Denver Broncos: Final 53-man roster predictions

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 29: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos have evaluated all they can evaluate. Who is going to make the final 53-man roster for the 2019 season?

There are no more chances at making a first impression. There are no more opportunities to put anything on tape.

All 87 players left on the Denver Broncos’ roster on Thursday night have spent their final game in uniform together. Now, many of those players will await a call to the front office to hear that their time with the team is finished.

For some, it will be ‘just for now’ while the Broncos await the waiting period of putting together their 10-man practice squad.

For others, it will be permanent. There’s a lot to get to, so we’re going to snap to. Let’s try to predict the Denver Broncos’ initial 53-man roster, meaning we’re not taking into account all of the moves they could make as of Sunday just yet.

Players who are a lock to make the roster will be listed in bold.

Quarterback

Joe Flacco
Drew Lock
Kevin Hogan (or a 49ers QB, preferred)

Cut: Brett Rypien

The only two locks for the (initial) 53-man roster for the Broncos are Joe Flacco and Drew Lock. While IR is an option for Lock, it’s a bad one for a couple of reasons.

First of all, it’s kind of a waste of the ability to return someone off of IR, because unless Joe Flacco is hurt, Lock isn’t going to play a ton this year. And if Joe Flacco is hurt and Lock is on IR half the season, he’s missing valuable practice reps, especially if he’s not going to be out for nine more weeks.

I don’t think the Broncos will cut Hogan unless they have an alternative in place, but they should be actively seeking those alternatives. Hogan barely completed 50 percent of his passes in preseason play and was clearly beat by Lock for the backup spot.

Brett Rypien didn’t show enough to get scooped up by another team, and I expect him to go to the practice squad.

Special Teams

Brandon McManus
Colby Wadman
Casey Kreiter

There are no surprises here. I didn’t mark Colby Wadman as a ‘lock’ to make the roster because I simply don’t believe that to be the case.

If the Broncos find a preferable alternative, Wadman is replaceable.

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