First Look at Broncos' Initial 2025 53-Man Roster

The past 48 hours account for the most dreaded stretch on the NFL calendar for coaches. The Denver Broncos have whittled their 90-man offseason roster down to the initial 53 players ahead of Tuesday's 2 pm MDT deadline.

Several recent draft picks were cut, including 2025 seventh-round tight end Caleb Lohner and 2024 fifth-round running back Audric Estime. The Broncos made several other painful cuts, including the release of quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

But that means we have the initial roster to analyze. I say 'initial,' because the last few spots are subject to change depending on whether the Broncos are successful in making any waiver claims, or if they opt to sign a player who was released elsewhere.

With that said, let's examine the Broncos' initial 53-man roster of 2025.

Quarterback

Bo Nix
Jarrett Stidham

Analysis: Ehlinger made a case, and the Broncos reportedly love him, but he'll test the waters around the NFL before he decides whether to return to the practice squad.

Running Back

J.K. Dobbins
RJ Harvey
Jaleel McLaughlin
Tyler Badie

Analysis: This was one of the tougher positions to project, as the Broncos liked all of their backs. Estime might hurt the most, but the Broncos are reportedly interested in re-signing him the practice squad, as well as Blake Watson.

Wide Receiver

Courtland Sutton
Marvin Mims Jr.
Troy Franklin
Pat Bryant
Trent Sherfield

Analysis: Undrafted rookie Courtney Jackson came close to making it, and Kyrese Rowan showed out in the preseason finale. It'll be interesting to see which survive the waiver wire, Joaquin Davis included.

Tight End

Evan Engram
Adam Trautman
Nate Adkins
Lucas Krull

Analysis: With Michael Burton headed to season-ending injured reserve with a hamstring, Adkins will serve as the team's fullback as well as tight end. However, Adkins has been hurt. He's expected back in September, hence no IR.

Offensive Line

Garett Bolles
Ben Powers
Luke Wattenberg
Quinn Meinerz
Mike McGlinchey
Matt Peart
Alex Palczewski
Alex Forsyth
Frank Crum

Analysis: Calvin Throckmorton made a case for the roster, and if he goes unclaimed, the Broncos will likely re-sign him to the practice squad. Will Sherman, Clay Webb, and Xavier Truss are also in the mix.

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Defensive Line

Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (96) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers. — August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (96) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Zach Allen
D.J. Jones
John Franklin-Myers
Malcolm Roach
Sai’vion Jones
Eyioma Uwazurike
Jordan Jackson

Analysis: The Broncos went with seven here, which was a big surprise. Uwazurike and Jackson both made the club.

Outside Linebacker

Nik Bonitto
Jonathon Cooper
Jonah Elliss
Que Robinson
Dondrea Tillman

Analysis: It's good to see Tillman stick around. He didn't have a great preseason, but his rookie year was awesome.

Inside Linebacker

Dre Greenlaw
Alex Singleton
Justin Strnad
Karene Reid

Analysis: Levelle Bailey was the big shocker here, but the Broncos want him and Jordan Turner back, if they pass through waivers. Reid continues the Broncos' undrafted rookie tradition. In 21 of the past 22 years, an undrafted rookie has made the Broncos' 53-man roster out of camp.

Cornerback

Patrick Surtain II
Riley Moss
Ja’Quan McMillian
Jahdae Barron
Kris Abrams-Draine

Analysis: Damarri Mathis was waived, ending his Broncos story in all likelihood. Keep an eye on Jaden Robinson and Reese Taylor as possible practice squad additions.

Safeties

Talanoa Hufanga
Brandon Jones
P.J. Locke
JL Skinner
Devon Key

Analysis: Another position where the Broncos went with numbers. Key barely managed to hang on.

Specialists

Wil Lutz | K
Jeremy Crawshaw | P
Mitchell Fraboni | LS

Analysis: Crawshaw is the punter, but he needs to prove he can hang in the actual games, after a lackluster preseason.