As we end that list, we come down to the final 53 roster spots. Here's how I see it shaking out
Offense Total 25
QB: 3-Joe Flacco, Kevin Hogan, Drew Lock
Joe Flacco had a solid training camp and preseason, and looks ready to lead the offense. Denver might have cut Hogan and just run with Rypien and Lock if not for Lock's injury.
RB: 4-Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman, Devontae Booker, Theo Riddick
Lindsay and Freeman are locks, and Booker, who I think has been buried more out of just how good the guys are ahead of him on the depth chart, survives the acquisition of Riddick due to an injury. Riddick could start the year on IR designated to return, but Denver might also use one of those spots on Drew Lock or Andy Janovich
WR: 6-Emmanuel Sanders,Courtland Sutton, Dasean Hamilton, Tim Patrick, Juwann Winfree, Kelvin Mcknight
This group has a ton of upside in it with Sutton and Hamilton I think ready to take bigger roles, and Sanders looking good in his return from injury. Kelvin Mcknight has flashed a bit and I think could be a solid kick returner.
TE: 4-Noah Fant, Jeff Heurerman, Jake Butt, Troy Fumagali
Fant has played his way to the top, and has been helped along by the numerous injuries to the rest of the TE room. The question is whether to keep 3 or 4 players, but with the injury bug that seems to haunt that TE position I think 4 is the right number
FB: 1 - Andy Janovich
The Shanahan offense loves a FB. His injury I think could land him on the IR designated to return so Denver can sign someone else to this spot, but I dont think Denver goes into the season without Janovich on the roster in some way.
OL : 8-Garret Bolles, Dalton Risner, Connor Mcgovern, Ronald Leary, Juwann James, Elijah Wilkinson, Austin Schlottman, Sam Jones
Denver rolls with 8 here, although I could see 9 due to the injury history of Leary and James. The starters are well set, and I think Schlottman keeps a spot due to his versatility in the middle.
Defensive Total: 25
DL: 6 -Derek Wolfe, Adam Gotsis, Shelby Harris, Dre'mont Jones, Mike Purcell, Demarcus Walker
With the surprising cut of Zack Kerr Tuesday, it appears that Walker and Purcell have shown enough this offseason to make the rotation. This is probably the best group Denver has fielded since the Super Bowl run.
OLB: 5-Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, Josh Watson, Justin Hollins
Miller and Chubb are obvious. Reed and Watson have both had solid pre-seasons and appear to be excellent undrafted rookie free agents. Justin Hollins I think will get time at EDGE primarily, but will see some time inside as well.
ILB: 4- Todd Davis, Josey Jewell, Joe Jones, AJ Johnson
Davis and Jewell are a solid starting tandem, and AJ Johnson I think has a real chance to become something special as well. Jones sticks to the roster for his special teams capabilities.
CB: 5-Chris Harris, Bryce Callahan, Isaac Yiadom, Devante Bausby, Linden Stephens
Denver has a lot of versatility in this group, as Yiadom has impressed so far in his second preseason. Bausby has had a busy offseason, joining from the AFL and has showcased himself well enough for a spot.
Safety:4-Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons, Will Parks, Su'a Cravens
The top 3 are easy locks. Cravens Spot I think comes down to whether he plays special teams. If not, Dymonte Thomas gets the nod.
Specialists: 3 -Casey Kreiter, Brandon Mcmanus, Colby Wadman
No Surprises unless Denver suddenly cuts Wadman to sign someone else.
53 Players then. I could easily see Denver perhaps keeping Jamaal Carter or George Aston/ Orson Charles instead of Josh Watson, or trying to bring one of them back after perhaps moving Lock, Riddick or Janovich to the IR to return since they are all likely to clear waivers. There has been some thought Jake Butt will be cut now as well with his continued knee soreness. It wouldn't surprise me and it does clear room for Orson Charles.
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