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53-man roster prediction after Broncos' first preseason game
By Jon Heath,
2 hours ago
After defeating the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 on the road in their preseason opener on Sunday, the Denver Broncos are now set to host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.
Following the first game action of the summer, we have updated our 53-man roster prediction for the Broncos. This projection will also be updated after each of the team’s two remaining preseason games.
Denver will have to make especially tough decisions at wide receiver, running back and cornerback after preseason.
For now, we have Stidham edging out Zach Wilson for the QB2 job based on his experience in Sean Payton’s offense. That could obviously change if Wilson finishes preseason on a strong note.
Running back (4)
Javonte Williams
Jaleel McLaughlin
Audric Estime
Blake Watson
The first three RBs listed seem to be locks. The toss-up is the fourth spot between undrafted rookie Blake Watson and veteran Samaje Perine. If the Broncos don’t think Watson would clear waivers to get down to the practice squad, Perine could become a cap casualty this summer.
Wide receiver (5)
Courtland Sutton
Josh Reynolds
Marvin Mims
Troy Franklin
Devaughn Vele
It’s a very difficult decision to cut Tim Patrick, but Vele has impressed this summer and Patrick is 30 years old and coming off back-to-back serious injuries. The Broncos might be able to get Patrick down to the practice squad, and he could be elevated three times during the season. Injuries also happen during the year, so starting the season on the practice squad does not mean Patrick would have to spend the entire campaign there.
Tight end/fullback (5)
Adam Trautman
Greg Dulcich
Lucas Krull
Michael Burton (FB)
Nate Adkins (TE/FB)
No surprises at tight end. Denver could use a difference-maker at the position when they make roster changes in 2025.
Offensive line (9)
OT Garett Bolles
OT Matt Peart
OG Ben Powers
OG Quinn Meinerz
C/G Luke Wattenberg
C/G Alex Forsyth
G/T Will Sherman
OT Mike McGlinchey
OT Alex Palczewski
It’s not ideal to cut a draft pick (Nick Gargiulo), but the Broncos have pretty good depth on the interior offensive line. Frank Crum could be a sleeper to upset one of the veterans for a backup tackle spot.
Defensive line (6)
Zach Allen
D.J. Jones
John Franklin-Myers
Malcolm Roach
Angelo Blackson
Matt Henningsen
The first four players are locks. Eyioma Uwazurike has a real chance to make the team after returning from his suspension, but he’ll need to impress in the final two preseason games.
Outside linebacker (5)
Baron Browning
Jonathon Cooper
Nik Bonitto
Jonah Elliss
Thomas Incoom
The top four seem to be locks and Incoom has impressed at camp.
Inside linebacker (4)
Alex Singleton
Cody Barton
Jonas Griffith
Justin Strnad
Cody Barton appears to have an initial lead over Griffith in the competition for a starting job. Justin Strnad remains a key special teams player.
Cornerback (6)
Pat Surtain
Ja’Quan McMillian
Riley Moss
Kris Abrams-Draine
Levi Wallace
Tremon Smith
Riley Moss seems to be a potential front-runner to start across from Pat Surtain. Kris Abrams-Draine was just drafted this year, Tremon Smith is a key special teams player and Levi Wallace is a veteran with plenty of starting experience. That could leave Damarri Mathis as a surprise cut.
Safety (4)
P.J. Locke
Brandon Jones
Devon Key
JL Skinner
Following the departures of Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns this year, it’s easy to pick four safeties from the remaining group.
Special teams (3)
K Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
Riley Dixon punted twice in the team’s first preseason game and Trenton Gill didn’t get an opportunity because the offense did such a good job staying on the field. We’ll see if Gill can push Dixon in the final two games.
Injured (2)
LB Drew Sanders (Reserve/PUP)
DB Delarrin Turner-Yell (Reserve/PUP)
Drew Sanders and Delarrin Turner-Yell seem likely to begin the season on a reserve list, so they won’t count against the initial 53-man roster.
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