Denver Broncos' Projected Final 53-Man Roster, Pre-Training Camp Edition
The Denver Broncos are going to find their best talent through the rigors of training camp. The process begins on July 31st and runs through August 20th.
With so much talent, the Broncos will have several tough decisions to make when trimming down the roster. Every rep, every day in camp will be critical for players who are trying to make their mark.
The Broncos are in a Super Bowl window, and they want only the best on the final roster. Some decisions will be easy, while others will be incredibly difficult.
Here’s a projection of what the 53-man roster could look like at the end of training camp.
Quarterbacks
1 of 12
Starter: Peyton Manning
Backup: Brock Osweiler
The Broncos have the capability of winning it all so long as Peyton Manning is their quarterback. New head coach Gary Kubiak's system is not a perfect fit for Manning, so expect the team to use a hybrid offense utilizing what both do best. Manning’s numbers should go down this year, but the team should be able to protect him better and keep him healthy for a deep postseason run.
Entering the final year of his contract, Brock Osweiler has a chance to earn a long-term extension with the team. Unlike Manning, Osweiler’s skill set is arguably a perfect fit for Kubiak’s system. He has the size (6’7”), mobility and arm strength to be an effective starter. In fact, Osweiler’s skill set is similar to that of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Last year, Flacco put up strong numbers working under Kubiak’s guidance. Osweiler could be able to thrive with an opportunity.
The Broncos have two other quarterbacks (Zac Dysert, Trevor Siemian) competing for the final roster. We could see Dysert put on the practice squad again like he was in the 2014 season. Siemian is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered last year at Northwestern and could be kept around on injured reserve.
Running Backs
2 of 12
Starter: C.J. Anderson
Backups: Montee Ball, Juwan Thompson, Kapri Bibbs
The Broncos found a star last year in starter C.J. Anderson. His skill set is a perfect fit for the zone-blocking system the team is implementing under Kubiak. Anderson has the power, balance and vision to make his living between the tackles and wear down opponents. He’s also quite capable as a receiver out of the backfield, and he could post career-best numbers as the Broncos starter in 2015.
Montee Ball is going to try to get his starting job back. He wasn’t healthy last year after a preseason appendectomy that lead into a regular-season groin injury. Ball is back at full strength, and he’s looked good during practice at minicamp and OTAs. He’s going to have to beat out Anderson in training camp and the preseason if he wants more than just a part-time role. Even as a backup, Ball provides tremendous depth at the position and has a proven nose for the end zone.
Juwan Thompson is a jack of all trades at running back. He’s a determined runner who loves to truck over defenders. Thompson has good hands as a receiver, and he’s arguably the best pass protector of all the running backs on the roster. If needed, Thompson could even play fullback.
The competition between Kapri Bibbs and Ronnie Hillman is one to watch in training camp. For this article, let’s say that Bibbs wins the job. He’s not as fast as Hillman, but he’s a more intent runner with fine balance and ability to win after contact. Bibbs knows how to “get skinny” between the tackles, and he’s looked good as a receiver in practice.
Fullbacks
3 of 12
Starter: James Casey
Backup: Joe Don Duncan
For the first time since 2012 (Chris Gronkowski), the Broncos are going to have a fullback on the roster. In fact, they may end up with two when all is said and done.
James Casey was added in free agency, and he’s much more than just a fullback. He can play multiple positions in the pros including fullback, tight end and H-back. Casey is a good blocker, and he’ll create mismatches against linebackers as a receiver out of the backfield. There’s a chance his role will be larger than some fans think.
Joe Don Duncan is so talented that he could win a spot on the 53-man roster. A tight end in college at Dixie State, Duncan is incredibly athletic and can get open down the seam. Like Casey, he can play multiple positions in the pros. Duncan is also tough as nails and is not afraid to initiate contact as a blocker or runner.
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Wide Receivers
4 of 12
Starters: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders
Backups: Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler, Jordan Norwood
Demaryius Thomas is currently hoping to get a long-term contract before the July 15th deadline. If he has to play under the one-year, $12.8 million franchise tender, then he may look for a big payday (in Denver or elsewhere) next offseason.
