53-man roster prediction after Broncos' first preseason game (2024)

August 14, 2024 9:00 am MT

After defeating the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 on the road in their preseason opener on Sunday, the Denver Broncos are now set to host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.

Following the first game action of the summer, we have updated our 53-man roster prediction for the Broncos. This projection will also be updated after each of the team’s two remaining preseason games.

Denver will have to make especially tough decisions at wide receiver, running back and cornerback after preseason.

Denver has until Aug. 27 to trim the roster from 90 players down to 53. After finalizing an active roster, the Broncos can build a 16- or 17-player practice squad. We will track all of the roster moves on Broncos Wire.

Broncos 53-man roster prediction

Quarterback (2)

• Bo Nix
• Jarrett Stidham

For now, we have Stidham edging out Zach Wilson for the QB2 job based on his experience in Sean Payton’s offense. That could obviously change if Wilson finishes preseason on a strong note.

Running back (4)

• Javonte Williams
• Jaleel McLaughlin
• Audric Estime
• Blake Watson

The first three RBs listed seem to be locks. The toss-up is the fourth spot between undrafted rookie Blake Watson and veteran Samaje Perine. If the Broncos don’t think Watson would clear waivers to get down to the practice squad, Perine could become a cap casualty this summer.

Wide receiver (5)

• Courtland Sutton
• Josh Reynolds
• Marvin Mims
• Troy Franklin
• Devaughn Vele

It’s a very difficult decision to cut Tim Patrick, but Vele has impressed this summer and Patrick is 30 years old and coming off back-to-back serious injuries. The Broncos might be able to get Patrick down to the practice squad, and he could be elevated three times during the season. Injuries also happen during the year, so starting the season on the practice squad does not mean Patrick would have to spend the entire campaign there.

Tight end/fullback (5)

• Adam Trautman
• Greg Dulcich
• Lucas Krull
• Michael Burton (FB)
• Nate Adkins (TE/FB)

No surprises at tight end. Denver could use a difference-maker at the position when they make roster changes in 2025.

Offensive line (9)

• OT Garett Bolles
• OT Matt Peart
• OG Ben Powers
• OG Quinn Meinerz
• C/G Luke Wattenberg
• C/G Alex Forsyth
• G/T Will Sherman
• OT Mike McGlinchey
• OT Alex Palczewski

It’s not ideal to cut a draft pick (Nick Gargiulo), but the Broncos have pretty good depth on the interior offensive line. Frank Crum could be a sleeper to upset one of the veterans for a backup tackle spot.

Defensive line (6)

• Zach Allen
• D.J. Jones
• John Franklin-Myers
• Malcolm Roach
• Angelo Blackson
• Matt Henningsen

The first four players are locks. Eyioma Uwazurike has a real chance to make the team after returning from his suspension, but he’ll need to impress in the final two preseason games.

Outside linebacker (5)

• Baron Browning
• Jonathon Cooper
• Nik Bonitto
• Jonah Elliss
• Thomas Incoom

The top four seem to be locks and Incoom has impressed at camp.

Inside linebacker (4)

• Alex Singleton
• Cody Barton
• Jonas Griffith
• Justin Strnad

Cody Barton appears to have an initial lead over Griffith in the competition for a starting job. Justin Strnad remains a key special teams player.

Cornerback (6)

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

Riley Moss seems to be a potential front-runner to start across from Pat Surtain. 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 (4)

• P.J. Locke
• Brandon Jones
• Devon Key
• JL Skinner

Following the departures of Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns this year, it’s easy to pick four safeties from the remaining group.

Special teams (3)

• K Wil Lutz
• P Riley Dixon
• LS Mitchell Fraboni

Riley Dixon punted twice in the team’s first preseason game and Trenton Gill didn’t get an opportunity because the offense did such a good job staying on the field. We’ll see if Gill can push Dixon in the final two games.

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.

Broncos players will get another chance to impress when Denver hosts the Packers in Week 2 of preseason on Sunday. The Broncos’ game against Green Bay will be nationally televised on NFL Network.