a high school playmaker in Spanish Fort, Alabama, to an NFL cornerback demonstrates his versatility and adaptability on the football field.
Early Life and Background
Kris Abrams-Draine grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and attended Spanish Fort High School in Spanish Fort, Alabama. During his high school career, he primarily played wide receiver before switching to quarterback for his senior year. As a senior, Abrams-Draine passed for 723 yards, rushed for 1,745 yards, and scored 30 total touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability and athletic versatility.
His impressive high school performance attracted attention from multiple major college programs. Abrams-Draine was originally committed to play college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Mississippi before ultimately deciding to attend the University of Missouri. His recruitment by prestigious programs highlighted his potential as a playmaker at the next level.
Path to American Football
Upon arriving at the University of Missouri, Abrams-Draine initially continued his career as a wide receiver. He played in five games as a true freshman during the 2020 season, gaining experience at the collegiate level while adjusting to the increased competition and pace of college football.
Prior to the 2021 season, Abrams-Draine made a pivotal career decision by switching from wide receiver to cornerback. This position change marked a significant turning point in his football journey. The transition demonstrated his willingness to embrace new challenges and showcased his defensive instincts. In his first season as a cornerback, Abrams-Draine played in all 13 games with 10 starts, recording 37 tackles and three interceptions. His immediate impact at the cornerback position validated the coaching staff’s belief in his potential.
Kris Abrams-Draine Career
Missouri Tigers (2020–2023)
Abrams-Draine’s transition to cornerback proved to be a defining moment in his career. His three interception season in 2021 established him as a playmaker in the secondary, and he continued to develop his coverage skills throughout his college career. Returning as a starter in 2022, he built upon his initial success and refined his technique against some of the top receivers in the country.
His senior season in 2023 represented the pinnacle of his college career. Abrams-Draine’s exceptional performance as a cornerback earned him first-team All-SEC honors, recognizing him as one of the top defensive backs in the conference. This accolade solidified his reputation as a lockdown corner capable of matching up against elite competition in the Southeastern Conference.
Denver Broncos (2024–Present)
The Denver Broncos selected Kris Abrams-Draine in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 145th overall pick. This selection marked the beginning of his professional career and provided him with an opportunity to continue his development under the Broncos’ coaching staff. Joining an organization with established veteran cornerbacks offered Abrams-Draine a chance to learn while contributing on special teams and in defensive packages.
Abrams-Draine made his NFL debut during Week 13 of the 2024 season against the Cleveland Browns. His opportunity came when veteran cornerback Levi Wallace was benched in the fourth quarter after struggling against former Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy. Abrams-Draine stepped in as the outside corner opposite Patrick Surtain II for the remainder of the game. The Broncos secured a 41-32 victory, and Abrams-Draine’s performance provided a glimpse of his potential at the professional level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Abrams-Draine brings versatility to the cornerback position, having developed his football instincts as both a receiver and quarterback before fully committing to defense. His background provides him with unique understanding of offensive schemes and route concepts, allowing him to anticipate plays and break on passes effectively. His collegiate transition demonstrated his ability to adapt quickly to new responsibilities, a trait that translates well to the complexity of NFL defenses.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Abrams-Draine’s early NFL career came during his debut against the Cleveland Browns, where he was thrust into significant playing time due to an injury situation. Being positioned opposite Patrick Surtain II, one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, provided Abrams-Draine with an invaluable learning opportunity while facing legitimate NFL talent.
Kris Abrams-Draine Career Statistics
Through his first season with the Denver Broncos, Abrams-Draine established himself as a contributing member of the defensive unit. His collegiate success as a first-team All-SEC performer translated into productive early results at the professional level.
NFL Regular Season Statistics (as of Week 18, 2025)
Abrams-Draine recorded 39 total tackles during his rookie season, demonstrating his ability to make plays in run defense and contribute in tackling situations. He added 3 pass deflections, showcasing his coverage skills and ability to contest catches. Most notably, he recorded 1 interception, highlighting his playmaking ability and ball skills at the cornerback position. These statistics indicate a solid start to his professional career with room for continued growth and development.
| Season | Team | Games | Tackles | Pass Deflections | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Denver Broncos | Regular Season | 39 | 3 | 1 |
College Career Highlights
At Missouri, Abrams-Draine’s career included 37 tackles and 3 interceptions during his first season at cornerback in 2021. His progression over three seasons as a cornerback culminated in his first-team All-SEC selection in 2023, representing the highest recognition of his collegiate career. His ability to transition successfully from offense to defense within the SEC demonstrated his football intelligence and athletic adaptability.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Abrams-Draine’s second year with the Denver Broncos as he continued to develop within the team’s defensive scheme. Building upon his experiences from his rookie campaign, he worked to solidify his role in the secondary and contribute consistently to the Broncos’ defensive efforts. His partnership with the coaching staff and veteran players provided a foundation for continued improvement throughout the season.
With another year of NFL experience under his belt, Abrams-Draine focused on refining his coverage technique and expanding his understanding of opposing offenses. The Broncos’ defensive system offered him opportunities to showcase his versatility while learning from established professionals in the secondary. His trajectory suggested continued growth as he worked toward becoming a more complete cornerback capable of matching up against the league’s top receivers.