Denver Broncos 53-man roster prediction with latest rumors
Cornerbacks – 6 (48/53)
- Ronald Darby
- Kyle Fuller
- Pat Surtain II
- Bryce Callahan
- Michael Ojemudia
- Saivion Smith
Along with Tim Patrick and Alexander Johnson, don’t be surprised if Bryce Callahan’s name comes up in trade discussions in the next week.
Callahan was outstanding last year but none of his 2021 salary is guaranteed and he’s been a bit of a liability in terms of his injury issues in recent years.
The only issue with trading Callahan is, who replaces him?
It could very well be Essang Bassey, who has been working his way back from a knee injury and could come off the PUP at any moment.
If Bassey comes off the PUP, I think he is the CB6 and maybe CB5 to open the season with Michael Ojemudia now out for close to two months with a hamstring injury.
Nate Hairston has played well enough to earn a roster spot, which he very well could get after initial cuts are made given Ojemudia’s injury.
The Broncos also seem to like what they have seen from Saivion Smith, who is one of the newest players on the team yet hasn’t been in the first couple waves of cuts. He’s also got some chemistry and rapport with Pat Surtain II going back to their days together at Alabama.
Another advantage for Smith — his contract. Nate Hairston is 27 and on a veteran minimum deal. After the 2021 season, he would be an unrestricted free agent. Smith is still just 23, and would be an exclusive rights free agent after the 2021 season.
Kary Vincent Jr. has also made a strong case for the active roster, but he’s still pretty raw and might be a ways behind even Bassey at this point. He is an ideal practice squad type if the Broncos can get him there.
So, you go with this group initially, and possibly factor in a player like Bassey or maybe Hairston after you put Ojemudia on temporary IR.