Broncos Veteran Grades from Preseason Finale

It was a great end to the preseason for the Denver Broncos, shutting out the Los Angeles Rams, 41-0, and looking the best they have in a few years. Of course, it was a preseason showing, but over these three exhibition games, multiple key elements showed a noticeable improvement.

That speaks to the upgrade the Broncos made with their coaching. In the preseason finale, multiple veterans stood out, some in a massively positive way, while others looked rough around the edges.

So, let's jump into the grades. Remember, each player starts at 50 and gets graded for each play based on what they do and how they impact the overall play.

Quarterback

Jarett Stidham: 62.9 | Ben DiNucci: 58.4

It was a great night for Stidham, as he cemented himself as the backup quarterback, barring any outside addition. He spread the ball out, made the needed throws, and used his legs when he needed.

As for DiNucci, the stats were solid, with him completing 11-of-15 attempts, and he did well using his legs to extend plays. It may not have been enough from DiNucci to cement a roster spot, though.

Running Back/Fullback

Tony Jones Jr: 48.1 | Tyler Badie: 55.2 | Dwayne Washington: 56.3 | Michael Burton (FB): 63.5

The running backs are battling for a practice squad spot, with the top three spots seemingly cemented. Jones is fine for what he is and can contribute to special teams.

Badie showed off a good burst and vision, though his stats were not great. As for Washington, the stats were OK, but he never had to create for himself, and he left yards on the field.

Burton showed his value as a lead blocker, though it wasn't always perfect. Moreover, he does well picking up those short-yard runs to extend drives.

Wide Receiver

Over the last two games, Hinton has struggled, which is likely why the team has already waived him. Koski also went unnoticed during the preseason, as he didn't play and was waived.

Johnson and Humphrey both stood out in the group for what they did as a receiver and some solid blocking ability. As they both fought for the roster, they stepped up.

While they stepped up, Callaway continued to be missing in action on offense, as he was all preseason. If he makes the 53-man roster, it will be because of his special teams ability, which wasn't great this preseason.

Tight End

Albert Okwuegbunam: 68.2 | Tommy Hudson: 43.7

Hudson was a popular name leading up to camp, but he was at the bottom of the depth chart. While he had chances to carve a more prominent role, he didn't do so and struggled on the field for most of his time.

Okwuegbunam should make this roster — or be traded. Clearly, the Broncos were trying to showcase him for other teams, but he may have done enough to change their plans.

It was a great showing from Okwuegbunam, but he got a lot of help from Sean Payton calling plays to use him to his maximum, and playing against mostly third and fourth-stringers helped.

This isn't to take away from Albert O's night. It was a great showing, but some context is needed for it.

While Okwuegbunam did alright as a blocker, there were still multiple issues. That said, it was great to see him attack blocks and play with some attitude as a blocker, which wasn't seen until this year.

Offensive Tackle

Cam Fleming: 54.8 | Isaiah Prince: 42.4

It was good to get Fleming back after the season he had in 2022, but you were hoping to see better from him during the preseason. He struggled in each game, and while he was better in the finale, he was pulled after the second possession.

As for Prince, he got the first shot at the backup right tackle job and quickly lost it. His play got worse as the preseason went on, which ended with his release from the team.

Interior Offensive Line

Quinn Bailey: 64.7 | Kyle Fuller: 58.4 | Will Sherman: 32.1 | Luke Wattenberg: 67.6

Bailey and Fuller did well, but they both had their issues. However, they were pulled after the second possession, which suggests they are poised to make the initial roster.

Wattenberg was battling for the backup center job, but that seems to be going to Fuller. Wattenberg played well during the preseason, especially at center. It wasn't perfect, but he looks significantly improved from where he was when he saw action late last season.

There was a chance Sherman could make his case, but this was a rough showing from him. There was a five-play series in the second quarter where Sherman was beaten each play and beat badly. He ended up on the ground a few times, and another found him looking for work as the center stepped in front of Sherman and handled his responsibility.

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Interior Defensive Line

Matt Henningsen: 73.7 | Elijah Garica: 53.8 | Jordan Jackson: 38.5 | Tomasi Laulilie: 58.1

If there was a battle for the final spot on the defensive line, it's probably going to Henningsen. His consistency as a run defender and his ability to get a consistent push was on display with few negative plays. While he doesn't have Garcia's splash plays, his consistency stands out.

Garcia has those splash plays, but he was essentially a liability against the run. There were multiple plays, and he was easily pushed five or more yards off the line. When it comes to his work as a pass rusher, the splash plays are nice, but there are a lot of snaps where he gets stalled out and gets little push.

Jackson got a lot of chances to compete for a spot, but he started rough in the preseason and never improved. Laulilie was an interesting player, as he was a bit reckless but effective. He showed there is something there to keep developing, but on a practice squad, not the roster.

Outside Linebacker

Aaron Patrick: 57.2 | Chris Allen: 50.2

There is a battle for the final edge spot, including two rookies, Patrick and Allen. Patrick is a solid special teams player, but he hasn't shown any growth on defense from a year ago. As for Allen, he has done alright but not good this preseason and suffered an injury in the preseason finale.

Inside Linebacker

Justin Strnad: 60.3

Strnad has been a pleasant surprise when watching preseason action. He has looked solid on the field and finished the preseason with a strong game against the Rams. He was quick with his reads against the run and wasn't out of place consistently in coverage as he had been in previous seasons.

Cornerback

Bassey and McMillian are likely making this team. They have had a strong preseason, and both fill key backup roles. After them, there is much up for debate.

Smith seems likely to make the roster because of his contract, but his play should see him let go. It was a solid final game, but he shouldn't be on the field playing defense outside of emergency.

Hicks and Moreau have had some solid play, but they are at the bottom of the depth chart. They both seem poised for a practice squad spot. Hood was the clear guy at the bottom, which brought about his early release.

Safety

Delarrin Turner-Yell: 61.4 | Devon Key: 58.9

Key has had a good preseason but sits at the bottom of the depth chart. It could be enough to keep him around and keep working with him.

Of all the safeties who have played in the preseason, Turner-Yell has looked the best. For context, his action has come chiefly against third and fourth-unit offenses, with a few reps against a second unit.

Turner-Yell has some tackling technique issues to clean up, but he is seeing the field better and making quicker decisions. His play on special teams has been strong, as it was during his rookie season, and could see him make the roster as a result.

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