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Broncos: 53-man roster prediction with training camp on the horizon

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: The Denver Broncos huddle against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 16-15. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 29: The Denver Broncos huddle against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 16-15. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 17: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers (7, 15/53)

  • Courtland Sutton
  • Jerry Jeudy
  • KJ Hamler
  • DaeSean Hamilton
  • Juwann Winfree
  • Diontae Spencer
  • Tyrie Cleveland

Cuts: Tim Patrick, Fred Brown, Kelvin McKnight, Trinity Benson, Kendall Hinton, Zimari Manning

I am more conflicted about the wide receiver position than any other position group on the roster right now.

There are any number of combinations that could wind up coming to pass here.

So many in the Broncos fan base are high on Tim Patrick, while I am a bit more skeptical of his injury history and overall inconsistency, even with the Broncos’ quarterback woes since he’s been on the team.

We are certain of the top three receivers here. Sutton, Jeudy, and Hamler will be on the team.

Beyond them, it will be fascinating. Will the Broncos keep Diontae Spencer as the return specialist again? He proved himself enough in that role last year to earn a spot again in 2020.

Will the team have three active roster spots for Hamilton, Winfree, and Cleveland?

They are all going to need to prove themselves on special teams, with Cleveland’s standout special teams abilities certainly in his favor at this point.

Hamilton is the incumbent slot receiver, but will KJ Hamler diminish his role too substantially to keep him on the active roster? Juwann Winfree is also an option out of the slot and out wide. The Broncos felt really strongly about him last year, but how much difference will the past six months make regarding their opinion of him?

Considering how often the Broncos will be utilizing 11 personnel (1 TE, 1 RB, 3 WR), it would be surprising if they did not prioritize their WR4 and WR5 spots on the roster as guys who can actually run with the top offense.

I personally feel Hamilton and Winfree have the highest upside for you there as inside-outside threats.

Then you have two guys who are special teams ‘specialists’ with Spencer as your returner and Cleveland as your gunner and all-around ace. Cleveland is also one of the most athletic guys on the team.

This is not a situation like at running back where guys would just be called up every once in a while, though maybe you could put someone like Winfree in that role.

These are guys you will utilize weekly, maybe swapping Winfree and Hamilton around at times. I just don’t like the idea of cutting recent draft picks and I’m sure that pains John Elway a bit at times also. These guys have to earn these spots on the field but it’s possible the team could keep seven receivers on the initial active roster.

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