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 beginning his NFL career in 2024. He is recognized for his college achievements, including earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2023.
Standing 180 centimeters tall and weighing 81 kilograms, Abrams-Draine began his football journey as a skill-position player in high school before transitioning to defense at the collegiate level. His journey from Mobile, Alabama, to the NFL reflects a blend of athletic versatility, defensive development, and steady progression through one of the toughest conferences in college football.
Early Life and Background
Kris Abrams-Draine was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, where he developed an early interest in sports. He attended Spanish Fort High School in Spanish Fort, Alabama, where he played multiple offensive positions throughout his high school career. During his early years, he lined up primarily as a wide receiver, showcasing his speed, hands, and route-running ability on the perimeter.
In his senior year, Abrams-Draine transitioned to quarterback, giving him a broader understanding of offensive schemes and passing concepts. As a senior, he passed for 723 yards and rushed for 1,745 yards, scoring a combined 30 total touchdowns. This dual-threat production at the high school level highlighted his athleticism and football intelligence, traits that would later serve him well when he switched to the defensive side of the ball.
Coming out of high school, Abrams-Draine was a highly regarded recruit. He originally committed to play college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) and later at the University of Mississippi before ultimately choosing the University of Missouri. His decision to join the Missouri Tigers set the stage for a successful college career in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Path to American Football
Abrams-Draine’s path to becoming an NFL cornerback began with his enrollment at the University of Missouri in 2020. As a true freshman, he played in five games as a wide receiver, giving him a unique perspective on offensive route combinations and receiver tendencies. That experience would later inform his ability to anticipate routes as a defensive back.
In 2021, he made the position switch to cornerback, a transition that would define his career. That season, he played in all 13 games for the Tigers, making 10 starts. He recorded 37 tackles and three interceptions, demonstrating immediate playmaking ability in coverage. His strong performance in his first full season as a defensive back established him as a rising player within the Missouri program.
He returned to Missouri as a starter in 2022, continuing to develop his technique and understanding of the cornerback position. His consistent production and coverage skills earned him recognition as one of the top defensive backs in the SEC, culminating in first-team All-SEC honors in 2023. This honor solidified his status as an NFL prospect heading into the 2024 draft cycle.
Kris Abrams-Draine Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Kris Abrams-Draine’s early career at the University of Missouri began with a limited role as a wide receiver in 2020. Appearing in five games during his true freshman season, he gained valuable experience on offense while adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football in the SEC.
The following year, in 2021, Abrams-Draine made the switch to cornerback. Playing in all 13 games and starting 10, he quickly adapted to his new role on defense. He finished the season with 37 tackles and three interceptions, showing a natural feel for the position and a knack for disrupting the passing game.
SEC and College Breakthrough (2022–2023)
As a returning starter in 2022, Abrams-Draine continued to refine his skills as a cornerback for the Missouri Tigers. His second full season on defense allowed him to build on his early production and establish himself as a reliable contributor in the secondary.
In 2023, Abrams-Draine earned first-team All-SEC honors, capping off a standout senior season. His coverage ability, ball skills, and tackling consistency drew attention from NFL scouts and positioned him as one of the top cornerback prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–Present)
Abrams-Draine was selected in the fifth round with the 145th overall pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft. His selection marked the next step in his football journey, transitioning from a standout college defender to a professional cornerback in the NFL.
He made his NFL debut during Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. 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 went on to win the contest 41–32, giving Abrams-Draine an early victory in his young professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Abrams-Draine’s career so far is his fifth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, validating his college trajectory. His NFL debut in Week 13 of the 2024 season, where he was called upon in a high-pressure situation against the Cleveland Browns, stands as another significant milestone. Additionally, his first-team All-SEC selection in 2023 remains one of the most notable achievements of his football resume.
Kris Abrams-Draine Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kris Abrams-Draine was raised in Mobile, Alabama, and attended Spanish Fort High School. Specific details about his family background are not widely documented in publicly available sources.
Personal Life
Kris Abrams-Draine maintains a private personal life. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, and children is not publicly confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Kris Abrams-Draine is positioned to build on the experience he gained during his late-season debut in 2024. Having stepped into a meaningful role against the Cleveland Browns, he now has a foundation of professional game experience to draw upon. His continued development within the Denver Broncos secondary will be a key storyline to watch.
With cornerback Patrick Surtain II serving as the established leader of the Broncos’ defense, Abrams-Draine has a strong veteran presence to learn from. The Broncos’ defensive scheme and coaching staff will play a significant role in shaping his progression, and his performance in training camp and preseason action will likely determine his role in the regular-season rotation.
As a young defensive back in his first full offseason, Abrams-Draine’s outlook for 2025 centers on earning a more consistent role in the Broncos’ secondary. His college pedigree, including first-team All-SEC honors, suggests he has the tools to compete for expanded playing time. The 2025 season represents an important opportunity for him to establish himself as a long-term contributor in the NFL.