Denver Broncos: Who made the best case for the roster vs. Cardinals?

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 29: Linebacker Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a sack against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 29: Linebacker Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a sack against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 29: Running back Devontae Jackson #48 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 29: Running back Devontae Jackson #48 of the Denver Broncos runs with the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Offensive line

Sam Jones

I think second-year guard Sam Jones was on the bubble going into this game, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he secured a roster spot for a second straight season in this game.

The Broncos just don’t have great depth on the interior offensive line, or at tackle for that matter, so if there’s a player whose potential they value over someone else, they should keep him.

Jones looked good, particularly in the running game in this one.

Austin Schlottmann

Schlottmann continued to play solid football for the Broncos this preseason, and he’s proven he can play a number of positions for them, including center.

I think the ability to play center gives him an edge for a spot, at least initially.

Elijah Wilkinson

Wilkinson played more of this game than he probably needed to, but he’s unquestionably the Broncos’ top swing guard/tackle.

The Broncos could move other pieces around if one of their tackles gets hurt, including moving Dalton Risner out to the tackle position where he played in college, but Wilkinson seems to be the guy taking over Billy Turner’s role last year.

Schedule