Broncos 53-man roster prediction before final preseason game

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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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.