8 Burning Broncos Questions as Final Roster Cuts Loom

The Denver Broncos' final preseason game at home will be the last chance for certain players to make a case for the 53-man roster.

During the preseason, the Denver Broncos must decide which players to keep and who to release. Broncos fans often look forward to seeing which undrafted rookie makes the cut, given the Broncos' past fortunes with such players. And then there could always be the surprise cut.

As we go into the final preseason game, let's consider a few questions the Broncos must answer in making their decisions. We'll focus on questions about positions in which the answers still aren't clear and go over a few points that appear to be set.

Do the Broncos keep 3 QBs on the 53-Man Roster?

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While a new rule allows teams to have their third quarterback as a game-day inactive but activate him during the game if the need arises, that doesn't guarantee the Broncos will keep three QBs on the 53-man roster.

Thus far, backup Jarrett Stidham has struggled quite a bit, while third-string QB Ben DiNucci has shown more promise. However, the Broncos are stuck with Stidham, given his contract structure, so DiNucci's fate is still up in the air.

The Broncos would probably be fine if they waived DiNucci in hopes of putting him on the practice squad. The main reason for doing so is to allow the Broncos to keep another player at a different position.

My projected roster would have 25 players on offense and 25 on defense, plus the three specialists. If they keep two QBs, they could keep either an extra running back or an extra offensive lineman.

The question likely comes down to whether the Broncos believe there's a player on the bubble who they don't want to risk exposing to waivers, to the point they believe it's better to waive DiNucci and have him on the practice squad instead of the main roster.

How Many RBs Make the Roster?

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Javonte Williams played in the preseason game against the Niners and looks ready to go. He and Samaje Perine will be the top two running backs, with Michael Burton retained as the fullback.

That would leave one or two spots for running backs, likely depending on whether or not the Broncos keep three QBs. The question is who the Broncos will keep.

Undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin is undoubtedly a player Broncos fans would like to see make the final roster. But while he's had highlight reel plays, the Broncos might prefer to keep a back who does a better job at pass protection.

Tyler Badie and Tony Jones, Jr. have more NFL experience, but Badie missed the Niners game, and Jones hasn't exactly impressed. Jones will likely need to make a big impression to make the final cut.

If the Broncos opt to keep two additional running backs instead of keeping three QBs, McLaughlin should have no problem making the roster, with a decision to be made between Badie and Jones. If the Broncos just keep three, though, it's hard to argue against McLaughlin as the guy, even if he still needs work as a pass protector.

What Will the WR Depth Look Like?

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Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Marvin Mims Jr. have their spots locked up. This is true even in the wake of Jeudy's "moderate" hamstring injury, that'll sideline him for "several weeks."

Jalen Virgil might have been a candidate to keep, but instead of designating him to return, the Broncos' decided to send him to injured reserve, so his season is over. Brandon Johnson is still recovering from an ankle injury, but he's shown enough to warrant making the final roster. He could be kept after final cuts, then made a game-day inactive until he's fully healthy.

This leaves the question of who else makes the roster. Montrell Washington might be in a better position, given he's been good in the return game. However, he hasn't done much on offense. 

One option could be to keep Washington, then monitor his play and, if it needs more work, keep an eye on KJ Hamler's health and bring him back to replace Washington on the roster.

A sixth wide receiver is still something to consider, though. Most of the remaining players haven't distinguished themselves. It's possible either Marquez Callaway or Lil'Jordan Humphrey will make it because of their familiarity with Sean Payton's schemes.

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What Will the OL Depth Look Like?

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The starting offensive line is settled, but the reserves remain in flux. Part of this goes back to other positions — if the Broncos go with two QBs and three running backs, they could keep ten offensive linemen if they wish.

The swing tackle spot remains up for grabs. Cameron Fleming is the most expensive of the options, and the Broncos could decide to just let him go to save some cash. Isaiah Prince hasn't been that much better, but he has a lower salary.

Meanwhile, Alex Palczewski has looked good, though he's been playing mostly against defenders who are long shots to make their rosters. Still, the Broncos might be convinced he's the best option at swing tackle. If the Broncos keep 10 O-linemen, that's all the better for Palczewski.

Quinn Bailey's versatility likely gets him a spot on the 53-man roster. Kyle Fuller has been decent, and his ability to play center and guard might give him a leg up on a roster spot. Luke Wattenberg, Will Sherman, and Alex Forsyth are in the mix.

If the Broncos keep three QBs, that likely means they go with nine offensive linemen. If not, the door is open to keep another lineman. The Rams game likely determines which players make the final cut.

Who Makes the Roster as DL Depth?

