Broncos 53-man roster predictions following 2022 NFL Draft

Denver Broncos edge rushers (6, 40/53)

Bradley Chubb
Randy Gregory
Jonathon Cooper
Nik Bonitto
Baron Browning
Aaron Patrick

There will be some shockers here, undoubtedly.

First of all, let’s discuss the absence of Malik Reed from this group. In addition to not having Mike Purcell on this roster projection, I think not having Reed on here is probably the biggest bombshell of all.

The Denver Broncos didn’t overly prioritize Reed as a restricted free agent. He was given a first right of refusal deal and I think ultimately, the lack of interest he received as essentially a free agent is telling.

I do think, however, at his current price teams will come calling about a trade.

The Broncos can’t move on from any of Bonitto, Cooper, or Browning at this position. If Browning is making the full-time move to edge, how does Reed fit in?

Aaron Patrick is another player who has been dubbed one of the team’s core special teams players, and although Reed is projected to fill the “starting” role while Randy Gregory recovers from surgery, I think that’s all to keep his value as high as possible in the public eye for an eventual trade.

The Broncos are bordering on too deep here. Not only do you miss out on Reed in this scenario, but talented young players like Andre Mintze and Christopher Allen also didn’t make the cut despite keeping six guys.