The Denver Broncos selected JL Skinner early in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Skinner was projected as a mid-round prospect, and likely to develop into an average safety, before a torn pectoral muscle in the leadup to the combine derailed his draft position and helped cost him opportunities to play.
While Skinner made the final roster, he ended up being inactive for almost the entire season. Even with injuries, suspensions, and ineffectiveness ahead of him on the depth chart, he was unable to make it onto the field.
Despite these challenges, he showed a lot of range in college and excelled in covering tight ends and tackling in the open field.