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Going into the preseason, many Broncos fans worried about the defensive line depth. However, those fears have been calmed for the most part, as Zach Allen has had a great preseason, Jonathan Harris has improved, and D.J. Jones has been steady.

But it's the likes of Matt Henningsen and Elijah Garcia who have done a lot to ease those fears. Both have shined in preseason games and look like good bets to make the final cut.

And the news that Mike Purcell has agreed to re-do his contract would indicate he probably makes the final roster.

However, other defensive linemen could make the Broncos' decisions more difficult if they put on a good show against the Rams. Though Henningsen and Garcia are in the lead, others have a shot to overtake them.

Who Makes it as the Fifth OLB?

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Randy Gregory, Frank Clark, Nik Bonitto, and Jonathon Cooper are all no-brainers at this point to be part of the edge rusher contingent. Baron Browning likely opens the season on the PUP list, meaning the Broncos will probably keep a fifth edge rusher who, at least, keeps the seat warm for Browning.

The question is who that will be. Aaron Patrick and Christopher Allen have been decent but look more like practice squad candidates. Thomas Incoom is an undrafted rookie who some touted as having a chance to make it when he signed, but he may be better on the practice squad.

The Broncos might consider who is most likely to get poached off waivers in making such a decision. Of course, if Browning is activated later this season, the Broncos would have to expose that fifth edge rusher to waivers.

Again, it's the Los Angeles Rams game that likely determines the Broncos' final decision.

What Decisions Will be Made About CBs?

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I've mentioned K'Waun Williams as a potential cut to save some cash, but a more likely scenario is he makes the 53-man roster and then goes on IR with a designation to return.

If that does happen, Essang Bassey will probably get the slot corner job for the time being. Bassey would then likely head to waivers once Williams is healthy.

Of course, Patrick Surtain II and Damarri Mathis have their jobs locked up. Ja'Quan McMillian has been impressive and demands a spot on the 53-man roster. Those three, plus either Bassey or Williams, leave one or two spots.

If the Broncos keep five cornerbacks, things depend on how soon they expect Riley Moss to be cleared to play. If he needs more time to recover from minor surgery, he can be kept on final cuts, then go to IR, designated to return. Then, the Broncos can decide who returns to be the fifth corner.

If the Broncos keep six cornerbacks, they don't have to put Moss on IR after final cuts. They can just have him be inactive while the other cornerback takes his place. Fabian Moreau might make the most sense, given his experience.

The one veteran cornerback who is likely out the door is Tremon Smith, who has failed to impress. The Broncos guaranteed his 2023 base salary and wouldn't save any cash or cap space by cutting him, but they can't use that as an excuse to keep him around.

How Many Safeties Make the Roster?

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Justin Simmons, Caden Sterns, and Kareem Jackson are likely the top three safeties, while the others are vying for the final spot or two. This comes down to how many safeties the Broncos decide to keep.

PJ Locke is a candidate to go to IR with a designation to return. At this point, it's Delarrin Turner-Yell who is the better choice to make the final roster, even though JL Skinner has shown some promise.

If the Broncos keep five safeties, that increases Skinner's chance of making the final cut. If they keep four and want to put Locke on short-term IR, both Skinner and Turner-Yell would be exposed to waivers to make that possible.

That shouldn't have an impact on whether the Broncos keep four or five safeties. Instead, that decision likely comes down to what the Broncos do with other defensive positions and who they think is the best fit for special teams.

Decisions That Appear to Be Set

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The Broncos' tight end depth chart doesn't appear to be in question, with Chris Manhertz, Adam Trautman, and Greg Dulcich the three who have the spots sewn up.

Perhaps the Broncos keep four tight ends, but that may not make sense with a fullback on the roster and the need for more depth at wide receiver. Still, Nate Adkins made his case against the Niners, while Albert Okwuegbanum will get one more chance to prove himself.

As for off-ball linebacker, losing Jonas Griffith hurts, but Justin Strnad has been solid this preseason and should ease those concerns if he has another good outing against the Rams. Meanwhile, Josey Jewell, Alex Singleton, and Drew Sanders have the other spots locked up.

One thing to keep in mind is that all is not lost if a player you like gets exposed to waivers. Most seasons, teams don't make many waiver claims after final cuts because it always means releasing one of their own to get another team's player. Teams will only do this if they are convinced the player they are claiming is an upgrade over somebody else on their roster.

Regardless, there will be some tough decisions to be made, some that could get tougher if certain Broncos have good outings against the Rams. We'll no doubt get a better idea of where things stand after Saturday's preseason finale.

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