After two weeks of NFL Preseason play, the Denver Broncos have one more game before Sean Payton and his staff have to make some tough decisions with the roster cutdown date inching closer.
Denver Broncos 53-man roster prediction after NFL Preseason Week 2
Sean Payton and his personnel department are facing some tough decisions after next week’s game against the New Orleans Saints to close out the preseason. We took a shot at predicting what the 53-man roster could be come next week.
Broncos Offense: (25)
- Quarterback: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham (2)
- Running Back: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie (4)
- Wide Receiver: Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele, Trent Sherfield Sr. (6)
- Tight End/Fullback: Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, Adam Prentice (4)
- Center: Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth (2)
- Guard: Ben Powers, Quinn Meinerz, Calvin Throckmorton (3)
- Tackle: Garett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Matt Peart, Alex Palczewski (4)
All signs point to the Broncos keeping four running backs, based on how the preseason has played out. Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin are too good for the Broncos not to dress six receivers on gameday, especially with Trent Sherfield’s special teams impact.
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Engam can be another hybrid receiving weapon, combined with Trautman’s experience, Krull’s ongoing development, and Payton’s value in having a fullback on the roster.
The offensive line possesses a lot of flexibility. Forsyth and Wattenberg make up the two-deep at center, while Throckmorton offers guard relief. Both Peart and Palczewski have taken reps at both tackle and guard, giving Denver flexibility at two positions from a depth and versatility standpoint.
Broncos Defense (25)
- Cornerback: Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, Kris Abrams-Draine (3)
- Nickel/Slot: Ja’Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron (2)
- Inside Linebacker: Alex Singleton, Dre Greenlaw, Justin Strnad, Levelle Bailey (4)
- Outside Linebacker: Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, Que Robinson (5)
- Safety: Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, JL Skinner, Devon Key (5)
- Defensive End: Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Jordan Jackson, Sai’vion Jones (4)
- Defensive Tackle: D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach (2)
Denver’s pass rush depth and secondary are evident strengths defensively. Surtain and Moss will start on the outside and Barron/McMillian will play inside and offer versatility to play outside if needed, plus Abrams-Draine will be the first option on the outside in the event of an injury.
Linebacker is tricky considering the unknown timeline of Drew Sanders, but Strnad and Bailey have looked good this offseason, and there are a couple of linebackers that are prime candidates for the practice squad, like Karene Reid and Jordan Turner.
Outside linebacker looks like a stout group with the five names there, and Denver’s safety room looks pretty strong if they keep five, especially amplifying the special teams impact they can have as well.
Special Teams, Special Players (3)
- Punter: Jeremy Crawshaw
- Kicker: Wil Lutz
- Long Snapper: Mitchell Fraboni
There are positions on both offense and defense that are certainly up for debate in terms of names and numbers, but seeing where the Broncos are at right now has me feeling like this could be the most polished 53-man roster for them today.
Some names to keep an eye on for the practice squad include Turner, QB Sam Ehlinger, NT Jordan Miller, DL Eyioma Uwazurike, WRs Courtney Jackson, Jerjuan Newton, and Joaquin Davis, TE Caden Prieskorn, and CB Jaden Robinson.
Next week, we’ll find out what the real roster will look like.