5 Broncos players that boosted their roster chances vs. Vikings

The preseason is officially over. It’s time for the Denver Broncos‘ 53-man roster (at least, the initial iteration of it) to be set and roster moves to be made. Although general manager George Paton acknowledged during the preseason finale television broadcast that most of the 53-man roster positions are set, this final game could certainly swing the pendulum for some players one way or the other.

Which players boosted their chances of making the roster against the Vikings? A number of guys are going to make George Paton’s already difficult decisions even harder. Let’s take a look through a handful of guys on either side of the ball that may have boosted their roster chances the most after the team’s victory in the preseason finale.

Which Broncos players made the biggest impression vs. Vikings?

1. McTelvin Agim, DL

Every so often, you’ll see flashes from defensive lineman McTelvin Agim that give you hope he can live up to his third-round NFL Draft status. Unfortunately, we didn’t see it enough in his first two NFL seasons and we didn’t see it in the Broncos’ first two preseason games, either. In fact, I would say Agim was one of the biggest “fallers” of the first two weeks of the preseason. In week three against the Vikings, he turned it around.

Agim was all over the field for the Broncos against the Vikings, racking up a sack, two forced fumbles, two batted passes, and two total tackles. It was a sensational performance against the pass for Agim, although the Broncos still struggled against the Vikings at times against the run.

The biggest question now with Agim and the rest of the Broncos’ young defensive linemen is how the team will approach the numbers game at that spot. Do they keep five guys? If so, who do the Broncos cut between Agim, Jonathan Harris, Eyioma Uwazurike, and Matt Henningsen? Does Uwazurike make it based on his fourth-round draft status this year?

At this point, it’s hard to really know what the Broncos will do if they only keep five defensive linemen. If they keep six, Agim’s path to the roster is a little easier to see. Ultimately, it wouldn’t be shocking if some team came calling to acquire Agim in a trade after this game and the Broncos certainly need picks. If the team is confident that Uwazurike can play a significant role this season, Agim’s big game against the Vikings could turn into future draft capital for the Broncos.

Unfortunately, what Agim showed in this preseason finale is more than we’ve seen from any of the other backup defensive linemen in the preseason combined. That may be a little dramatic, but it doesn’t feel far off from the truth, either. The Broncos’ reserve defensive linemen haven’t impressed, so to see a game like this from Agim was a bit jarring.

Denver Broncos riser vs. Vikings no. 2: Delarrin Turner-Yell, S

As of the time of this post being written, I think the Denver Broncos are going to keep five cornerbacks on the 53-man roster and six safeties. The Broncos have been utilizing their safeties in versatile roles throughout the preseason, and while the team needs help at outside cornerback with Michael Ojemudia’s injury, I think they can sleep easy with the six safeties currently on the roster.

Going into this game against the Vikings, I was on the fence about rookie Delarrin Turner-Yell, but he went out and showed a little something in the preseason finale. Turner-Yell was flying around the field, playing fast, playing aggressive, and making plays. At one point in the game, he was in the blue tent being evaluated for a concussion. Shortly after, he was cleared, and then was out on the field like a heat-seeking missile sacking Kellen Mond.

He really flashed in this game, finishing with four total tackles and showing that he is worthy of either being stashed on the active roster or having an immediate role on special teams with his hard-hitting style of play.

Denver Broncos riser vs. Vikings no. 3: Seth Williams, WR

The Denver Broncos are back in a fascinating position at the wide receiver spot. I think there is one roster spot up for grabs (WR6) and I think Brandon Johnson had it in the bag before this game against the Vikings. Unfortunately, he left the game with a high ankle sprain. Do the Broncos like him enough to keep him on the roster despite the injury? With all of the positive hype he’s received, would he clear waivers so they could get him on the practice squad?

If not for that injury, I think the top six WR spots were set. With Johnson hurt, that spot could be opened up again. If you listened to the preseason broadcast, you’d be inclined to believe that an injury to Johnson has opened the door for Tyrie Cleveland, who has been injured for most of training camp but is one of the team’s top special teams players. Cleveland is apparently a favorite of special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes.

At this point, that sixth spot could go to Tyrie Cleveland by default while the Broncos try to figure out how to get a trade done or sneak a couple of guys onto the practice squad. One of those guys could be Seth Williams, another young player who has had struggles with consistency but has made some huge plays as well.

Williams led the team in receiving against the Vikings with four receptions for 68 yards, including an incredible diving catch on a pass from Brett Rypien that could have been a touchdown if Rypien had hit Williams in stride.

Denver Broncos riser vs. Vikings no. 4: Jonathon Cooper, EDGE

Jonathon Cooper was looking like the “old” Jonathon Cooper in the Broncos’ preseason game against the Vikings. It wasn’t a perfect performance, of course, but Cooper was out there flying around and showing off his outstanding motor and athletic gifts.

They were on full display at one point when he combined with Jonathan Harris for a sack, and he finished with five tackles overall. Where Cooper can make an impact in addition to his work off the edge is on special teams, and I think based on that alone, he brings great value to the table.

The question off the edge right now is what happens with Malik Reed. Is he going to be on this roster when the regular season rolls around? How are you going to justify giving him snaps over Baron Browning or even Nik Bonitto at this point?

Jonathon Cooper has three years remaining on his rookie deal at a cheaper rate than Reed, and Cooper can be a core special teams player for you. I just don’t see how you can keep Reed and cut Cooper after this game.

Denver Broncos riser vs. Vikings no. 5: Aaron Patrick, EDGE

Speaking of the depth at the edge position, Aaron Patrick was outstanding in this game. He flashed his dominant physical traits off the edge and had the kind of big game he desperately needed to have to convince this team that he wouldn’t just “strictly” be a special teams guy.

5 trades the Denver Broncos could make before the roster is set

The Denver Broncos will undoubtedly be making some deals before final rosters are set next week. Who could be on the move, and who could be coming in?

He’s been called a core special teams player before, and now we got the chance to see some of his progression off the edge. Perhaps the Broncos could sneak him through to the practice squad if they are only planning on keeping five guys off the edge, but I think Patrick could play a bigger role for you on special teams and he showed out with his athleticism and range in this game. The Broncos bet on his traits when they acquired him last year and they should continue to do so now.