And that’s a wrap on preseason.
After finishing the summer with a perfect 3-0 record, the Denver Broncos will now turn their attention toward building a 53-man roster. Cuts could start as early as today, so we’ve put together one final prediction for Sean Payton’s squad below.
Quarterback (3)
- Bo Nix
- Jarrett Stidham
- Zach Wilson
No surprise here after Payton essentially confirmed Sunday night that all three QBs will make the team. We’re still not completely convinced Payton won’t try to trade Wilson, but we’ll find out in the next 48 hours.
Running back (3)
- Javonte Williams
- Jaleel McLaughlin
- Audric Estime
Perhaps the Broncos will keep Samaje Perine as their passing down back. If not, he could be a trade candidate as well. Blake Watson and Tyler Badie should be top targets for the practice squad.
Wide receiver (7)
- Courtland Sutton
- Tim Patrick
- Josh Reynolds
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey
- Devaughn Vele
- Marvin Mims
- Troy Franklin
Lil’Jordan Humphrey was a healthy scratch on Sunday, suggesting that he’s either going to make the team or the Broncos are hoping to trade him and didn’t want to risk an injury. Brandon Johnson is another potential trade candidate.
Tight end/fullback (5)
- Adam Trautman
- Greg Dulcich
- Lucas Krull
- Michael Burton
- Nate Adkins
Denver won’t find a play-making tight end on the waiver wire, but the Broncos might look for another blocking TE this week.
Offensive line (8)
- OT Garett Bolles
- OT Matt Peart
- G Ben Powers
- C/G Luke Wattenberg
- C/G Alex Forsyth
- G Quinn Meinerz
- G/T Will Sherman
- OT Mike McGlinchey
The Broncos will likely want to go into the season with nine or even ten offensive linemen. This is a position group where we could see Denver being active on the waiver wire. As things stand in this projection, Nick Gargiulo, Sam Mustipher, Alex Palczewski and Frank Crum would be candidates for the practice squad.
Defensive line
- Zach Allen
- John Franklin-Myers
- D.J. Jones
- Malcolm Roach
- Angelo Blackson
- Eyioma Uwazurike
Jordan Jackson is a tough cut after his impressive preseason finale, but he and Matt Henningsen should be priority targets for the practice squad.
Outside linebacker (4)
- Baron Browning
- Jonathon Cooper
- Jonah Elliss
- Nik Bonitto
Dondrea Tillman also looked sharp in the preseason finale and the Broncos might carry him on the active roster if they’re afraid he would be claimed off waivers. Tillman and Thomas Incoom should be practice squad candidates.
Inside linebacker (4)
- Alex Singleton
- Cody Barton
- Justin Strnad
- Jonas Griffith
Levelle Bailey made it hard to cut him after his 94-yard pick-six on Sunday, but he could return on the practice squad.
Cornerback (6)
- Pat Surtain
- Ja’Quan McMillian
- Riley Moss
- Levi Wallace
- Kris Abrams-Draine
- Tremon Smith
Tremon Smith makes the 53 as a key special teams player.
Safety (4)
- P.J. Locke
- Brandon Jones
- Devon Key
- JL Skinner
Keidron Smith recorded a takeaway in each of the team’s preseason games so he has a real shot to make the 53-man squad, but the numbers are tight.
Special teams (3)
- K Wil Lutz
- P Trenton Gill
- LS Mitchell Fraboni
Trenton Gill showed off his powerful leg on Sunday and he’s younger and cheaper than incumbent Riley Dixon. If this is flipped and Dixon ends up making Denver’s squad, Gill could be claimed off waivers.
Injured lists (3)
- IR: CB Damarri Mathis
- PUP: LB Drew Sanders
- PUP: DB Delarrin Turner-Yell
These three players are eligible to begin the first four weeks (or more) of the season on a reserve list. Players on injured reserve and the physically unable to perform list do not count against the active roster limit.
Denver must submit a 53-man roster by 2 p.m. MT on Tuesday, Aug. 27. We will track all of the team’s roster cuts on Broncos Wire.
