Intro by Doug Ottewill
The interesting thing – when asking just about any Denver pundit who the “locks” are when it comes to the wide recievers who earn spots on the Broncos final 53-man roster – the word “obvious” is used by just about anyone.
The problem, however, is that the names that follow “obvious” aren’t always the same.
Take our own staff of Broncos experts, for example. Of the five, none of them have the same answer. And, as you’ll soon read, the “obvious” keepers for Sean Payton aren’t apparently obvious to all of them.
Yes, Courtland Sutton is a lock. Josh Reynolds, they all say, is also a lock. But from there, it’s not exactly a consensus. Across our entire panel, Sutton and Reynolds are the only two receivers on which everyone agrees. Perhaps the Broncos coaching staff already knows which six – or possibly seven – wideouts make the team. Then again, if, internally, they’re anything like our staff, there are still decisions to be made.
Is there a roster spot or two still up for grabs heading into Sunday’s final preseason game?
Read what our Broncos crew has to say, watch the game, and decide for yourself.
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Shawn Drotar
Obviously, Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims Jr. are locks. By benefit of his draft position, Troy Franklin is, too. The final two spots, however, are up for grabs.
Big targets Tim Patrick and camp standout Devaughn Vele are competing for one of them; don’t be surprised if Vele starts the year on the injured list so Sean Payton has more time to decide.
Cody Roark
The wide receiver pecking order has been established and set in my opinion. Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin are the six receivers in line, but don’t be surprised if they add a seventh – Jalen Virgil – who will likely be the second returner.
Dan Mohrmann
It’s probably safe to say that there are five receivers already in line for roster spots. Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds are locks and Tim Patrick is comfortably inside the cut line. This is where things get pretty interesting. Marvin Mims Jr. seems safe, but I would think he’s not as safe as he was at the start of training camp. Devaughn Vele has been the training camp darling, and I can’t see the Broncos cutting him. So, there’s five, with Troy Franklin, Jalen Virgil and Lil’ Jordan Humphrey still battling. If today was roster cutdown day, I would say it’s likely Franklin taking the final spot, but with one preseason game left I think Virgil has the most to gain. It’s between those two and Humphrey will likely get cut next week.
Mark Knudson
Clearly Sean Payton likes “tall.” Tim Patrick’s story is heart-warming, but sentiment aside, he makes the team because he’s tall and experienced. Franklin ends up on practice squad and Humprey is the odd man out.
Rich Kurtzman
The wide receiver battle is the most interesting and hotly contested position on the Broncos. Courtland Sutton is No. 1, and Tim Patrick, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims, and Troy Franklin are all locks. That leaves 1-2 spots open, and many roster-worthy players. I think it comes down to Jalen Virgil and Devaughn Vele; if Virgil adds something in the return game, the job is his. But my money is on Vele making the roster.