Denver Broncos 6 stock up, 5 stock down after loss to Cardinals

Now begins the analysis following the Denver Broncos' close defeat to the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 18-17 in their preseason opener. There seems to be common chatter amongst fanbases around the league criticizing the debut of Sean Payton's starting offense however, the tape suggests otherwise for a few individual players.

While a handful of starters and even depth players did show struggles against a poor Cardinals roster, there are still an impressive amount of players that performed to expectations and even exceeded them while a few guys failed to reach them.

Denver Broncos Stock Up after preseason opener:

1. C Lloyd Cushenberry III

Despite the starting offensive line being a disappointment in the first four drives of the game, particularly on the left side, veteran center and former third-round pick Lloyd Cushenberry was most certainly one of the bright spots on the front the entire night. For someone who has already been listed as the team's starting center on the initial depth chart having all his competition behind him, it was rather reassuring to see the 25-year-old hold up exceptionally well in pass protection, despite his teammates struggling early. The Broncos are going to need a big year from number 79 if he wishes to find himself signing a second contract with the team next offseason.

2. TE Adam Trautman

Another fellow former third-round pick on the list. Even though he's already listed as the team's starting tight end, Adam Trautman does have the young and athletic Greg Dulcich waiting in the shadows to steal away the starting job. Granted, the Broncos will likely be running various two tight end sets and with the run game expected to be a key identity of the offense, we'll even see multiple three tight end packages. Who is one player that will be out there almost every run play? Adam Trautman.

In the pass game, Trautman didn't jump off the stat sheet too much with two receptions for 18 yards however, his work in the run game deserves more recognition. He is going to be a very valuable piece in front of RBs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine this upcoming season and it makes all the more sense why Payton went out of his way during the draft to acquire him. Trautman's a very skilled blocker and showcased that in the preseason opener by doing the dirty work. Sean Payton is going to be able to be much more innovative with run designs considering the run-blocking tight ends he has in both Adam Trautman and Chris Manhertz who create free run lanes.

3. RB Jaleel McLaughlin

Despite not receiving much of an opportunity throughout the second half, rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin did enter the game about midway through the fourth quarter where he had a few clutch runs and even an impressive reception for 12 yards on what should have been the game-winning drive. With just five total touches, he was able to lead all running backs in yards per attempt and showcased his ability to weave off tacklers in the trenches at such a small frame of 5 foot 7, 187 pounds. RBs Tyler Badie and Tony Jones Jr. better be on the lookout, because McLaughlin is looking explosive and will continue to prove he belongs on the roster with an increased snap count in the final two games of preseason.

Denver Broncos stock UP after preseason opener

4. CB Ja'Quan McMillian

I can't say enough good things about the second-year stud CB Ja'Quan McMillian for the Denver Broncos. During training camp, he has repeatedly shown his ability to stick with receivers in coverage, especially getting reps with the starters. At times, he has gotten beat for first downs, as will any 23-year-old corner. However, in the preseason opener, McMillian was a major bright spot in the secondary when it came to tackling and even blitzed Arizona's QB for a sack in the second half. His pursuit, speed, and athleticism at such a young age are ridiculous and he will prove to be another George Paton gem found in the secondary.

5. OLB Nik Bonitto

Generating a lot of buzz over the course of training camp, Nik Bonitto had high expectations heading into this matchup and didn't disappoint. Throughout the first quarter, it became evident Bonitto is a brand-new player compared to the rookie version of himself. He was flying off the line of the scrimmage often getting a high volume of pressure and looked to be the best pass rusher on the gridiron. A sophomore leap could be in the realm of reality for the Broncos' 2022 second-round pick.

6. DL Elijah Garcia

After being signed off the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad in December of 2022, hopes for DL Elijah Garcia making the active roster have always seemed slim however, with the group appearing more thin than it has in previous years, Garcia may have some serious roster life within reach, especially considering the performance he put out on the field on Friday night. During a series, Garcia came home for two sacks in the span of just three plays. He also added along three tackles throughout the night and looked solid in the run game. The Broncos have a history of building their defensive linemen from the ground up and not always drafting early-round talent. 25-year-old Elijah Garcia could be next.

Denver Broncos Stock DOWN vs. Cardinals

1. LT Garett Bolles

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles' performance against Dennis Gardeck of the Cardinals was not pretty. And that's a generous way of putting it. Bolles constantly allowed pressure throughout the four drives the starters were on the field. He allowed a strip sack on Russell Wilson, which the Broncos were fortunate to recover. His performance could be a factor of returning from the broken leg and playing on a 'not so ideal' field in State Farm Stadium. However, there are no excuses for getting beat multiple times in pass protection and allowing consistent duress to your quarterback's blindside. The left tackle situation will be an interesting one to keep an eye on come regular season and veteran Cameron Fleming may have to step in earlier because of it.

2. CB Tremon Smith

What initially looked like an underrated move for the Broncos' special teams and secondary has now turned into a major head-scratcher following his performance in the preseason opener. Tremon Smith, who the Broncos signed to a two-year, $5M contract earlier this offseason has had a very interesting role with the team. With the Houston Texans, Smith had often returned kicks for the team and occasionally got snaps in the secondary at corner with the versatility to play in the slot as well.

However, since joining the Broncos, he hasn't received a single return rep throughout the offseason and looked atrocious playing corner on Friday night. He had multiple allowed receptions and was being shaken up by simple concept routes. Not to mention, Smith allowed the game-winning touchdown reception in the final seconds of the game on a drag route. Smith has had a few nice practices at camp but for him to earn any opportunity in the secondary, he's going to have to put that performance behind him.

Broncos stock DOWN after Cardinals game continued

3. OLB Chris Allen

OLB Chris Allen, who I originally believed to be a dark horse to make the team this fall, is now battling for a spot on the practice squad at best. Allen was being shut down basically the entire second half and was not creating any kind of pressure on the quarterback at all. He often struggled to set the edge and use his hands against offensive tackles which is not very encouraging. Allen's best shot at making an impression on the coaching staff at this point is through special teams.

4. QB Jarrett Stidham

For QB Jarrett Stidham, he's definitely had better stat lines before. Entering in the second quarter and starting the majority of the second half, Stidham completed just five passes out of 15 attempts for 50 yards and an interception. Most of his throws were off-target on the night and he did not look like the same player we have seen at training camp the last two weeks. He struggled to get the ball out quickly and efficiently and was not making his proper reads, especially on his horribly anticipated throw that resulted in an interception. The performance isn't a whole lot to worry about, given it is one preseason game, however, Stidham has a lot to improve on from the film review he'll be watching.

5. RB Tony Jones Jr.

Consistently appearing on these lists, free agent pickup Tony Jones Jr. has not had the most exciting offseason for the Broncos. In fact, we have heard many more glaring reviews regarding both younger RBs Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin over the course of the offseason and it's simply due to Jones Jr. not separating himself in any aspect of his game.

Just three rushing attempts for eight yards and one reception for five receiving yards aren't going to cut it for the veteran. These next two preseason games will be very important for the 25-year-old's future.