The Denver Broncos are a team in a transition period under head coach Sean Payton, who is building the team in his vision, but Broncos Country is thirsty for success. Following what can only be described as a successful preseason, the team is now faced with some difficult decisions.
How will the Broncos build this 53-man roster? There are way more than 53 players who deserve a spot and the Broncos will have to be calculated in how they manage the roster ahead of the coming season.
Here is how we have it ahead of roster cutdowns, which are due by 4:00 pm ET on Tuesday.
Denver Broncos final 53-man roster prediction
Quarterback (3)
Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson
Cuts: None
With a 17-player practice squad where the Broncos can stash extra players who you could argue deserve a roster spot more than Zach Wilson, I feel it would be irresponsible for the Broncos to just waive Wilson after the way he played in the preseason.
The Broncos could certainly explore a trade, but they need to keep all three quarterbacks to begin with.
Running Back (4)
Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Blake Watson
Cuts: Samaje Perine, Tyler Badie, Michael Burton
If the Broncos could keep all six of these guys, they would. Samaje Perine is a trade candidate as there is just no room for him on this team. Blake Watson beats out Tyler Badie for the last spot.
Wide Receiver (6)
Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele
Cuts: Brandon Johnson, Jalen Virgil, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, David Sills, Phillip Dorsett, Michael Bandy
There are some very difficult cuts on this list, namely Brandon Johnson, who has been with the team the past two seasons.
Tight End (4)
Adam Trautman, Greg Dulcich, Lucas Krull, Nate Adkins
Cuts: Thomas Yassmin, Hunter Kampmoyer
Nate Adkins takes a roster spot from Michael Burton.
Offensive Line (9)
Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Matt Peart, Calvin Throckmorton, Alex Forsyth, Alex Palczewski
Cuts: Will Sherman, Nick Gargiulo, Demontry Jacobs, Sam Mustipher, Oliver Jervis, Frank Crum
Alex Forsyth and Alex Palcewski are shaky picks, but no one on the cut line did much to stand out ahead of them this summer. Nick Gargiulo, a seventh-round pick this year, could be placed ahead of Forsyth.
Defensive Line (5)
Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike
Cuts: Angelo Blackson, Jordan Jackson, Matt Henningsen, Elijah Garcia, Jordan Miller
If there is a spot that would be impacted most by the team keeping three quarterbacks, it might be right here. Angelo Blackson was my final cut.
Edge Rusher (5)
Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman
Cuts: Durell Nchami, Thomas Incoom
Inside Linebacker (4)
Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith, Justin Strnad
Cuts: Levelle Bailey, Andre Smith, Alec Mock
Injured Reserve: Drew Sanders
Levelle Bailey will be a tough cut, but he will be added to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Cornerback (6)
Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Levi Wallace, Damarri Mathis, Kris Abrams-Draine
Cuts: Tremon Smith, Art Green, Kaleb Hayes, Quinton Newsome, Reese Taylor
Damarri Mathis was carted off on Sunday, but it appears he may have avoided serious injury. If an MRI reveals a more significant issue, he could be a candidate to start the year on injured reserve or the PUP list.
Safety (4)
Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith
Cuts: Devon Key, Omar Brown, Tanner McAlister
PUP: Delarrin Turner-Yell
Other members of the media may have Devon Smith and/or Tanner McAlister on the good side of the 53-man cutoff, but my eyes saw Keidron Smith being a much more impactful player.
Delarrin Turner-Yell will open the season on the PUP list as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL.
Specialists (3)
Placekicker: Will Lutz
Punter: Riley Dixon
Long Snapper: Mitchell Fraboni
Cuts: Trenton Gill
Riley Dixon beats out Trenton Gill for the punting job in a competition that never really felt close.
MORE BRONCOS NEWS
Broncos could make these trades ahead of roster cutdown
Broncos players who are ready to steal a roster spot
John Elway gives thoughts on Bo Nix being named starting QB
