Projecting the Denver Broncos 53-Man roster
Through all the good, bad, and ugly the Broncos ended the 2022 NFL preseason with a 2-1 record and now shift their focus to week one Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. However to get week one George Paton, Nathaniel Hackett, and the coaching staff will have to cut the current 74-man roster to 53 making the most challenging decisions and cuts for the betterment of the team. Here is my projected Denver Broncos 53-man roster for this upcoming 2022-2023 NFL season.
Note: Players as well are ordered left to right from starters to backups.
Offense
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Quarterback (2): Russell Wilson, Josh Johnson
Penciled in as franchise quarterback and starter for week one, the expectations for Russell Wilson are at an all-time high however with his dynamic weapons, improved offensive line, storied success, leadership, and motivational catchphrase “Broncos Country! Let’s Ride!” the Denver Broncos this year are set up for a memorable season.
When selecting Russell Wilson’s backup quarterback I wouldn’t be upset if the Broncos kept both men however with it likely the Broncos start the season with two instead of three I decided Josh Johnson won the competition. Based on his composure in the pocket, accurate passes, decision making, and most of all his management of the offense. There is an argument for Brett Rypien to have won the job but what deterred me away was the placement of the football on certain throws and the intercepted pass to KJ Hamler in the end zone. In the end, although I cut him from the 53-man roster Rypien is practice squad eligible or a candidate to be a backup/third-string quarterback on another team because of his preseason performance.
Running Back (3): Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone
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Going into his sophomore season as the starting running back Javonte Williams is primed for a breakout season even though he will still be splitting carries with resigned running back Melvin Gordon forming possibly the best running back duo in the NFL. The third running back will be Mike Boone who himself had an outstanding performance these last two preseason games against the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. The Broncos will likely sign a practice squad running back which I believe will be JaQuan Hardy, Devine Ozigbo, or someone off the waiver wire.
Wide Reciever (6): Cortland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Montrell Washington, Seth Williams, and Tyrie Clevland
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Already confirmed to be headlined by our big three, the next receiver on the roster is fifth-round pick Montrell Washington who had a really impressive preseason as a returner and multi-use receiver. Ideally, Seth Williams and Tyrie Clevland are not our other receiver options which is not to say they are bad but considering if one of the big three were to go down or on the sideline mid game they are in my eyes, not the best options to be on the field however with Seth Williams great game versus the Vikings and Tyrie Cleveland's special team abilities under coach Dwayne Stukes it is likely they make the 53-man roster. Going to the practice squad will be Brandon Johnson (highly considered to be on the official roster) and Jalen Virgil (another roster candidate).
Tight End (5): Albert Okwuebunam, Greg Dulcich, Andrew Beck, Eric Tomlinson, Eric Saubert
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As the position group most injury-riddled to start the season, the Denver Broncos starting tight end will be Albert O who must step on offense. The rotational blockers/receivers in Nathaniel Hackett and Justin Outten’s offense will be Eric Tomlinson, Andrew Beck, and Eric Saubert while rookie Greg Dulcich is out. Once Dulcich is healthy and eligible to get on the field I expect the Broncos to carry four tight ends by mid-season.
Offensive Lineman (10): Garrett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Lloyd Cushenberry, Quinn Meinerz, Billy Turner, Calvin Anderson. Cameron Fleming, Netane Muti, Luke Wattenberg, Graham Glasgow.
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Projected as the 16th ranked offensive line (PFF) and possibly the best protection Russell Wilson has had in recent years, the Denver Broncos offensive line will be the focal this season as their main duty is to protect the mobile Wilson who himself tends to move in the pocket and hold the football longer than he should. So from left to right tackle, Broncos offensive line must be the engine that allows this season's offense to be successful. One player who may be on the roster later this season but is currently out due to a lingering injury is tackle Tom Compton who the Broncos signed in free agency. I expect to be on the short-term IR list and a player who the Broncos may add to the 53-man roster once healthy.
Defense
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Defensive Ends (3): Dre’Mont Jones, DeShawn Williams, McTelvin Agim, Eyioma Uwazurike
Led by standout defensive end Dre’mont Jones, the Broncos interior D-linemen will feature DeShawn Williams, McTelvin Agim who phenomenal game in final preseason game versus the Vikings, and rookie Eyioma Uwazurike. I believe Johnathan Harris will get an opportunity on the practice squad.
Defensive Tackles (3): D.J. Jones, Mike Purcell, Matt Henningsen
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In the Broncos weakest position heading into the offseason, George Paton found an upgrade and reliable starter in former 49ers nose tackle D.J Jones a known disrupter in the backfield and run stopper. Behind him is Mike Purcell a great rotational piece and rookie Matt Henningsen who showed some flashes in week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Edge Rushers (5): Randy Gregory, Bradley Chubb, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Copper, Aaron Patrick
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Ranked near the bottom of the league in pass rush win rate and grading, George Paton and Nathaniel Hacket look to upgrade this positional group by stealing Randy Gregory from the Dallas Cowboys, drafting Nik Bonitto, and moving Baron Browning to an outside linebacker role similar to Micah Parson. I expect big years from Bradley Chubb and sophomore Johnathan Cooper. Aaron Patrick was added to the 53-man roster because of his impact on special teams.
One name that is missing and would have made the roster is Malik Reed. I believe Malik will be traded for draft compensation not because he was bad or last his spot but because he is on a one-year deal and the interest he can garner as a depth piece and rotational pass rusher.
Inside Linebackers (4): Josey Jewell, Jonas Griffith, Alex Singleton, and Kana’i Mauga
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Led by Josey Jewell this Broncos inside linebacking core doesn’t feature the flashiest of names but what makes them different is their hard work, agility, and homegrown talent. I do question this position groups coverage ability but luckily in this Ejiro Evero system, the inside linebackers just have to do their role and set a tone on defense.
Cornerback (5): Pat Surtain II, Ronald Darby, K’Waun Williams, Michael Ojemudia, Damarri Mathis
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Headline by star cornerback Pat Surtain II, the Broncos this season will have a good secondary that ranked 17th in the NFL last season (PFF) and with the acquisition of former 49ers cornerback K’Waun Williams and rookie Damarri Mathis. We may see a No Fly-Zone 2.0 appear once again. However, with the lack of consistency from our backups, the Broncos may look to add a cornerback to the practice squad or waiver wire.
Safety: Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Caden Sterns, P.J. Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell
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Lastly in the secondary is captain Justin Simmons, veteran Kareem Jackson, playmaker Caden Sterns, special teamer P.J. Locke, and rookie Delarrin Turner-Yell, a practice squad eligible player as well.
Special Teams
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Kicker: Brandon McManus
Heading into his ninth season as the Denver Broncos starting kicker, Brandon McManus coming off a decent year will look to showcase he deserves to be amongst the best in the league.
Punter: Corliss Waitman
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Originally I had Sam Martin as the starting punter but it was confirmed Monday morning by NFL Networks Ian Rapoport that the Broncos released Sam Martin after he indicated to the Broncos he would not be taking a pay reduction. After releasing Martin, the Broncos will save $1.425 million in cap space per Andrew Mason. Time will tell if this decision was the right one to make but for now, fans must trust the process and believe the rookie punter will step up on special teams.
Long Snapper: Jacob Bobenmoyer
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Although it may be likely that Jacob Bobenmoyer is the Denver Broncos long snapper his preseason mistake of mishandling a punt that would have pinned the Vikings near the five-yard line changed to a touchback after Bobenmoyer could not control his momentum into the endzone leaving Sam Martin to be shocked in disbelief and fans frustrated.
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