Denver Broncos: 5 players who must come up big in preseason opener

The Denver Broncos kick off their preseason schedule this Saturday with a road game against the Minnesota Vikings, the team they have started joint practices with.

For many, the preseason is a long lull before the games that count start. But for other hardcore football fans, the preseason is anything but a waste of time and for several players on the roster, it’s incredibly important.

With teams only getting three preseason games this year, the evaluation period is a bit shorter and the chance to go out and show what they can do on the field is lessened. For those players fighting to stay on the roster or looking to win a job, these games are huge.

When the Broncos take on the Vikings on Saturday, a handful of players need to stand out from the rest. Each of these guys is looking to prove something to the organization, whether it be to give them a longer look in terms of a roster spot or to put their stamp on a starting job.

Parnell Motley, Cornerback

After going undrafted out of Oklahoma last year, Motley spent time with three teams. The Broncos signed him off the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers in December for added depth at defensive back.

The Broncos are deep at the cornerback position and if you figure they only keep six corners on the roster, the margin for error for guys like Motley is narrow.

Patrick Surtain, Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller, Bryce Callahan and Michael Ojemudia are going to make the roster. That could leave one spot for someone like Motley, who would still have to fend off the likes of Kary Vincey Jr., Nate Hairston and Rojesterman Farris. Plus, the team still has Essang Bassey on the PUP list.

Motley will be fighting to keep his career in Denver going but realistically, he’s probably a practice squad guy at best right now. He could change that opinion with a nice showing in this game.