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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The 2026 NFL Draft proved fruitful for Illinois football, with three of its players finding new homes in the league, including standout defensive back Miles Scott.
Scott was selected by the Denver Broncos as the 246th overall pick in the seventh round, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.
Originally joining Illinois as part of the 2021 recruiting class, Scott started his collegiate career as a wide receiver. However, he transitioned to the role of safety in 2023, showcasing his versatility and adaptability on the field.
The Broncos, in their evaluation of Scott, had the advantage of insights from within their own ranks, thanks to existing connections to Illinois. Two former Illini players are already donning the Denver colors. Offensive lineman Alex Palczewski, who joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023, is now gearing up for his fourth NFL season. He and Scott were teammates for two years in Champaign, adding a layer of familiarity to the Broncos’ selection.
Two former Illini are already in Denver. Offensive lineman Alex Palczewski is readying up for his fourth year in the league – signing with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Palczewski and Scott shared two years together in Champaign.
Plus, wide receiver Pat Bryant – a third round draft pick by the Broncos in 2025, shared the locker room with Miles Scott for all four of his seasons at Illinois. Bryant and Scott were both in the Illini wide receiver’s room in 2021 and 2022 before the Dolton, Illinois native made the move to defense.
Broncos head coach – and EIU alum – Sean Payton says those two players were able to help the team get to know Miles Scott before picking him on day three of the 2026 draft.
Payton also says Scott doesn’t play like someone who is new to the safety position.
The Broncos general manager liked Scott’s game for a number of reasons.
“Very physical for a former receiver and instincts, for a guy who hadn’t played at all that long, we thought he really good anticipation and instincts and thus, he had the interceptions,” Broncos GM George Paton said. “So I think he fits in with our group and what we look for in safeties.”
Scott had seven interceptions in his three seasons playing DB for Illinois.