Thomas is a superstar, and even in a more balanced offense he should be able to post phenomenal numbers. During his time under Kubiak, veteran receiver Andre Johnson caught over 100 passes in five seasons. Thomas has only one year with over 100 catches (last year), but he could reach that milestone this season as well.
Emmanuel Sanders was finally used the right way in the pros, and he responded with numbers that were out of this world. This season, things will be different. Sanders may not catch 100 passes, but he could post 75 catches for 1,000 yards in 2015. When the team uses three-wide receiver sets, Sanders will move inside to his more natural slot position.
Cody Latimer didn’t do much as a rookie last year, but the raw natural talent is there. He’s a big-bodied wide receiver with a large wingspan that helps him win at the point of the catch. Latimer is a fine run-blocker, and he plays with confidence and toughness. The Broncos will make an effort to use Latimer as an outside receiver in certain formations.
Last year, Jordan Norwood was well on his way to making the final roster in training camp before a knee injury ended his quest. Now he’s healthy, and Norwood has the experience to work well as receiver depth. He can also contribute as a return man if needed.
Bennie Fowler stuck on the roster as a developmental practice squad player in 2014. He can make circus catches seem routine, and he’s strong (and fearless) running routes over the middle.
Tight Ends
5 of 12
Starters: Owen Daniels, Virgil Green
Backups: Dominique Jones
The tight end position is incredibly important in the Kubiak offense. That’s why Owen Daniels was brought on board as a free agent earlier this offseason. Daniels has barely played in the NFL without Kubiak as his coach or coordinator. He knows the offense like the back of his hand, and he’ll be the leading receiver at the position (if healthy) for the Broncos this year. Durability is a concern for Daniels, as he hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2008.
Virgil Green is a fantastic blocker, and he’s a seriously underrated receiver. This year, Green should get a larger opportunity to prove what he can do as a pass-catcher. The Broncos' woes on the offensive line could lead to Green seeing more time blocking than some fans want to see.
Speaking of blocking, that’s what Dominique Jones does best. There’s not much else to his game, but the team may need someone to block while Green is running routes.
Offensive Line
6 of 12
Starters: Ty Sambrailo (LT), Ben Garland (LG), Gino Gradkowski (C), Louis Vasquez (RG), Chris Clark (RT)
Backups: Michael Schofield (OT), Max Garcia (G/C), Shelley Smith (OG), Ryan Harris (OT)
The Broncos offensive line is going to look almost entirely different in 2015 compared to what we saw last year. With left tackle Ryan Clady out with a season-ending knee injury suffered in minicamp, the team went to one of their 2015 draft picks for help.
Ty Sambrailo was the team’s second-round pick this year with the thought that he could compete for the starting right tackle position. When Clady went down, Sambrailo was moved to the left side, and he has to be considered the front-runner for the starting job. Sambrailo played left tackle in a zone-blocking system during his time at Colorado State. He’s got the footwork down, but he’ll need to get used to much more athletic rushers on the edge at the pro level.
Ben Garland has been getting the first-team reps with the team at minicamp and OTAs. He’s continued to develop as a pro on the offensive side since the Broncos moved him from being a defensive tackle. His main competition for the starting job will be free agent addition Shelley Smith. This competition will play out in training camp.
The center position will be manned by free-agent addition Gino Gradkowski. He started every game for the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, but he was replaced and barely saw the field in 2014. Kubiak must’ve liked what he saw in practice last year, so Gradkowski was brought on board to play center for the Broncos this year.
Louis Vasquez is the only returning player from last season's offensive line. He’s an All-Pro at right guard, and he’ll arguably be the best player for the Broncos up front.
Right tackle should be manned by Chris Clark. He’s back in a zone-blocking system, and Clark should be able to perform better than he did last year. Clark began the 2014 season as the starting right tackle, but he was eventually replaced due to bad play. He’ll face competition from guys like Ryan Harris and perhaps even Michael Schofield.
We could see Schofield stick around as the team’s swing tackle if Clark wins the right tackle job. Schofield can play either tackle position or move inside to guard if necessary. He may not be the best option to start, but Schofield is bigger than he was last year and is incredibly versatile.
Speaking of versatile, rookie Max Garcia can play center or guard. He’s likely to make the final roster because of his strength and intelligence.
