Broncos 53-man roster prediction before final preseason game

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Broncos 53-man roster prediction before final preseason game

Jon Heath · Broncos Wire

Tue, Aug 20, 2024 ·

4 min read

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The Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers 27-2 in their second preseason game of the summer on Sunday. On deck for Denver is a preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals next weekend.

The Broncos currently have 91 players on their roster and they have to get down to a 53-man roster by Aug. 27 . Before playing the Packers, Denver coach Sean Payton said there were nine to ten players on the roster bubble .

Ahead of the real cuts next week, we've put together an updated 53-man roster prediction for the Broncos. Keep in mind that Denver can build a 17-player practice squad after roster cuts.

Broncos 53-man roster prediction

Quarterback (2)

As a fifth-year player, Jarrett Stidham would not be subject to the waiver wire if the Broncos release him. Denver could then, in theory, re-sign him to the practice squad or re-sign him to the active roster after setting an initial 53-man roster and making waiver claims.

Running back(4)

Samaje Perine will turn 29 in September and the Broncos can save $3 million if he's released. Watson, on the other hand, is a 24-year-old rookie who might not clear waivers. If Denver carries four RBs, Watson is our pick over Perine.

Wide receiver(6)

Tim Patrick, please forgive me. My roster projection last week did not have Patrick making the squad, in part because he could go on the practice squad without having to clear waivers. There's no need for such a scheme, though: Tim Patrick is back and he belongs on the 53-man roster.

Tight end/fullback(5)

Some pundits believe Nate Adkins is on the roster bubble, but coach Sean Payton seems to value his role in the offense.

Offensive line(9)

The offensive line is a position group that could see some serious turnover during roster cuts. It would not be surprising to see Denver make a few claims at the position in an attempt to beef up the line's depth.

Defensive line(5)

The first four players are locks. Eyioma Uwazurike has returned from his suspension and seems to be on his way to making the squad. Angelo Blackson could be released and re-signed to the practice squad without having to clear waivers because he's a veteran.

Outside linebacker(4)

Elliss has looked extremely impressive in preseason and it's easy to imagine him quickly climbing the depth chart.

Inside linebacker(4)

Levelle Bailey is making a push for a spot on the active roster. If he doesn't make the final 53, Bailey will likely be a top practice squad target.

Cornerback(6)

Pat Surtain
Ja'Quan McMillian
Riley Moss
Kris Abrams-Draine
Levi Wallace
Tremon Smith

Ja'Quan McMillian is a promising slot defender. Riley Moss appears to have the CB2 job across from Pat Surtain secured. Kris Abrams-Draine was just drafted this year. Tremon Smith is a key special teams player, and Levi Wallace is a veteran with plenty of starting experience . That could leave Damarri Mathis as a surprise cut.

Safety(5)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

P.J. Locke
Brandon Jones
Devon Key
JL Skinner
Keidron Smith

You can't leave Keidron Smith off the active roster after the preseason he's had.

Special teams(3)

(Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Riley Dixon and Trenton Gill will get one last chance to win the punter job in the Broncos' preseason finale. May the best leg win.

Injured(2)

LB Drew Sanders (Reserve/PUP)
DB Delarrin Turner-Yell (Reserve/PUP)

Drew Sanders and Delarrin Turner-Yell seem likely to begin the season on a reserve list, so they won't count against the initial 53-man roster.

We will track all of Denver's roster cuts on Broncos Wire next week.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos 53-man roster prediction before final preseason game

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