Broncos' 53-Man Roster Projection: Trimming the Fat in 2022

How does the roster math shake out this year?

Author:
Erick Trickel
Publish date:
Jul 26, 2022 7:00 AM EDT

In this story:

The Denver Broncos kick off training camp on Wednesday, July 27. The roster and practice squad will soon begin to take shape.

There are several roster battles set to explode this week. Many starting jobs are up for grabs.

Who emerges victorious in these competitions across the roster?

On the eve of training camp, it's time to render a 53-man roster prediction for the Broncos.

Quarterbacks (2)

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) works out during a Denver Broncos mini camp at UCHealth Training Center. — Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Players: Russell Wilson, Josh Johnson

Analysis: With the new franchise quarterback, who's had a relatively healthy career, only one backup is needed.

Running Backs (3)

Melvin Gordon, Javonte Williams — USA TODAY Sports

Players: Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone

Analysis: Keeping three running backs is a risk, especially with the health concerns with Gordon and Boone, but it's an easy position to find help in the event of an injury.

Tight Ends (4)

Players: Albert Okwuegbunam, Greg Dulcich, Eric Saubert, Eric Tomlinson

Analysis: Between the four tight ends, the Broncos have plenty of versatility, with Tomlinson also able to stand in at fullback.

Offensive Line (10)

Denver Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry (79) and guard Dalton Risner (66) lead the team out of the tunnel to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Players: Garett Bolles, T; Dalton Risner, G; Lloyd Cushenberry III, C; Quinn Meinerz, G; Billy Turner, T; Calvin Anderson, T; Netane Muti, G; Luke Wattenberg, C; Graham Glasgow, G; Tom Compton, T.

Analysis: Without a potential Risner trade materializing, the offensive line has its clear top-10 at the position, though the order could be changed.

Wide Receivers (6)

Players: Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Montrell Washington, Seth Williams.

Analysis: Denver has a stacked wide receiver room at the top, with only the final two spots up for grabs.

Safeties (5)

Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson — Getty

Players: Justin Simmons, Caden Sterns, Kareem Jackson, P.J. Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell.

Analysis: While there is a battle for the last two spots, Locke and Turner-Yell have an edge on J.R. Reed and Jamar Johnson.

Cornerbacks (5)

Patrick Surtain II, K'Waun Williams, Ronald Darby — USA TODAY Sports

Players: Patrick Surtain II, Ronald Darby, K'Waun Williams, Michael Ojemudia, Demarri Mathis

Analysis: There's plenty of versatility with the corners to move players around and play inside and out.

Linebackers (9)

Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory, and Nik Bonitto — USA TODAY Sports

Players: Bradley Chubb, OLB; Jonas Griffith, ILB; Josey Jewell, ILB; Randy Gregory, OLB; Nik Bonitto, OLB; Alex Singleton, ILB; Baron Browning, OLB/ILB; Jonathon Cooper, OLB; Aaron Patrick, OLB.

Analysis: The top three inside linebackers are set with a wide gap, but the outside linebackers have Malik Reed also pushing for a spot vs. Cooper and Patrick.