As the Denver Broncos get set for their second preseason game, which takes place Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, conversations will be rampant about who will make the roster and who will be left looking for other options.
Perhaps nobody has a better beat on the team than Mike Klis of 9News and he recently took a shot at predicting who will be part of the team's final roster.
There is plenty to take away from these picks, so let's take a look at some of the bigger stories that pop up if this were to be accurate. This will all be something to keep fresh in your mind as you watch the Broncos play on Sunday night.
Denver Broncos 53-man roster projection takeaways
Quarterback
Like most, Klis is figuring that Bo Nix will win the starting quarterback job, but he calls it a toss-up between Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the backup job. He does have the Broncos keeping just two quarterbacks.
That is interesting and while plenty can still happen, Stidham likely has a sizeable lead over Wilson heading into the Packers game.
Running Back
Klis has the only locks at running back being Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. He lists Javonte Williams in the "likely" section.
Williams may be the starter, but McLaughlin might be the best back on the team right now.
Fullback
Michael Burton will almost certainly be the guy here, but Nate Adkins is listed as a possibility.
Wide Receiver
Two rookies land in Klis' "locks" category. One is Troy Franklin, who many Broncos fans have suggested could be cut or put on the practice squad (ridiculous) and the other is Devaughn Vele.
That speaks volumes for Vele who, as a seventh-round pick, has apparently made that much of an impression in camp. Fan favorite Tim Patrick is listed as a bubble player.
Tight End
Nothing to see here. If the Broncos only keep three tight ends, it seems that Adam Trautman, Greg Dulcich and Lucas Krull are all slam dunks.
Offensive Line
Alex Palzcewski is a lock to make the roster? Wow.
Defensive Line
Malcolm Roach is listed ahead of D.J. Jones. Also, Eyioma Uwazurike, who was suspended for a year, is listed in the likely category. It seems he has a little more work to do before that kind of confidence in his status comes out.
Inside Linebackers
Barring a surprise, Alex Singleton and Cody Barton will likely be the starting inside linebackers this season.
Outside Linebackers
Thomas Incoom is listed behind Durell Nchami and Dondrea Tillman, where Klis lists a toss-up. Incoom could be a player to watch against the Packers.
Cornerback
This position seems settled. Riley Moss has had a tremendous camp.
Safety
The spot with the most opportunity. It's nice to see JL Skinner listed as a lock, but Devon Key under "likely" seems like it could easily change.
Specialists
Klis gives the edge to Riley Dixon over Trenton Gill in the punting battle. I've never been a fan of keeping players who are below-average at their main position just because they can offer something on special teams, but Klis has the team keeping Tremon Smith for his role as a "gunner".
It seems like the team could do much better than to waste a roster spot that way.
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