3 Broncos rookies who haven't done nearly enough to make the final roster

It was always going to be really tough for late-round picks and undrafted free agents to make a strong enough case to crack what might be the best all-around roster in the entire NFL. But we expected more from the Denver Broncos' class of 2026.

The Broncos traded 1st- and 3rd-round picks to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, so they were already pushed way down the board as it is, but after trading out of the 2nd round completely, their rookie class was always going to have to significantly outplay draft status to earn a role on this team.

At least one player has done that with rookie running back Jonah Coleman looking like an absolute stud so far, but the rest of the rookie class has been underwhelming. Even if some players make the team due to their draft slot, a handful of late-round picks and undrafted free agents simply haven't done enough to make the 53-man roster...yet.

Let's take a look at four players who will be under the microscope in the Broncos' final preseason game against the Vikings.

3 rookies who haven't done enough to make the Denver Broncos' roster...yet

Dallen Bentley, tight end

The Broncos used a 7th-round pick on Dallen Bentley to preserve their annual tradition of adding at least one tight end from Utah to the roster.

All kidding aside, getting Bentley in the 7th round really felt like a nice value for the Denver Broncos. A great value, if you will. Bentley was projected to land anywhere from the 4th-5th round of the NFL Draft, and came into the NFL after a really productive final season with the Utes, especially in the passing game.

He didn't drop a single pass in his final year of college football, and even showed off some big play ability. Unfortunately, we really haven't seen Bentley get any opportunities in the passing game during the preseason. We also haven't heard his name pop up at all during training camp.

The Broncos already have a rather solidified pecking order at tight end with Adam Trautman, Evan Engram, and 5th-round rookie Justin Joly likely securing a roster spot with his draft status. Nate Adkins has also been valuable to this team, and the Broncos appear poised to keep fullback Adam Prentice on the active roster as well.

All of those factors could lead to Bentley being practice squad bound for his rookie NFL season, which isn't a bad thing, but we hoped to see more from him to at least make a stronger case.

Miles Scott, safety

Things are rough enough in the depth department at safety for the Denver Broncos that they recently signed veteran Taylor Rapp to bolster the position.

Another rookie we haven't so much as heard a peep out of is 7th-round pick Miles Scott, an intriguing prospect out of Illinois. Scott made the transition from wide receiver to safety at the college level, and found some pretty immediate success in doing so.

He was always going to be more of a developmental project for the Broncos, but I thought we would see and hear more about his ball skills being on display. Unfortunately, the golden opportunity placed before him against the Packers resulted in a major whiff:

Although there is still plenty of promise there with Scott, some developmental time on the practice squad might be the best thing for him.

3. Taurean York, linebacker

After having a nice tackle for loss in the preseason opener against the Falcons, Taurean York wasn't credited with a single tackle against the Green Bay Packers.

For the time being, it appears as though Karene Reid has emerged as the Broncos' most competent backup inside linebacker, and that might force the team to make some type of move before the start of the season.

York was a steal for the Broncos after the 2026 NFL Draft, and they paid the price. He is the most expensive undrafted free agent in the history of the team, earning a team-record $325,000 in guaranteed money to sign in Denver.

While he hasn't been a disappointment, making plays throughout camp and the offseason program, it's fair to wonder whether he (or fellow rookie Red Murdock) has done enough to warrant a roster spot on one of the league's best defenses at this point.

We need to see these young linebackers making more plays on special teams, for starters. It's one thing to struggle in your first NFL action defensively, but the lapses on special teams for the Broncos have been a concern early on.

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