4 players who aren't safe after making Broncos' initial roster

These Broncos had better hold off on celebrating making the roster out of camp.

NFL teams have cut down to their 53-man rosters, with the Denver Broncos going under the mark to 52 spots. Of course, that 53rd spot is expected to be taken up by Corey Nelson, who will soon return to the linebacker corps.

The Broncos aren’t done adding and subtracting to the roster in its current form. Not only will the team potentially cut more players, but the Broncos also have three guys that are headed to injured reserve, which will create more room on the roster for some additional turnover.

That said, there are multiple players on this initial roster that shouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The Broncos are looking at multiple positions for upgrades, and because of that, these following players made this list.

River Cracraft, WR/PR: In what chances he got as a returner last year, Cracraft was reliable, but uninspiring. He didn’t offer much return ability outside of securing the catch, and even then there were some issues. 

On punt returns, Cracraft averaged 3.3 yards per return, and only 14.3 on kick returns. Neither of those numbers are good enough for the NFL.

This preseason, Cracraft had only one kick return for 17 yards, which Khalfani Muhammad and Devontae Jackson surpassed with their averages of 22 and 19 yards per return, respectively. Even Brendan Langley was better in-game with a return of 26 yards. 

Having speed helps, and Cracraft doesn’t have much juice. When it comes to punt returns, Cracraft averaged a whopping six yards per. Denver needs to find someone who can secure the ball, and give them a chance for better field position.

Jake Rodgers, OL: When he was at right tackle, he looked really good all preseason. The issue arose when he was kicked over to the left side. Rodgers played LT against the Rams and Cardinals and both games were rough, but that Cardinals game saw him get dominated by Vontarrius Dora. 

You have to wonder whether Rodgers offers true swing tackle potential with how he has played on the left side. It is fine to simply be a right tackle, especially considering Ja'Wuan James’ injury history, but it is ideal to have a swing option.

The sad fact is, despite that, Rodgers just might be safe anyways. It isn’t because his play deserves it, but because possible upgrades at the tackle position just don’t get cut. The NFL is weak when it comes to offensive linemen, so they are hard to get. If Denver does add n OT, it could be through trade because there isn’t much out there on the waiver wire, or free-agent market.

Trey Marshall, S: Denver got stuck between a rock and a hard place at their fourth safety spot. Neither Marshall or Su’a Cravens played like they were worthy of the spot. Both played poorly during the preseason, though Marshall made a couple plays on special teams at least. Yet, they both benefited from Dymonte Thomas getting hurt and getting waived/injured.

Denver could, and should, be looking for an upgrade at backup safety. Even if the Broncos find a hybrid defensive back, they have to consider moving on from Marshall. He showed enough for the practice squad, but not for the roster, not yet anyway. Of all on this list, however, Marshall may actually be the safest of the bunch.

Josh Watson, ILB: Watson is one of two undrafted rookies to make the initial squad, but unlike Malik Reed, he shouldn’t feel comfortable. Corey Nelson is being brought in, which could lead to Watson being let go. Not only that, but when Joe Jones comes back from injury, if Watson is still around, that could be the time Watson gets his walking papers.

What helps Watson is the fact he has played both off-ball and edge for the Broncos in the preseason. That value could help him stick around. If he really wants to stick on this roster, though, his best bet would be to step up on special teams. Watson may be safe for the next week, but beyond that, all bets are off.

Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.