Who stays and who goes? Broncos pre-camp 53-man roster prediction

The wait is almost over. On Saturday, the Denver Broncos will finally take the field for Training Camp 2018, putting an end to one of the longest offseasons in recent memory—the more you lose, the longer they feel.

With the start of camp also comes the start of many battles for starting positions and battles for roster spots, as players fight to be on the right side of the numbers game when the roster is cut from 90 to 53 on Sept. 1.

As camp gets into gear, most eyes will be on stars like Von Miller, Bradley Chubb and new quarterback Case Keenum, but the bottom of the roster holds many storylines, as well.

Below is our first crack at how those storylines will play out and how the Broncos will construct their roster come cut day.

Key

(+) Denotes player is deemed a “lock” to make the roster

* Denotes player is not a lock but looking good

** Denotes player barely made the roster

(Players at each position are stacked in order of their likelihood of making the team)

Quarterback (2) 

Case Keenum (+)

Paxton Lynch*

Just missed

Chad Kelly gives Paxton Lynch a good run for his money in the backup race, but in the end, Lynch’s experience advantage and the Broncos’ ability to stash Kelly on the practice squad will give Lynch the nod.

Running back (5) 

Devontae Booker (+)

Royce Freeman (+)

De’Angelo Henderson*

Phillip Lindsay**

Andy Janovich**

Just missed

Phillip Lindsay’s ability to bring a different dimension to the backfield and contribute in the return game help earn him the spot just over fellow rookie David Williams.

Tight End (3) 

Jake Butt (+)

Jeff Heuerman (+)

Austin Traylor (+)

Wide Receiver (6)

Demaryius Thomas (+)

Emmanuel Sanders (+)

Courtland Sutton (+)

DaeSean Hamilton (+)

Isaiah McKenzie**

Tim Patrick**

Just missed

John Diarse makes the Broncos think long and hard about this one, but Patrick’s unique combination of size and speed give him the advantage.

Offensive Line (9)

Garrett Bolles (+)

Ron Leary (+)

Matt Paradis (+)

Jared Veldheer (+)

Connor McGovern (+)

Sam Jones (+)

Menelik Watson*

Billy Turner*

Cyrus Kouandjio**

Just missed

After multiple seasons of slow development, the Broncos finally make the decision to move on from Max Garica. Instead, going with the potential of Cyrus Kouandjio because of the ability of Watson and Turner to move inside if needed.

Defensive Line (7)

Derek Wolfe (+)

Domata Peko (+)

Adam Gotsis (+)

Shelby Harris (+)

DeMarcus Walker (+)

Zach Kerr (+)

Clinton McDonald*

Just missed

The Broncos have showed many times that they are high on Kyle Peko. Unfortunately, the numbers bounce “Little Peko” off the 53-man roster this time.

Outside Linebacker (5)

Von Miller (+)

Bradley Chubb (+)

Shaq Barrett (+)

Shane Ray (+)

Jeff Holland**

Inside Linebacker (4)

Brandon Marshall (+)

Todd Davis (+)

Josey Jewell (+)

Keishawn Bierria**

Just missed

The clear battle at this position is between Zaire Anderson and rookie Keishawn Bierria. Anderson has the edge in terms of experience, but it’s Bierria’s talent that got him selected by the Broncos in the draft and eventually gives him the edge here.

Cornerback (5)

Chris Harris Jr. (+)

Bradley Roby (+)

Tramaine Brock (+)

Brendan Langley (+)

Issac Yiadom (+)

Safety (4) 

Justin Simmons (+)

Su’a Cravens (+)

Darian Stewart (+)

Will Parks (+)

Just missed

Due to the addition of Su’a Cravens, Jamal Carter, last year’s training camp darling, just misses the cut.

Kicker (1)

Brandon McManus (+)

Punter (1)

Marquette King (+)

Long Snapper (1)

Casey Kreiter (+)

Practice Squad

Andreas Knappe (OL)

Jamal Carter (S)

J.J. Dielman (OL)

Chad Kelly (QB)

Kyle Peko (DL)

Kenny Bell (WR)

David Williams (RB)

Marcus Rios (CB)

Dymonte Thomas (S)

John Diarse (WR)

PUP List

Jordan Taylor

NFI List

Troy Fumagalli

Notable Cuts 

Carlos Henderson

Max Garcia