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Denver Broncos roster moves: What’s up next?

By Sayre Bedinger

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson #68 of the Denver Broncos on the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 30: Offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson #68 of the Denver Broncos on the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 21-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Defensive back Adam Jones #20 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 30: Defensive back Adam Jones #20 of the Denver Broncos warms up before the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Cornerbacks

Make no mistake about it — the Denver Broncos are keeping Pacman Jones on their active roster to start the season, and he’s going to play an integral role, along with veteran Tramaine Brock.

The Broncos needed an additional veteran presence in their secondary when it became apparent that neither Isaac Yiadom or Brendan Langley was ready for full-time action, even after Yiadom’s rapid ascent in training camp to the number three cornerback spot.

When Tramaine Brock got fully healthy, he resumed that role, and he has looked solid. But the Broncos were just one injury away from somewhat of a disastrous situation, and Jones has come in to be that fire extinguisher.

He is also going to be involved in the return game, whether on punts or kickoffs. He can probably still do both well, but the Broncos have two young players in Isaiah McKenzie and Brendan Langley who are probably more explosive in the return game, even if they aren’t better ‘catchers’ of the ball compared to Jones.

The Broncos’ top four corner spots are locked in with Chris Harris Jr., Bradley Roby, Tramaine Brock, and Pacman Jones, but what will they do beyond that?

Could we see Langley, one of the team’s top special teamers get waived?

That would be a surprise to many, but it’s possible the Broncos would do so to try and sneak him on the practice squad. As good as Langley has been on special teams, he’s been a liability in coverage.

Yiadom has been better in coverage, but if the Broncos keep him on the active roster as the fifth corner, he’s going to have to be an asset on special teams.

What a crazy catch 22 for Elway and company at this point.

Both players are former third-round picks. Both players have big-time promise and potential. Neither player seems ready to contribute to the 2018 Broncos defensively, at least right now.

The team has to be very careful and calculated with their next move here, but nobody beyond Yiadom or Langley is making the 53. The Broncos may have to decide between one or the other, or make some trades and keep 11 total defensive backs.

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