The Broncos made some key veteran additions and are hoping for big impacts from the rookie class to build on a playoff berth in 2024.
Quarterback (2)
Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham
Many reading this know how highly we viewed Bo Nix coming out of Oregon, and he had the most underappreciated rookie season in NFL history with 34 total touchdowns while leading Denver to a playoff berth. Nix will again be backed up by Jarrett Stidham, and new No. 3 quarterback Sam Ehlinger will likely be kept on the practice squad with roster spots going elsewhere.
Running back (5)
J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey (R), Audric Estimé, Jaleel McLaughlin, Michael Burton
The backfield by committee only became more crowded with the signing of J.K. Dobbins this month, so it would be a surprise if the Broncos didn’t keep four running backs (plus fullback Michael Burton) out of camp. This feels like a true competition behind Dobbins and second-rounder RJ Harvey—as Tyler Badie (who was talked up for his pass protection this offseason and flashed when healthy) or Blake Watson could realistically push out Jaleel McLaughlin.
Wide receiver (6)
Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant (R), Trent Sherfield Sr.
On the other hand, wide receiver—although not adding any headlining options for Bo Nix in Year 2—feels close to set as the youngsters around Courtland Sutton will continue to build their connections with Nix. The final spot will probably be between Trent Sherfield Sr., Michael Bandy, and A.T. Petty, but we like Sherfield both for his value on special teams and the potential shown as a pass-catcher.
Tight end (3)
Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Caleb Lohner (R)
Evan Engram will provide extra speed and explosiveness for Denver after signing on a two-year deal; and while durability might be a concern, his presence should allow the Broncos to roll with three tight ends. Lucas Krull will still have a shot to beat out seventh-rounder Caleb Lohner, but the team might not want to risk losing the rookie if he shines in August.
Offensive tackle (4)
Garett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Matt Peart, Alex Palczewski
Matt Peart showed very well in a couple of starts last year and was re-signed in the offseason, and Alex Palczewski also made starts in 2024. We’ll see if Frank Crum or undrafted rookie Xavier Truss (who might also see time inside) are able to make it a conversation.
Interior offensive line (5)
Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Alex Forsyth, Clay Webb (R)
Overall, the Broncos having complete continuity on the offensive line will only help their chances of making a leap this year—and they’ll be returning their interior starting trio led by Quinn Meinerz. Behind them, Alex Forsyth (who played with Nix at Oregon) should be the backup center, and undrafted rookie Clay Webb is someone we like to crack the roster over Nick Gargiulo, Calvin Throckmorton, and Will Sherman.
Interior defensive line (5)
Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Sai’vion Jones (R), Malcolm Roach
Denver is also set to be largely the same on their defensive front, and third-round pick Sai’vion Jones—moving inside after being a 4-3 defensive end at LSU—should be a nice fit in a rotating group. If a sixth guy is kept, Matt Benningsen, Eyioma Uwazurike, and Jordan Jackson are among the contenders.
Edge defender (5)
Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson (R), Dondrea Tillman
Fourth-round rookie Que Robinson has apparently impressed during OTAs and minicamp, and the Broncos will be counting on 2024 third-rounder Jonah Elliss to make more of an impact this fall. Those two and Dondrea Tillman (5.0 sacks in 2024) being roster locks will make it difficult to crack the roster without the team keeping six edge defenders.
Linebacker (4)
Dre Greenlaw, Alex Singleton, Drew Sanders, Justin Strnad
Dre Greenlaw was a big-ticket signing this offseason, and he’ll provide even more intensity to a defense that was already among the best and highest-effort units in football last year. A healthy Alex Singleton will also help as a starter alongside Greenlaw, and the versatile Drew Sanders should be closer to himself after returning late last year from a torn Achilles suffered in May of 2024. Justin Strnad should be back in a role on special teams but will be pushed by Levelle Bailey and undrafted rookies Karene Reid, JB Brown, and Jordan Turner.
Cornerback (6)
Pat Surtain II, Jahdae Barron (R), Riley Moss, Ja’Quan McMillan, Kris Abrams-Draine, Damarri Mathis
Cornerback wasn’t really a need for Denver with Riley Moss hopefully regaining his confidence after a shaky finish (in return from injury) and Ja’Quan McMillan showing he can make impact plays from the slot—but Jahdae Barron was considered best player available in Round 1 and will boost the secondary in whatever role he plays. The question here is whether Damarri Mathis makes it as the No. 6 cornerback.
Safety (5)
Brandon Jones, Talanoa Hufanga, P.J. Locke, JL Skinner, Sam Franklin Jr.
Brandon Jones and the aggressive Talanoa Hufanga—coming over with Dre Greenlaw from San Francisco—will give the Broncos one of the better safety duos in the NFL, and P.J. Locke is a very good No. 3 option after being the starter in 2024. The final one or two spots will come down to JL Skinner, Sam Franklin Jr., Devon Key, and Delarrin Turner-Yell, with the battle decided by training camp and preseason action.
Special teams (3)
Wil Lutz, Jeremy Crawshaw (R), Mitchell Fraboni
As of now, Denver doesn’t have any competition on special teams, which isn’t a surprise with kicker Wil Lutz hitting 91.2% of his field goals last year and rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw being drafted in the sixth round.