Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos took care of business and were a perfect 3-0 during their preseason games. In two weeks, the Broncos will host their first regular season game against the Tennessee Titans. Before that happens, roster cuts loom large as the Broncos’ brass begins to finalize best 53-man roster for 2025. Listed below are five thoughts I have leading up to the flurry of news coming relative to those decisions.
This is the most complete roster we have seen in ages
After years of losing seasons and the failed Russell Wilson trade, the Broncos were in a rough spot. Lacking premium picks and having their salary cap significantly inhibited by dead money, there wasn’t much optimism that things were going to turn around quickly.
But somehow, someway, Head Coach Sean Payton, General Manager George Paton, and the rest of the Broncos’ brass have figured out a way to build a quality roster. Whether it be veteran trades, free agent additions, or hitting on picks in the draft, the decision makers in Denver have rampantly turned the tides of fortune for the franchise in short order.
Only time will tell how the Broncos’ fare during the 2025 season. Yet it’s hard not to be optimistic on their potential. The offense has a lot of promise, and the defense could be the best in the National Football League. Count me in as one of many across Broncos Country who haven’t been this excited about the team’s direction in a long time.
Sorting out who stays and who goes in the backfield
Veteran J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey will be Denver’s running back duo for the 2025 season. Behind them, third-year pro Jaleel McLaughlin will provide experienced depth at the position. After that, it’s a guessing game on who may be the team’s fourth running back—if they opt to keep that many.
As I authored yesterday, that decision likely comes down to second-year pro Audric Estime and veteran Tyler Badie. At the age of 21, Estime is still the youngest player on the team and has a knack generating yards after contact. With Badie, 25, you have a player that offers value as a returner and has shown good receiving ability.
I’m likely in the minority of the fan base, but I’d like to see Estime continue to get a chance to develop. With Harvey and McLaughlin, you already have two backs that excel getting to the outside as zone runners. In the event Dobbins misses time with injury, having a bigger back who can help downhill in the running game would be important. Your mileage may vary, but I believe Badie would have an easier shot clearing waivers and making it to their 16-man practice squad than Estime.
For roster flexibility, Denver should keep just 5 receivers on the active roster
When the Broncos traded Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints, that was a clear vote of confidence they are bullish on the potential of the other players on the...
