The Denver Broncos have completed the preseason, going undefeated for the second year in a row. Now, the focus turns to which 53 players they will open the season with against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.
The NFL mandates that all teams cut their rosters down to 53 players by 2:00 pm Mountain time on Tuesday. That will include some difficult decisions for the team.
The Broncos have a very complete roster and will hope to get many of the players they cut through the waiver process so they can bring them back onto the practice squad. Players are available to be claimed by any one of the other 31 teams after being waived for 24 hours. If they go unclaimed, the Broncos can bring them back to the 16-player practice squad.
Denver Broncos 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2): Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham
Cut: Sam Ehlinger
There isn’t much to detail here. Jarrett Stidham was phenomenal in the preseason. Sam Ehlinger will likely be signed to the practice squad and serve as the team’s emergency No. 3 quarterback.
Running Back (4): J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie
Cuts: Blake Watson, Audric Estime
Though there will be some tough decisions to make at this position, this does seem like the four players the team will go with. Look for the Broncos to try and trade Audric Estime before cutting him.
Wide Receiver (6): Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, Jr., Pat Bryant, Trent Sherfield, Courtney Jackson
Cuts: Joaquin Davis, Jerjuan Newton, A.T. Perry, Michael Bandy, Kyrese Rowan
The top five on this list seem certain. I am including Courtney Jackson as the Broncos could decipher that he is just too good of a prospect to expose to the waiver wire.
Tight End (4): Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull
Cuts: Caden Prieskorn, Caleb Lohner
The first quirk with this roster comes here and though it goes against what Payton would normally do, it makes sense to maximize the potential of the overall talent of the team.
While almost every 53-man projection will include a fullback position, this one does not as I have stated before that Nate Adkins, who Payton basically confirmed will make the squad, can handle that spot as well as being one of the team’s rotational tight ends. This is what allows Jackson to be kept on the roster.
Offensive Line (9): Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Matt Peart, Alex Palczewski, Alex Forysth, Frank Crum
Cuts: Clay Webb, Calvin Throckmorton, Marques Cox, Joe Michalski, Will Sherman, Xavier Truss
Nine seems like the right number for offensive linemen for this year’s team, and this group seems pretty safe, though I would like to see the team keep Clay Webb ahead of Alex Forsyth.
Defensive Line (6): Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach, Sai’vion Jones, Jordan Jackson
Cuts: Eyioma Uwazurike, Jordan Miller, Kristian Williams, Michael Dwumfour
Jordan Jackson beats out Eyioma Uwazurike for the last spot.
Outside Linebacker (5): Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper. Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, Que Robinson
Cuts: Andrew Farmer, Garrett Nelson
This group seems like it’s been set since training camp opened.
Inside Linebacker (4): Dre Greenlaw, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Levelle Bailey
Cuts: Jordan Turner, Karene Reid, Garrett Wallow
Drew Sanders will begin the season on injured reserve but when he comes back, he will be taking someone’s roster spot. Expect both Karene Reid and Jordan Turner to be added to the practice squad.
Cornerback (5): Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Ja’Quan McMillian, Kris Abrams-Draine
Cuts: Damarri Mathis, Joshua Pickett, Jaden Robinson, Reese Taylor, Quinton Newsome, Micah Abraham
Similar to Estime, look for the Broncos to try and trade former fourth-round pick Damarri Mathis before cutting him.
Safety (5): Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, JL Skinner, Sam Franklin, Jr.
Cuts: Delarrin Turner-Yell, Devon Key, Keidron Smith
The Broncos have a deep group here. At least one of the players listed as a cut will be added to the practice squad.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Wil Lutz
Long Snapper: Mitchell Fraboni
Punter: Jeremy Crawshaw
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