Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos have completed training camp, are 2-0 in the preseason after two dominating performances, and are now nearing the point where they will need to trim their roster down to 53 players. I did a 53-man roster projection for the Broncos before the start of training camp, and honestly, not a whole lot has changed. Some injuries and breakout performances have elevated players, but overall, this 53-man roster should look fairly similar to my earlier projection.
So, with all that said, here is my post-training camp 53-man roster projection for the Denver Broncos.
(Note: I am keeping Nate Adkins and Drew Sanders on here because they will both be on the final 53-man roster. Afterwards, they can be placed on the injured reserve without being out for the year, and this will open up those two roster spots to other players.)
Made the team: Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham
Cut: Sam Ehlinger
Nothing surprising here. Bo Nix is your starter and is coming off a great joint practice with the Cardinals, and backup Jarrett Stidham has been absolutely dealing as the backup. Ehlinger has been solid, too, but only carrying two quarterbacks makes sense for the roster construction, and they will try to sneak him onto the practice squad.
Made the team: J.K. Dobbins, R.J. Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie
Cut: Blake Watson, Audric Estime, Adam Prentice, and Michael Burton
If you haven’t been watching, then this might be a surprise, but otherwise, this appears to be how the Broncos’ running back room is going to shake out. J.K. Dobbins and rookie R.J. Harvey are your 1-2 punch in the backfield, Jaleel McLaughlin will have his role, and Tyler Badie is simply too good not to be on the 53-man roster. He’s a good runner, has good vision, makes defenders miss, reliable pass catcher, and can pass protect.
I have them keeping Blake Watson on the practice squad. He is fast, explosive, and is also a solid pass protector. Unfortunately, that means Audric Estime is not making the team, and honestly, it looks iffy to make the practice squad. He has been the last back to get a carry in the preseason games, and the eye test tells you that he is the sixth-best running back the Broncos have.
Maybe this is a hot take, but to me, it seems like the reality of the situation.
As for the fullbacks, they are a victim of the roster crunch again. I believe we’ll see Prentice and/or Burton cut to make room for the injured reserve players, and then be added to the practice squad. We saw Payton do this last season, and it makes sense for him to do it again this season.
Made the team: Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, Devaughn Vele, and Trent Sherfield Sr.
Cut: A.T. Perry, Michael Bandy, Kyrese Rowan, Courtney Jackson, Jerjuan Newton, and Joaquin Davis
Man, what a group....
