The Denver Broncos recently completed their first preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. this outing served as a vital evaluation tool for the coaching staff as they narrow their roster down to the final 53-man active squad.
Stidham's edge over Ehlinger for the QB2 spot
The competition for the second-string quarterback position has a clear frontrunner following the game in Atlanta. According to the report, Jarrett Stidham appears significantly more prepared and performed better than Ehlinger during the opener. this gap in readiness creates a strategic dilemma for the Denver Broncos; if the team were to cut Stidham, he would likely be claimed by another NFL franchise immediately, making it impossible to stash him on the practice squad.
For Ehlinger, the path forward is narrower. The analysis suggests that his most probable outcome is a move to the practice squad, provided he can navigate the waiver process without being snatched up by a competitor. This battle highlights the precarious nature of the QB2 role, where a single preseason performance can dictate a player's entire season trajectory.
The three-man rotation of Dobbins, Harvey, and Coleman
The Denver Broncos are adopting a lean philosophy in the backfield, focusing on a trio consisting of Dobbins, Harvey, and Coleman. As the report says , the coaching staff is avoiding the trend seen over the last three seasons where carrying a fourth running back often resulted in that player being inactive on game days. By limiting the active roster spots for runners, the team can optimize other positions while relying on the practice squad for situational needs.
This efficiency extends to the fullback position, where Prentice has become an indispensable asset. New offensive coordinator Davis Webb and head coach Sean Payton have emphasized the need for a versatile fullback who can contribute to both the offense and special teams. Because Prentice provides this dual value, the Denver Broncos are unlikely to risk losing him to the open market.
Special teams versatility for Ross and Katsis
While the top five wide receivers in Denver are secure, the battle for the final depth spots is being decided by more than just catching ability. Cameron Ross and Kolbe Katsis have distinguished themselves as reliable contributors in return roles on special teams. This versatility gives them a competitive advantage over Michael Bandy, who may struggle to find a roster spot if he cannot provide similar utility outside of the offensive set.
Lil Jordan Humphrey remains a lock for the roster, largely due to being a favorite of head coach Sean Payton. However, the overall health of the receiving corps is contrasted by a struggling tight end group. The most pressing concern is Caleb Lohner, whose ongoing knee injury makes a season-long stint on Injured Reserve increasingly likely.
Throckmorton's rise and the PUP list hurdle
On the offensive line, Calvin Throckmorton has emerged as a potential interior backup after a strong performance at center during his first NFL snaps. This unexpected success has sparked a conversation about whether Throckmorton should leapfrog Forsyth in the depth chart. Meanwhile, the line's stability is threatened by Nick Gargiulo, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and may not be ready for the regular season kickoff.
Robinson's potential jump over Tillman on the edge
The defensive line hierarchy has become clearer,with Jordan Jackson and Tyler Onyedim occupying the fifth and sixth spots, followed by Sai vion Jones as the seventh man. a notable shift is occurring in the edge rusher room, where Robinson is showing enough promise to potentially overtake Tillman. This is a significant development given that Tillman was the team's most effective edge-setter against the run last year.
Despite these shifts, several questions remain regarding the final cuts. it is still unclear if Miller or Kristian Williams will secure the final active roster spot or be relegated to the practice squad. additionally, the team must decide if Dasan McCullough's current trajectory is enough to save him from a practice squad designation as the Denver Broncos optimize their defensive depth.
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