I am certainly a far cry from John Elway or any NFL general manger for that matter, but just for fun I’m going to take a crack at the job. Here is my best prediction for the Broncos’ 53-man roster as Mile High Sports Broncos beat writer. The official cuts will have to take place before 2 p.m. Saturday.
Quarterbacks (3): Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler and Trevor Siemian
Surprise move: Siemian played his way up the depth chart as a late rookie draft pick. He played exceptionally well through three preseason games and cost Zac Dysert his job. Versus the Arizona Cardinals, in the preseason finale, he had some hiccups but nevertheless he will make the roster.
Tail backs (4): C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson and James Casey (FB)
Surprise move: Montee Ball will either be traded by tomorrow or cut after failing to prove himself this preseason. The now disappointing second-round pick averaged less than 2.5 yards per carry in the four games this year. The team will try to hide Kapri Bibbs on the practice squad again.
Wide receiver (6): Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Cody Latimer, Andre Caldwell, Jordan Norwood and Bennie Fowler
Surprise move: Bennie Fowler and Jordan Norwood impressed in training camp this offseason. Norwood still has some room to grow in the return game but has backed up Sanders nicely in the slot. Fowler has made big plays in the preseason, sealing his fate with a touchdown grab Thursday versus the Cardinals. He can also contribute on special teams.
Tight ends (2): Owen Daniels and Virgil Green
Surprise move: Marcel Jensen and Dominique Jones got ample opportunities in camp and in the preseason to show their skills. Neither took advantage. Casey will also work as a tight end.
Offensive Line (9): Ty Sambrailo, Evan Mathis, Matt Paradis, Louis Vasquez, Ryan Harris, Michael Schofield, Max Garcia, Shelley Smith and Ben Garland
Surprise move: Garland barely beats out Gino Gradkowski simply for money issues and the fact that Gradkowski is limited to playing center. Garcia can swing in at either guard slot or center. Gradkowski entered training camp as the starter but was quickly pulled for Paradis. The Broncos will keep nine due to the inexperience and high possibility of injuries.
Safety (4): T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart, Omar Bolden and David Bruton Jr.
Surprise move: There is not one. All four are highly thought of by the team. Josh Bush got a lot of preseason repetitions but does not come close to the special teams value of Bolden or Bruton Jr. Rookie Josh Furman may land on the practice squad.
Cornerbacks (5): Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr., Bradley Roby, Kayvon Webster and Tony Carter
Surprise move: Carter will beat out Curtis Marsh as the fifth cornerback despite suffering nagging injuries in camp. He is far more reliable than Marsh. Look no further than Marsh’s tape from Thursday’s game.
Inside linebackers (5): Brandon Marshall, Danny Trevathan, Todd Davis, Steven Johnson, Corey Nelson
Surprise move: Nelson barely has edged out Lamin Barrow in training camp. Just over a month ago many (myself included) thought that inside linebacker was a weakness on this team. Davis and the rest of the backups have played and matured marvelously in the offseason. Several players from this group will have bright futures on any roster.
Outside linebackers (5): Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Shane Ray, Shaquil Barrett, Larentee McCray
Surprise move: McCray has gotten lost in the shuffle due to a recent leg injury. He is however a viable pass rusher behind Miller. Barrett and Ray have may passed over him on the depth chart but he will be used this season.
Defensive linemen (7): Sylvester Williams, Derek Wolfe, Malik Jackson, Vance Walker, Antonio Smith, Kenny Anunike and Darius Kilgo
Surprise move: Kilgo has played above expectations after being drafted in the sixth round of this year’s draft. He stole the last spot on the line from recently signed Sione Fua. As it stands now he will be Williams No. 1 backup. One of the other rookies, Josh Watson or Chuka Ndule will be hoping for a practice squad spot.
Specialist (3): Aaron Brewer, Brandon McManus, Britton Colquitt
Surprise move: McManus missed a game winning 51-yard field goal just days after winning the kicking job. He will have to prove that he can be accurate in crunch time.
Roster cuts could be announced at any moment but have to be in tomorrow afternoon. There always seems to be a surprise or two each year. Either way the Broncos will be moving onto the regular season with a stacked roster. What they do with it, like my prediction here, is anybody’s guess.
Email Sam at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @SamCowhick.
