Sean Payton is building a winner in the Mile High City, as he and staff decided which Denver Broncos on the bubble will be cut.
NFL cut day is Aug. 27, with a 2 p.m. MDT deadline. That’s when teams must have their final 53-man roster decided.
For Denver, there are multiple positions that are so deep, cut players will likely land on other rosters.
Devaughn Vele didn’t do enough as one of many Denver Broncos on the bubble
Let’s kick it off with the wide receiver group. Really, there are five players just from that group who are on the bubble. But we’re going to focus on Devaughn Vele first.
Vele has been the Broncos training camp darling. As a seventh-round pick, he had his work cut out for him in terms of making the Broncos 53-man roster. And then he showed out in almost every practice in Dove Valley.
Vele caught passes one-handed, and showed off his ability to catch passes in traffic.
“I like his size and hands in traffic,” Payton said. “There are a few players like him out here, but I think he can take reps inside and then I think he can also play at the ‘X’…he has a large catch radius, so you become a more accurate quarterback.”
But Vele was a near no-show in the team’s three preseason games. The 26-year old rookie had only one catch for 8 yards against the Colts, didn’t play against the Packers, and one for 14 yards vs. Arizona.
Simply, Vele was overshadowed by Brandon Johnson, especially in Week 3 of preseason. Yesterday, Johnson led all Broncos receivers with two receptions for 83 yards, including an amazing 46-yard touchdown catch from Zach Wilson.
Zach Wilson uncorks one and Brandon Johnson has himself a 46-yard TD 🔥
📺: #AZvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1dnC0msAOx— NFL (@NFL) August 25, 2024
Johnson is entering his third year in the league, and it should be noted he was one-of-four receivers to make the roster last year.
For those two wideouts on the bubble, Johnson has positioned himself ahead of Vele. But, expect Vele to find a spot on the team’s practice squad.
Also, Payton said after the Cardinals game Wilson will make the roster.
“We feel comfortable with those three quarterbacks. I see the three of them making it.”
Lil’ Jordan Humphrey seems safe
What about Lil’Jordan Humphrey? He was with Payton in New Orleans, and brought along to Denver last year. Is there space for him on the roster? If the Broncos decide to keep seven receivers, then yes. Otherwise, he may end up on the practice squad, just like he did win the first 53-man roster was drawn up last year.
He was a healthy scratch on Sunday against Arizona, so that could mean he’s making the roster, or that Denver is looking to trade him.
Last year, Humphrey caught 13 passes for 162 yards and was a valuable red zone target with three touchdowns. He enjoyed a career game in Week 17 with two receptions for 69 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown. That score was the difference in the win over the Chargers.
Damarri Mathis and Keidron Smith could be cut Tuesday
Damarri Mathis is in a battle with another deep position group, with the other cornerbacks on the Broncos roster.
Patrick Surtain is the unquestioned No. 1 and Denver brought in Levi Wallace as a veteran to possibly start opposite him. Although, Wallace did struggle last year, so starting isn’t guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Mathis and Riley Moss have been battling during camp, with Moss seemingly taking over the lead as the second starting cornerback.
Plus, the Broncos selected Kris Abrams-Draine in the fifth round, and the rookie made some plays in Week 1 of preseason. And finally, Tremon Smith has been important on special teams for Denver.
That leaves Mathis as the odd man out and most likely to be cut. Mike Klis explained he has a high ankle sprain from the Arizona game and was going to make the 53-man roster, but he may end up on the IR to begin the year.
At safety, there’s been a bunch of shakeups, as both starters from last year are gone. P.J. Locke looks to be the starter alongside Brandon Jones, whenever he returns from injury. Then there are many young guys, like JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell (on the PUP list), Devon Key, and Keidron Smith.
Smith has balled out this preseason, with 11 total tackles and two interceptions. He picked off passes in the Colts and Packers game, and recovered a fumble on Sunday. But that still may not be enough to make the roster.
Stay tuned to Mile High Sports for our Broncos cut tracker Monday and Tuesday.