Breaking down the Broncos’ preliminary 2022 53-man roster

August 30, 2022

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — After some of the exhilarating offseasons in franchise historical past, the Broncos have set their preliminary 53-man roster.

It is vital to notice that simply as shortly because the preliminary 53-player roster is ready, it may change. The preliminary 53-man roster and the Broncos’ roster for his or her Week 1 recreation in Seattle may characteristic a number of variations. The Broncos are actually eligible to submit waiver claims, place gamers on short-term injured reserve or execute extra trades. If there’s one factor that was clear final yr, it is that Common Supervisor George Paton will consider each out there possibility to enhance his group’s roster.

Forward of any extra strikes, although, we’ll take inventory of the place the Broncos stand as they take their subsequent step towards the common season.

Learn on for a position-by-position have a look at the Broncos’ preliminary roster.

Observe: Gamers are listed by place group and ordered on the creator’s discretion.

Quarterback (2): Russell Wilson, Brett Rypien

The Broncos by no means had a query about their beginning quarterback, however the battle for the backup spot continued into the third preseason recreation. Rypien posted one other sturdy efficiency as he made his first begin, and he is seemingly poised to function Wilson’s backup. The Broncos launched Johnson, however as a vested veteran, he isn’t required to move by waivers. At the very least one report instructed Johnson may doubtlessly be a part of the Broncos’ apply squad.

Operating again (3): Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon III, Mike Boone

There are not any actual surprises right here, as Williams and Gordon are the group’s high choices and Boone posted a robust preseason. Andrew Beck, listed with the tight ends, will function the group’s fullback.

Large receiver (6): Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Montrell Washington, Tyrie Cleveland, Jalen Virgil

For the 18th time within the final 19 years, an undrafted rookie has made the Broncos’ preliminary 53-man roster, as Appalachian State product Jalen Virgil made the group over a number of younger receivers. Kendall Hinton and Seth Williams didn’t make Denver’s roster after sturdy preseason performances, and Brandon Johnson was positioned on IR, which ends his season. Cleveland additionally earned a spot regardless of not enjoying within the preseason. Particular Groups Coordinator Dwayne Stukes stated final week he would push for Cleveland’s inclusion on the roster, and he added that he hopes Cleveland will return from a throat damage in time for Week 1.

Tight finish (4): Albert Okwuegbunam, Greg Dulcich, Andrew Beck, Eric Saubert

The Broncos parted methods with free-agent addition Eric Tomlinson and rookie Dylan Parham, as they stored 4 gamers of their tight finish room. Dulcich has not participated in apply in a number of weeks, however the Broncos haven’t but given any indication if he’ll go on injured reserve. As a vested veteran, Tomlinson shouldn’t be topic to waivers, and media experiences counsel he may very well be re-signed after the Broncos place gamers on short-term IR.

Offensive line (9): Garett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Quinn Meinerz, Billy Turner, Luke Wattenberg, Calvin Anderson, Graham Glasgow, Cam Fleming

The Broncos stored 9 gamers alongside their offensive line, however they waived former sixth-round choose Netane Muti. The most important problem remaining for Denver is to determine who will begin at proper sort out for his or her Week 1 recreation in Seattle.

Line of defense (5): D.J. Jones, Dre’Mont Jones, DeShawn Williams, Eyioma Uwazurike, Matt Henningsen

One of many greatest surprises got here alongside the defensive position, as Mike Purcell didn’t make the preliminary 53-man roster. Purcell, who didn’t play within the preseason, is a vested veteran and isn’t required to move by waivers. A number of media experiences instructed Purcell would re-sign with the group. Uwazurike and Henningsen, in the meantime, earned roster spots over McTelvin Agim. The 2020 third-round choose posted a robust closing recreation however didn’t make the 53-man roster.

Inside linebacker (4): Josey Jewell, Jonas Griffith, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad

The Broncos’ inside linebacking corps additionally did not current any surprises, as Jewell, Griffith, Singleton and Strnad led the primary two items in coaching camp and the preseason. Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett stated not too long ago the group hopes to have Griffith again from his elbow damage in time for Week 1, which may maintain him off short-term IR.

Exterior linebacker (6): Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Aaron Patrick

Along with their large free-agent signing of Gregory, the Broncos added quite a lot of sturdy depth items at outdoors linebacker this offseason. In consequence, the group agreed to commerce Malik Reed to the Steelers. Cooper, a former seventh-round choose, earns a spot on the preliminary 53 after getting back from damage, and Aaron Patrick additionally snagged a spot.

Cornerback (6): Pat Surtain II, Ronald Darby, Ok’Waun Williams, Michael Ojemudia, Damarri Mathis, Essang Bassey

In a aggressive room, Bassey earned a spot over rookie Faion Hicks. Ojemudia, in the meantime, dislocated his elbow in opposition to the Payments, and is anticipated to overlook four-to-six weeks. The timeline may make him a candidate for short-term IR.

Security (5): Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Caden Sterns, P.J. Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell

The Broncos’ first 4 safeties appeared set, and Turner-Yell — a rookie fifth-round choose from Oklahoma — earned a spot over free-agent addition J.R. Reed.

Lengthy snapper: Jacob Bobenmoyer

The Broncos launched Sam Martin on Monday, which seems to go away Waitman poised to punt for Denver.

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