The Denver Broncos are a team in transition under head coach Sean Payton, who is building the team according to his vision, but Broncos country is hungry for success. After what can only be described as a successful preseason, the team now faces some tough decisions.
How will the Broncos build that 53-man roster? There are far more than 53 players who deserve a spot and the Broncos will have to be calculated in how they manage their roster heading into the upcoming season.
Here’s how we’re doing it ahead of the workforce reductions, which are scheduled to take place by 4:00 p.m. ET Tuesday.
Denver Broncos Final 53-Man Roster Prediction
Quarterback (3)
Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson
Cuts: None
With a 17-man practice squad where the Broncos can stockpile additional players who you feel are more deserving of a roster spot than Zach Wilson, I think it would be irresponsible of the Broncos to simply waive Wilson after the way he played in the preseason.
The Broncos could certainly consider a trade, but they must retain all three quarterbacks first.
Running back (4)
Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Blake Watson
Cuts: Samaje Perine, Tyler Badie, Michael Burton
If the Broncos could keep all six of those players, they would. Samaje Perine is a potential trade candidate because there simply isn’t room for him on this team. Blake Watson is ahead of Tyler Badie for the final spot.
Wide receiver (6)
Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele
Cuts: Brandon Johnson, Jalen Virgil, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, David Sills, Phillip Dorsett, Michael Bandy
There are some very tough cuts on this roster, most notably Brandon Johnson, who has been with the team the past two seasons.
Tight end (4)
Adam Trautman, Greg Dulcich, Lucas Krull, Nate Adkins
Cups: Thomas Yassmin, Hunter Kampmoyer
Nate Adkins takes a roster spot from Michael Burton.
Offensive line (9)
Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Matt Peart, Calvin Throckmorton, Alex Forsyth, Alex Palczewski
Cuts: Will Sherman, Nick Gargiulo, Demontry Jacobs, Sam Mustipher, Oliver Jervis, Frank Crum
Alex Forsyth and Alex Palcewski are uncertain choices, but neither player on the rookie list has done much to stand out ahead of them this summer. Nick Gargiulo, a seventh-round pick this year, could be slotted ahead of Forsyth.
Defensive line (5)
Zach Allen, DJ Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike
Cuts: Angelo Blackson, Jordan Jackson, Matt Henningsen, Elijah Garcia, Jordan Miller
If there’s one position that would be most impacted by the team keeping three quarterbacks, it might be this one. Angelo Blackson was my final choice.
Edge Rusher (5)
Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman
Cups: Durell Nchami, Thomas Incoom
Inside linebacker (4)
Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith, Justin Strnad
Cuts: Levelle Bailey, Andre Smith, Alec Mock
Injured Reserve: Drew Sanders
Levelle Bailey will be tough to cut, but he will be added to the practice squad if cleared via waivers.
Cornerback (6)
Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillian, Levi Wallace, Damarri Mathis, Kris Abrams-Draine
Cuts: Tremon Smith, Art Green, Kaleb Hayes, Quinton Newsome, Reese Taylor
Damarri Mathis was carted off the field Sunday, but it appears he may have avoided a serious injury. If an MRI reveals a more significant issue, he could be a candidate to start the year on the injured list or the reserve list.
Security (4)
Brandon Jones, PJ Locke, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith
Cuts: Devon Key, Omar Brown, Tanner McAlister
PUP: Delarrin Turner-Yell
Other members of the media Devon Smith and/or Tanner McAlister may be on the right side of the 53-man limit, but my eyes saw Keidron Smith as a much more impactful player.
Delarrin Turner-Yell will open the season on the PUP list as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL.
Specialists (3)
Goal scorer: Will Lutz
Punter: Riley Dixon
Long Snapper: Mitchell Fraboni
Cuts: Trenton Gill
Riley Dixon beats Trenton Gill for the kicker job in a competition that never really looked close.
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