Denver Broncos: Final 53-man roster predictions

The Predominantly Orange staff takes a crack at predicting the 53-man roster for the Denver Broncos. Will there be any surprise cuts?

As roster cuts are fast approaching, the Denver Broncos have some very difficult decisions to make. Not the least of which is the decision of whether to keep a third quarterback in Mark Sanchez, or just fully commit to the youth movement.

There are questions at nearly every position on the roster, and as John Elway and Gary Kubiak evaluate the last five months of work, they have to put together the group of 53 guys that can help this team win a second consecutive Super Bowl.

Us here at Predominantly Orange took our stab at predicting what Elway and Kubiak will decide…

(@skriz24 – Steven Kriz)

QB (2)

Trevor Siemian
Paxton Lynch

RB (4)

C.J. Anderson
Devontae Booker
Ronnie Hillman
Andy Janovich

WR (6)

Demaryius Thomas
Emmanuel Sanders
Bennie Fowler
Cody Latimer
Jordan Norwood
Jordan Taylor

OL (9)

Russell Okung
Max Garcia
Matt Paradis
Ty Sambrailo
Donald Stephenson
Michael Schofield
Darrion Weems
Connor McGovern
James Ferentz

TE (3)

Virgil Green
Jeff Heuerman
John Phillips

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DE (5)

Derek Wolfe
Adam Gotsis
Jared Crick
Billy Winn
Henry Melton

NT (3)

Sylvester Williams
Darius Kilgo
Kyle Peko

OLB (5)

Von Miller
Demarcus Ware
Shane Ray
Shaquil Barrett
Dekoda Watson

ILB (4)

Brandon Marshall
Todd Davis
Corey Nelson
Zaire Anderson

CB (5)

Aqib Talib
Chris Harris Jr.
Bradley Roby
Kayvon Webster
Lorenzo Doss

S (4)

Darian Steward
T.J. Ward
Justin Simmons
Will Parks

ST (3)

Brandon Mcmanus
Riley Dixon
Casey Kreieter

More from Broncos News

• Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
• Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
• The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
• Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
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Interesting Makes:

Ronnie Hillman-

When Hillman tested the waters of free agency and had no suitors, he resigned with Denver but the money that was guaranteed was minimal. Throughout the offseason Kapri Bibbs’ name was brought up over and over again. However, a strong showing in the third preseason game, along with the unique speed he brings ultimately keeps him on the roster.

Dekoda Watson-

Watson was brought in to add depth to the ILB position and battle with Zaire Anderson for a roster spot. However, he was moved outside and let loose on quarterbacks this preseason and the results have been astounding. He has made play after play after play, and has made it near impossible for the coaching staff to part ways with him.

Kyle Peko-

Peko was a name few had heard of coming into this camp. The Broncos have been a little bit thin on the defensive line, especially after the injury to Vance Walker. Peko is a big body that moves well, and has impressed coaches enough to earn himself a roster spot.

Interesting Cuts:

Mark Sanchez-

Sanchez essentially had the starting quarterback job handed to him on a silver platter when the Broncos elected not to pull the trigger on a trade for Colin Kaepernick, and instead decided to move up in the draft and select raw rookie Paxton Lynch. Sanchez was the veteran, the bridge to the young kid—all he needed to do was not screw it up. Screw it up he did; he turned the ball over 3 times in roughly two quarters of play. Once it was clear he wasn’t the starter, the plan to bring Lynch up to speed quicker, coupled with the cap savings and saved draft pick sealed Sanchez’s fate.

Juwan Thompson-

While Hillman made the roster because of his speed, Thompson was thought to have value because of his ability to play both fullback and running back. Unfortunately for Thompson, there just aren’t enough spots on the roster.

Kapri Bibbs-

Like Thompson, there just aren’t enough spots on the roster for a player such as Bibbs. What makes this surprising is the constant praise Bibbs received throughout the course of the offseason. He ran well, and is a very good special teams player. This is just a numbers deal.

Next: Aric Manthey