Broncos roster review: Cornerback Damarri Mathis

A three year starter from Pittsburgh, Damarri Mathis was drafted in the 4^th round by Denver of the 2022 draft. He was viewed as a speed demon with agility concerns but a smart player who might not be shifty enough for the pro-game. His first year was uneven. Denver’s decimated secondary forced him into early action and while he showed considerable promise at times, he also had big lapses. The worst of these was a game against the Los Angeles Chargers where he was flagged for pass interference four times for 87 yards. Nevertheless, there was optimism that he would progress in year two and he began 2023 as a starter.

The first 6 weeks of the 2023 season were a disaster for the Denver Broncos. They were the worst defense in NFL history by various metrics. Mathis was one of the many Broncos abused by all opponents. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph made multiple big moves to address his defense – cutting Essang Bassey, benching Delarrin Turner-Yell, trading Randy Gregory, and benching Mathis. In his case, he was benched for Fabian Moreau, a cornerback who signed mid-training camp and who vastly outplayed Mathis during the 2023 season and is currently unsigned by any team.

After his benching, Mathis contributed on special teams, though not as a core special teamer.

Player Profile

Damarri Mathis | Cornerback | #27

Age: 25 | Experience: 3rd year | College: Pittsburgh

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 pounds

2023 stats: 6 games started 35 tackles 1 pass defensed

How Mathis fits in with the Denver Broncos in 2024

Denver allowed Moreau to walk as a free agent after the season, and signed Levi Wallace for a veteran minimum deal though with enough guarantees he is almost guaranteed to make the roster. While Denver did take a cornerback in the fifth round in Kris Abrams-Draine, it is unclear where he will fit on the depth chart. If Wallace or Riley Moss is starting, and the other backing him up, this roughly slots Mathis in a competition with Abrams-Draine to be the 4^th boundary corner for the year. Last year Denver generally kept five boundary cornerbacks so while Mathis’ roster spot does not appear to be in particular danger, if he wants further opportunities in the NFL after this year he is going to need to really show better play than he has in previous years.

Final Thoughts

Cornerbacks play fairly deep into the depth chart. Part of this is that injuries are fairly common at the position and they frequently contribute to special teams. I expect Mathis will make the roster, and he will have opportunities to demonstrate that he can have a future in the NFL. If he does not take those opportunities, I expect Denver to move on in 2025.