Denver Broncos 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp

Broncos 53-man roster projection: Outside linebackers/Edge rushers (6, 36/53)

Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory, Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning, Malik Reed, Jonathon Cooper

Cuts: Aaron Patrick, Christopher Allen

The Broncos have loaded up on pass rushers this offseason and will likely be using Baron Browning in that role as well so they are going to keep as many as they can. In fact, both Aaron Patrick and undrafted free agent Christopher Allen could both be placed on the practice squad as well.

Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory and Nik Bonitto are on the team. Jonathon Cooper had a strong rookie season and it would be wise to allow him to continue to blossom. It remains to be seen how many snaps Browning will see on the outside this season but his versatility should give the team some flexibility when deciding who to keep at linebacker.

The big decision comes down to Malik Reed, a player that has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason. If I’m general manager George Paton, I’m passing hard on that idea.

However, if a player like Allen or Patrick shows enough in camp and preseason games, the team could certainly dangle him as trade bait in order to see what can be obtained in return.

As long as Chubb and Gregory can stay on the field and second-round pick Bonitto brings as much as many feel he will, then there is a case that Reed has become somewhat expendable.