Defensive Line
7 of 12
Starters: Derek Wolfe (DE), Sylvester Williams (NT), Vance Walker (DE)
Backups: Marvin Austin (DT), Darius Kilgo (DT), Malik Jackson (DE), Josh Watson (DE)
The defensive line in the Wade Phillips system must be strong in order for the rest of the defense to thrive. There’s going to be a lot of pressure on the guys at the first level of defense.
The most pressure may be on starting nose tackle Sylvester Williams. A first-round pick in 2013, Williams has yet to fully play up to his potential as a pro. It may not be a make-or-break season for Williams, but it could be close. If he can stand strong against the run and redirect opponents to teammates around him, then Williams should keep his starting job.
Derek Wolfe will provide a strong presence on the outside. He’s an edge-setter against the run, and Wolfe plays with a nonstop motor. Wolfe will get some pressure on the quarterback at times, but his main job will be to keep containment on the outside.
Vance Walker was a key free-agent addition for the Broncos earlier this year. Like Wolfe, Walker will set the edge against the run. However, he’s arguably a better pass-rusher than Wolfe. Walker will be able to get pressure on the passer from time to time with so much attention paid to pass-rushers like Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.
Marvin Austin could step in and start at nose tackle if needed. He’s a run-stuffer who gets off the snap quickly and might be the best pass-rusher of the interior players. Darius Kilgo is a mountain of a man who is mostly known as a run-defender. The rookie is an intriguing developmental prospect.
Malik Jackson is entering the final year of his contract with the Broncos. He plays with a mean streak and could push Walker for a starting job in 2015. Jackson has a ton of heart, and he’s an intimidating presence on the field.
Josh Watson was undrafted this year, but he’s got the ability to get after the quarterback. The rookie is strong, agile and has a good closing burst. The Broncos have found quality undrafted talent for over a decade, and Watson could be their next find.
Linebackers
8 of 12
Starters: Von Miller (OLB), Danny Trevathan (WILB), Brandon Marshall (SILB), DeMarcus Ware (OLB)
Backups: Shane Ray, Reggie Walker, Steven Johnson, Lamin Barrow, Corey Nelson
The linebackers are the strength of the defense, and Phillips will use them to constantly harass opposing quarterbacks in 2015.
Von Miller is set to be unleashed this year in a contract season. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him notch around 20 sacks this season as the team’s primary pass-rusher. This defense is going to blitz a lot more than it did last year, and Miller will be the biggest beneficiary.
DeMarcus Ware is a future Hall of Famer, and last year he started out strong for the Broncos. He finished the season with 10 sacks, but only two of those came in the final eight games of the year. Phillips knows how to get the best out of him because of their days together with the Dallas Cowboys, and this year Ware should be able to stay consistently productive as the season wears on.
Keeping Ware fresh is a priority for the defense, and rookie pass-rusher Shane Ray should be able to help out. Ray is an alpha male who plays football with an ever-present chip on his shoulder. He’s relentless when getting after the passer, and Ray should be a fine part-time pass-rusher.
Inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall are going to be busy this year. The design of the defense will funnel most of the action in their direction, and they’ll be counted on to stop opposing ball-carriers often. Both are coming back from injuries, so their availability for training camp is in question at this time. Trevathan is playing the “Bow” (weak side) while Marshall is playing the “Sam” (strong side) in this new scheme.
Reggie Walker was added in free agency earlier this year primarily because of his work on special teams. Steven Johnson is a hard-nosed strong-side inside linebacker who could start if Marshall is banged up. Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson are both second-year pros with athleticism and the ability to quickly find the ball.
Cornerbacks
9 of 12
Starters: Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr.
Backups: Bradley Roby, Kayvon Webster, Lorenzo Doss
The Broncos have one of the best starting cornerback duos in the entire league. Both Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. should be able to take advantage of quarterbacks under duress in 2015. The new defense should be much more aggressive, and this style will get the front seven after the quarterback. The players in the secondary have to be ready to make plays.
Talib is a dominant player in the NFL because of his size and physicality.
Harris is arguably the best cornerback in the NFL. He has the aggression to play press coverage and harass his man on shorter routes. Harris also has the quick hips, footwork and speed to stay with receivers on downfield routes. He’s got a nose for the ball, and Harris can win contested catches.
