The Denver Broncos have a loaded roster without many immediate needs. That will give them flexibility when it comes to their plans and strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft. In just a few days, we will finally find out who they make their top selection.
Defensive back isn’t a primary need for the Broncos, but three starters in Ja’Quan McMillian, Riley Moss, and Brandon Jones are scheduled to be free agents at the end of the 2026 season, as well as depth and special teams’ ace J.L. Skinner. During General
Manager George Paton’s tenure with the franchise, Denver has selected 11 defensive backs.
One player that may interest them is LSU standout A.J. Haulcy. Haulcy started his career at New Mexico but played for two seasons at Houston before transferring to LSU for his senior year. He was coached and recruited to Houston by Doug Belk, who is now the team’s defensive backs coach, and will certainly have a lot of intel and inside information on the highly-productive safety.
If you’re a fan of safeties who deliver big hits and cause a lot of turnovers, you’ll absolutely love Haulcy’s talent and skillset. Let’s do a deep dive regarding his strengths and weaknesses, and why and when the Broncos should consider selection him in this year’s draft.
Player Profile: A.J. Haulcy — Safety — LSU
Height: 5’11-5/8” | Weight: 215 pounds | Arm Length: 30-7/8” | Hand Size: 9-1/4” | Age: 22 Years Old
40-Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds | 10-Yard Split: 1.62 seconds
Statistics at New Mexico, Houston and LSU: 48 games played, 45 starts. 347 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions, 19 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery, 4 forced fumbles.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Four-year starter with over 2,700 defensive snaps logged between three collegiate programs
- Versatility defensive back with reps as a deep safety, box safety, and even a modest amount at slot corner
- Incredible ball hawking skills and production with 10 interceptions and over a dozen total turnovers forced
- Fantastic instincts and high football IQ standout on tape; he makes really good breaks on the ball and does well reading the quarterback’s eyes
- Heavy hitter who has no problem delivering big blows in run support
- High motor player who plays with a lot of intensity and is a tone-setter on the defensive side of the ball
Negatives:
- Has a nose for the ball, but a 13-percent career missed tackle rate is a cause for concern
- Shorter arms may play a role with the missed tackles and can be an issue on contested throws down the field
- Just an average athlete for the position and doesn’t have great long-speed or change of direction skills
- Allowed eight touchdowns over the course of his collegiate career
Hart’s Projection: Top 64 Selection — Second Round Value
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Haulcy
Defensive back isn’t a priority need to address for the Broncos in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, as mentioned earlier, numerous key players in their defense are slated to hit free agency at the end of next season. Jones will be among them, and Denver could certainly be in the market for a long-term replacement.
Overall, Haulcy is one of the premier ballhawks and defensive playmakers in this class. As noted toward the end of the 2025 season, Head Coach Sean Payton wanted to see the defense generate more turnovers. That’s Haulcy’s forte and he would provide that playmaking ability for the Broncos’ defense.
That coupled with his connection to Coach Belk leads me to believe he will be a prospect the team covets. Though it appears unlikely they would draft another defensive back early on who doesn’t start right away. I love Haulcy’s fit for Denver, but it seems more probable that a Day 3 dart throw to add to their safety room is the way they go.
