Where Broncos Should—and Shouldn't—Go Heavy on the 53-Man Roster

As we approach the third and final preseason game, the Denver Broncos will have to determine which positions to prioritize as they shape the final roster.

An important part of those determinations is identifying the positions where the Broncos need to keep more players on the 53-man roster, rather than cutting or exposing them to waivers.

While one can make a case for keeping more players at one position, doing so comes at the expense of another position. Thus, the Broncos — like any other team — must make trade-offs when it comes to determining how many players to keep at each position.

In some cases, it's not hard to figure out where the Broncos will go, but in other cases, things may not be as simple.

Let's examine the positions that could complicate the Broncos' roster math and trigger the most conversation behind closed doors at Dove Valley. We'll weigh the pros and cons, then try to get a feel for the decisions the Broncos might make.

Keeping a No. 3 QB

Denver Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger (4) in action against the Atlanta Falcons. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pro: Having the third quarterback on the 53-man roster means that a team can't sign him from the practice squad. This is particularly important when you look at teams that have lost quarterbacks to injury and need a new backup.

Con: The No. 3 quarterback is never active on game days, and that spot could be better utilized for more depth at another position, particularly when it comes to special teams. If one loses to a No. 3 quarterback to another team, it's not hard to find a new one.

The Takeaway

Sam Ehlinger won't likely garner a lot of interest from other teams, so the Broncos can safely sign him to the practice squad.

Keeping a Fourth RB

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons.s | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pro: Injuries tend to happen often to running backs, and J.K. Dobbins has missed time with injuries in most of his NFL seasons. Keeping a fourth running back ensures the Broncos have an injury replacement available without worries of losing him to another team.

Con: The Broncos are likely to keep a fullback on the 53-man roster, and he can be utilized as the fourth running back. Meanwhile, if a fourth back is kept, he'll be a game-day inactive barring injuries ahead of him on the depth chart.

The Takeaway

Since it appears likely that the Broncos will keep fullback Adam Prentice on the 53-man roster, a fourth running back is a luxury the team can't afford.

Keeping a Sixth WR

Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey (5) is unable to pull in a pass against Green Bay Packers safety Jaylin Simpson (38). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pro: There are a couple of wide receivers who have shown they can help in the return game. Having them available in that capacity could be useful.

Con: The Broncos appear likely to keep four tight ends, and they can be utilized in the receiving game. None of the wide receivers beyond the top five have stood out.

The Takeaway

This is a close call. It likely comes down to roster math and which players the Broncos value more at which positions.

Keeping a Fourth TE

Pro: The Broncos don't want to expose Justin Joly to waivers, even if he hasn't stood out in the preseason. Also, Nate Adkins has proven useful to a degree because of his blocking ability.

Con: For most teams, a fourth tight end is a luxury. It doesn't always make sense to keep one at the expense of other positions. Also, the fourth tight end is likely to be a game-day inactive every week.

The Takeaway

Between the Broncos' likely reluctance to expose Joty to waivers and Adkins' familiarity with the system, it appears likely they'll keep four tight ends.

Keeping a Seventh D-Lineman

Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (96), defensive end Sai'vion Jones (95) and defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pro: The Broncos have typically kept seven defensive linemen on the roster. That allows them to maximize possible rotations on defense and have a couple available for special teams as needed.

Con: Keeping seven defensive linemen means a lot of roster spots devoted to that position. Once you get past the top six, there isn't a player who other teams are likely to covet, and it shouldn't be an issue to expose them to waivers.

The Takeaway

This likely depends on what the Broncos want to do at other positions. The third preseason game is almost certain to determine what the Broncos do here.

Keeping a Sixth CB

Reese Taylor makes the tackle. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pro: Having cornerback depth is important. Furthermore, there are a couple of cornerbacks who have played well on special teams and might even factor into the return game if necessary.

Con: The Broncos typically carry five safeties, and a sixth corner might come at the expense of the fifth safety.

The Takeaway

Again, the third preseason game will most likely dictate what the Broncos do here.

Keeping a Fifth Safety

Denver Broncos safety JL Skinner (34) reacts after a defensive stop the end the game with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pro: The Broncos have typically kept five safeties and utilize two of them on special teams. The addition of Taylor Rapp means that if the Broncos keep just four, a couple of players who can help on special teams would be cut or waived.

Con: Keeping a fifth safety means the Broncos won't keep a sixth cornerback. That position is more useful to defense, and there are cornerbacks on the depth chart who have done well on special teams.

The Takeaway

Once again, the final preseason game should determine what the Broncos do here. With corners and safeties, the two positions will most likely go hand in hand.

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