Bradley Roby is a backup now, but he has the potential to one day be an All-Pro cornerback. He was tested often last year as a rookie, but the 2014 first-round pick won more challenges than he lost. Roby may get some time at free safety as the Broncos want to get the best talent on the field at the same time.
Kayvon Webster has struggled on the field at times. He’s big and fast, but Webster struggles with hip transition when covering longer routes. He’s built more like a safety, and perhaps that’s the best spot for him to end up.
Lorenzo Doss is a rookie with high football intelligence. His diagnostic skills are top-notch, and he rarely takes false steps on his way to the football. He’ll take a lot of chances as he looks to make the big play, so that bravado on the field will need to be dialed back just a bit.
Safeties
10 of 12
Starters: T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart
Backups: Omar Bolden, David Bruton
The Broncos have a star at strong safety and a new face at free safety in 2015 .
They added T.J. Ward in free agency last year, and he made an instant impact for them in 2014. He’s one of the most intimidating players in the NFL, and he roams the field looking to make a play. Ward plays close to the line of scrimmage like a linebacker, and he arrives at the ball with natural violence.
This year, the team added Darian Stewart to play free safety. He started most of the season last year for the Ravens and is generally considered a player on the rise. Stewart is smart, rangy and athletic. He’ll be playing center field for the Broncos with the task of keeping everything in front of him.
David Bruton is a special teams ace and veteran leader on the team. If needed, Bruton can start at either strong or free safety. Omar Bolden is a converted cornerback who can line up at either safety spot.
Specialists
11 of 12
Starters: Britton Colquitt (P), Connor Barth (K), Aaron Brewer (LS)
This is going to be an interesting competition in training camp because of free-agent punter Karl Schmitz. He has a powerful leg and might win a spot on the final roster as a kickoff specialist. There’s a chance that Schmitz could supplant both Colquitt as the punter and Brandon McManus as the part-time kicker.
For this article, let’s just go ahead and pencil in Colquitt as the punter. He’s the highest-paid punter in the league (based on annual average salary), and Colquitt is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2014.
Connor Barth makes the final roster because of his accuracy as a field-goal kicker. The team might choose to add a kickoff specialist (either Schmitz or McManus) to help him out.
Aaron Brewer is a good long snapper, and he’ll have no problem making the team.
Full Roster
12 of 12
- QB, Peyton Manning
- QB, Brock Osweiler
- RB, C.J. Anderson
- RB, Montee Ball
- RB, Juwan Thompson
- RB, Kapri Bibbs
- FB/TE, James Casey
- FB/TE, Joe Don Duncan
- WR, Demaryius Thomas
- WR, Emmanuel Sanders
- WR, Cody Latimer
- WR, Bennie Fowler
- WR, Jordan Norwood
- TE, Owen Daniels
- TE, Virgil Green
- TE, Dominique Jones
- OT, Ty Sambrailo
- OG, Ben Garland
- C, Gino Gradkowski
- OG, Louis Vasquez
- OT, Chris Clark
- OG, Shelley Smith
- C/OG, Max Garcia
- OT/OG, Michael Schofield
- OT, Ryan Harris
- DT, Sylvester Williams
- DT, Marvin Austin
- DT, Darius Kilgo
- DE, Derek Wolfe
- DE, Malik Jackson
- DE, Vance Walker
- DE/DT, Josh Watson
- LB, Von Miller
- LB, DeMarcus Ware
- LB, Brandon Marshall
- LB, Danny Trevathan
- LB, Shane Ray
- LB, Reggie Walker
- LB, Steven Johnson
- LB, Lamin Barrow
- LB, Corey Nelson
- CB, Aqib Talib
- CB, Chris Harris Jr.
- CB, Bradley Roby
- CB, Kayvon Webster
- CB, Lorenzo Doss
- SS, T.J. Ward
- FS, Darian Stewart
- FS, David Bruton
- SS/FS, Omar Bolden
- K, Connor Barth
- P, Britton Colquitt
- LS, Aaron Brewer
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via email from the Denver Broncos. Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac.com. Transaction history provided by ProSportsTransactions.com.
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