The Denver Broncos ended their preseason campaign undefeated after Saturday’s 28-19 preseason win against the New Orleans Saints.
Denver Broncos wrap up undefeated preseason
For a handful of younger players, Saturday’s game was their final audition to make the 53-man roster. Some players made their case, whether that be in Denver or for some other teams around the league.
The main attraction for Saturday’s game was eyeing the Broncos’ starting offense, who saw their second on-field look this preseason.
Bo Nix, not Broncos’ O concern this preseason
After two games of preseason action, Bo Nix isn’t the concern of the Broncos’ offense, but the offensive line’s play is starting to look concerning. We all know the offensive line is transitioning into an outside/wide zone scheme in the run game, which is predicated on stretching outside of the box, ideally sealing defenders in or extending them wide enough for the running back to see a cutback and get north-south quickly.
Denver’s run game didn’t look good with the starting offense in today’s game against New Orleans, with the run game generating four net yards on five rushing attempts in three series. That’s the concern, along with the protection in the passing game.
Despite finishing 10-of-14 for 110 yards and a touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton, Nix didn’t appear to have a clean pocket on a handful of his dropbacks. The pocket on one third down play for Nix bowed around him, but Nix was able to hit a sidearm throw while falling forward to Tyler Badie for a big catch and run.
Nix’s final drive of the day saw him go 4-for-4 for 71 yards, and the closeout touchdown to Sutton, throwing against the blitz.
.@SuttonCourtland doing @SuttonCourtland things#DENvsNO | 📺: My20 pic.twitter.com/4g0zC5NN3q
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 23, 2025
Pressure seemed to leak inside on a few plays, which will be what we take a look at in Monday’s film room. This will be something that will have to get addressed before Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat come to town in Week 1.
Tyler Badie should be a 53 lock
Tyler Badie has had a tremendous offseason and training camp for the Broncos, and it looked like he secured a spot on the 53-man roster. He only played a handful of snaps, which has been the theme for him all preseason, indicating his value and roster status.
While he didn’t have any flashing rushing numbers on Saturday, Badie’s 17-yard catch and run on third down with the starters stood out. He also ripped off a 47-yard kick return up the right sideline. If I had to guess today, he’d be the other returner next to Marvin Mims once the regular season rolls around, and he might end up being in the mix as the team’s third-down back.
Payton hasn’t been shy about highlighting the strengths of Badie as a pass catcher, rusher, pass blocker, and special teams player. There’s too much value and talent for him to be a practice squad player, especially with a handful of teams around the league looking to add backs once cuts happen.
Players who elevated their stock to make the roster
Lucas Krull was one player who made a couple of big plays toward the end of the second quarter in a key two-minute drill, including an insane back-shoulder body adjustment where he caught it over a trailing underneath defender.
Based on practice and the preseason, it feels like Krull projects to be the third tight end on the 53, behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman.
It could be with Denver, or it could be elsewhere, but Audric Estime had an impressive day from a decision-making and production standpoint. Estime was consistently getting downhill in Saturday’s win, rushing eight times for 45 yards and a rushing touchdown, in a potential showcase for other teams out there in the market for a running back.
Cornerback Damarri Mathis was also solid on the afternoon in pass coverage, as he faces a tough uphill climb to make the 53-man roster because of the strong depth Denver has at the position right now with Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, and Kris Abrams-Draine.
The dreaded day for so many players around the league is fast approaching with the roster cut deadline on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. MT.
Stay tuned for Monday’s film room session.