Ja'Quan McMillian Free Hitter for the Denver Broncos

Ja'Quan McMillian has emerged as the Denver Broncos’ secret weapon in 2025—a “free hitter” in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme, tasked with disrupting opponents’ offenses through blitzes, run stops, and turnover plays. The 24-year-old nickel cornerback, now in his third NFL season, has transcended his traditional role as a slot defender to become a Swiss Army knife for the Broncos: lining up as a blitzer, a run defender, and even a pseudo-linebacker in sub-packages. What defines a free hitter is freedom—Joseph trusts McMillian to read the offense, attack weaknesses, and make plays without rigid pre-snap assignments. This role has turned McMillian from a solid contributor into a game-changer, with his ability to generate pressure and force turnovers elevating the Broncos’ defense to top-5 status. Ja'Quan McMillian Free Hitter for the Denver Broncos thus explores how this unique role has unlocked McMillian’s potential and become a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defensive identity.

McMillian’s journey to becoming a free hitter began with his natural athleticism and football IQ—traits that stood out even during his rookie season in 2023, when he played primarily on special teams. At 5’10” and 195 pounds, he lacks the size of traditional linebackers, but his speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) and instincts make him a threat to penetrate gaps and chase down ball carriers. Joseph first experimented with McMillian as a blitzer in 2024, giving him limited reps in obvious passing situations. The results were promising: he recorded 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in just 150 defensive snaps. This offseason, Joseph expanded the role, designing “free hitter packages” where McMillian lines up in the box, reads the offense’s formation, and chooses whether to blitz, drop into coverage, or plug a run gap. “Ja'Quan has a rare ability to process information quickly,” Joseph said. “Most players need a specific assignment, but he can see what the offense is doing and react. That’s why he’s perfect for this role.” In the first eight weeks of 2025, McMillian has already matched his 2024 sack total and added 3 interceptions—proof that the free hitter role plays to his strengths. Ja'Quan McMillian Free Hitter for the Denver Broncos thus frames his evolution as a testament to both his talent and Joseph’s willingness to innovate.

A defining characteristic of McMillian’s free hitter role is his impact on third downs—a critical phase where the Broncos have transformed from a middle-of-the-pack unit to one of the NFL’s best. Through eight weeks, the Broncos rank 4th in third-down defense (converting just 31% of opponents’ attempts), with McMillian playing a key role in disrupting passing plays. Against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, he lined up as a slot cornerback on third-and-7, then blitzed up the middle untouched, sacking Patrick Mahomes and forcing a punt. In Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills, he dropped into coverage after initially showing blitz, intercepting Josh Allen’s pass to a tight end and returning it 20 yards to set up a Broncos touchdown. “Third down is where free hitters shine because offenses have to be predictable—they’re either passing or running,” said Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker. “Ja'Quan keeps them guessing. One play he’s blitzing, the next he’s covering. It’s impossible for quarterbacks to account for him.” McMillian’s third-down success isn’t just about stats; it’s about momentum—each big play shifts the game’s energy to the Broncos and demoralizes opponents. Ja'Quan McMillian Free Hitter for the Denver Broncos thus underscores how his role has become a difference-maker in high-pressure situations.

The Denver Broncos’ defensive success in 2025 also hinges on how McMillian’s free hitter role complements the team’s pass rush—creating a one-two punch that overwhelms opposing offenses. With edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Brian Burns drawing constant double teams, McMillian’s blitzes from the slot or box often catch offenses off guard. Offensive lines, focused on blocking Bonitto and Burns, frequently leave McMillian unblocked, giving him a clear path to the quarterback. This synergy was on full display in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders: Burns drew a double team, leaving McMillian to blitz up the middle and sack Aidan O’Connell for a 10-yard loss. Later in the game, Bonitto’s outside rush forced O’Connell to step up, right into McMillian’s waiting arms for another sack. “Ja'Quan makes our pass rush better because he’s another threat,” Burns said. “Offenses can’t just focus on me and Nik—they have to worry about Ja'Quan coming from anywhere. It’s a nightmare for them.” The Denver Broncos’ defense now ranks 7th in sacks (24 through eight weeks), with McMillian accounting for 6 of those—a remarkable total for a nickel cornerback. Ja'Quan McMillian Free Hitter for the Denver Broncos thus shows how his role has turned a strong pass rush into a dominant one.

The Denver Broncos also rely on McMillian’s free hitter role to stop the run in short-yardage situations—an area where the team has improved dramatically from 2024. Last season, the Broncos ranked 22nd in short-yardage run defense (allowing a 70% conversion rate on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1); in 2025, they rank 5th (55% conversion rate), with McMillian playing a key part in plugging gaps. His low center of gravity and strength (he bench-presses 225 pounds 18 times) let him shed blocks from running backs or tight ends and tackle ball carriers at the line of scrimmage. Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6, the Chargers faced fourth-and-1 at the Broncos’ 25-yard line. McMillian lined up in the box, read the run play, and split a gap between two offensive linemen, tackling Austin Ekeler for no gain and forcing a turnover on downs. “Short-yardage is about physicality and timing, and Ja'Quan has both,” said Broncos linebackers coach Peter Hansen. “He doesn’t back down from bigger players, and he always seems to be in the right place at the right time.” The Denver Broncos’ ability to stop short-yardage runs has turned opponents’ aggressive fourth-down calls into mistakes—another example of how McMillian’s free hitter role controls the game. Ja'Quan McMillian Free Hitter for the Denver Broncos thus highlights his versatility as a run stopper and pass rusher.

Looking ahead, Ja'Quan McMillian’s free hitter role will only grow in importance as the Denver Broncos push for a playoff spot—and potentially a Super Bowl run. Joseph has hinted at expanding the role further, using McMillian as a “spy” on mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, where he’ll shadow their movements and prevent big scrambling plays. McMillian, for his part, is embracing the challenge, spending extra time studying film to identify opponents’ tendencies and refine his decision-making. “This role is a dream come true,” McMillian said. “Coach Joseph trusts me to make plays, and I don’t want to let him down. Every time I step on the field, I’m looking to change the game.” The Broncos’ front office has also taken notice, with general manager George Paton acknowledging that McMillian’s contract extension (he’s in the final year of his rookie deal) is a top priority this offseason. For the Denver Broncos, McMillian isn’t just a free hitter—he’s a core piece of their defensive future, a player whose unique skill set and football IQ make him irreplaceable. Ja'Quan McMillian Free Hitter for the Denver Broncos thus concludes by emphasizing that his role isn’t just a tactical choice; it’s a reflection of the Broncos’ commitment to playing aggressive, innovative defense—and winning with players who rise to the occasion.