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Broncos 53-man roster prediction before final preseason game
By Jon Heath,
3 hours ago
The Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers 27-2 in their second preseason game of the summer on Sunday. On deck for Denver is a preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals next weekend.
The Broncos currently have 91 players on their roster and they have to get down to a 53-man roster by Aug. 27. Before playing the Packers, Denver coach Sean Payton said there were nine to ten players on the roster bubble.
Ahead of the real cuts next week, we’ve put together an updated 53-man roster prediction for the Broncos. Keep in mind that Denver can build a 17-player practice squad after roster cuts.
Broncos 53-man roster prediction
Quarterback (2)
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Bo Nix
Zach Wilson
As a fifth-year player, Jarrett Stidham would not be subject to the waiver wire if the Broncos release him. Denver could then, in theory, re-sign him to the practice squad or re-sign him to the active roster after setting an initial 53-man roster and making waiver claims.
Running back (4)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Javonte Williams
Jaleel McLaughlin
Audric Estime
Blake Watson
Samaje Perine will turn 29 in September and the Broncos can save $3 million if he’s released. Watson, on the other hand, is a 24-year-old rookie who might not clear waivers. If Denver carries four RBs, Watson is our pick over Perine.
Wide receiver (6)
(Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports)
Courtland Sutton
Tim Patrick
Josh Reynolds
Devaughn Vele
Marvin Mims
Troy Franklin
Tim Patrick, please forgive me. My roster projection last week did not have Patrick making the squad, in part because he could go on the practice squad without having to clear waivers. There’s no need for such a scheme, though: Tim Patrick is back and he belongs on the 53-man roster.
Tight end/fullback (5)
(Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)
Adam Trautman
Greg Dulcich
Lucas Krull
Michael Burton (FB)
Nate Adkins (TE/FB)
Some pundits believe Nate Adkins is on the roster bubble, but coach Sean Payton seems to value his role in the offense.
Offensive line (9)
(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
OT Garett Bolles
OT Matt Peart
OG Ben Powers
G/C Nick Gargiulo
C/G Luke Wattenberg
C/G Alex Forsyth
OG Quinn Meinerz
OT Mike McGlinchey
OT Alex Palczewski
The offensive line is a position group that could see some serious turnover during roster cuts. It would not be surprising to see Denver make a few claims at the position in an attempt to beef up the line’s depth.
Defensive line (5)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
DE Zach Allen
NT D.J. Jones
NT Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers
DL Eyioma Uwazurike
The first four players are locks. Eyioma Uwazurike has returned from his suspension and seems to be on his way to making the squad. Angelo Blackson could be released and re-signed to the practice squad without having to clear waivers because he’s a veteran.
Outside linebacker (4)
(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
Baron Browning
Jonathon Cooper
Jonah Elliss
Nik Bonitto
Elliss has looked extremely impressive in preseason and it’s easy to imagine him quickly climbing the depth chart.
Inside linebacker (4)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Alex Singleton
Cody Barton
Jonas Griffith
Justin Strnad
Levelle Bailey is making a push for a spot on the active roster. If he doesn’t make the final 53, Bailey will likely be a top practice squad target.
Cornerback (6)
(Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)
Pat Surtain
Ja’Quan McMillian
Riley Moss
Kris Abrams-Draine
Levi Wallace
Tremon Smith
Ja’Quan McMillian is a promising slot defender. Riley Moss appears to have the CB2 job across from Pat Surtain secured. 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 (5)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
P.J. Locke
Brandon Jones
Devon Key
JL Skinner
Keidron Smith
You can’t leave Keidron Smith off the active roster after the preseason he’s had.
Special teams (3)
(Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
K Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
Riley Dixon and Trenton Gill will get one last chance to win the punter job in the Broncos’ preseason finale. May the best leg win.
Injured (2)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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.
We will track all of Denver’s roster cuts on Broncos Wire next week.
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