Denver Broncos early 2023 roster projection before training camp

The only glimpse we’ve seen of the Broncos have been in pad-less practices during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, so it’s hard to judge how the roster will look when they face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. But let’s try anyway.

Here is a way-too-early projection of Denver’s 53-man roster with more than two weeks left until training camp. This should be fun.

Offense

Quarterbacks (3): Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, Ben DiNucci

There was a lot of bad football played in Denver during the 2022 season, especially at the quarterback position. Wilson, who was traded from Seattle to help end the franchise’s losing ways, posted career lows in touchdown passes (16), completion percentage (60.5%) and quarterback rating (36.7) while leading the Broncos to a 5-12 record.

While some Broncos fans are still trying to erase Wilson’s performance from their brains, there is reason for optimism in 2023. Wilson has lost weight during the offseason, plus having head coach Sean Payton, an offensive guru, as the coach will be beneficial. He might not throw for 40 touchdowns in 2020. But Wilson will prove the $245 million contract wasn’t a mistake.

On the bubble: Jarrett Guarantano

Running backs/Fullbacks (4): Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Tony Jones Jr., FB Michael Burton

Williams’ health will decide how this position group unfolds.

Payton has been optimistic throughout the team’s offseason program that Williams, who tore his ACL in October, will avoid the PUP list. The former North Carolina standout moved around well during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, even though he didn’t scrimmage during the media viewing of practices.

Williams not missing a ton of time would be huge. He and Perine are a solid running back duo, and having Williams in the backfield should take some pressure off Wilson. At the same time, ACL injuries are no joke. If Williams does miss a few games in the regular season, Perine should be able to carry the workload. But don’t be surprised if the Broncos try to sign another veteran running back like Kareem Hunt.

On the bubble: Tyler Badie, Jaleel McLaughlin.

Wide Receivers (6): Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims Jr., K.J. Hamler, Brandon Johnson

Denver’s top three receivers are set with Jeudy, Sutton and Patrick, the latter of whom is coming back after suffering a torn ACL last summer. The rest of the spots in the Broncos’ wide receivers room are wide open, making it one of the most interesting position battles.

“The discipline at that position in painting the perfect picture within the route for the quarterback,” Payton said when describing what he’s looking for at the wideout position. “Then, the ability to block the force. Any team that runs the ball well in our league, you have to be able to handle either the safety force or the corner force.”

Hamler is a speedy, deep-ball threat but has battled injuries throughout his career. Mims, the second-round pick from Oklahoma, provides similar value, as he was known for making big plays throughout his college career. Second-year wideout Brandon Johnson looked sharp during OTAs and minicamp and could make some noise during training camp.

On the bubble: Marquez Callaway, Kendall Hinton, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Jalen Virgil, Montrell Washington.

Tight Ends (4): Greg Dulcich, Adam Trautman, Albert Okwuegbunam, Chris Manhertz.

After a hamstrung rookie season, Dulcich could take a major leap under Payton’s guidance in 2023. It will be interesting to see who takes the role as tight end No. 2. Payton said Okwuegbunam made progress during their offseason program. However, the Broncos traded for former Saints tight end Adam Trautman, whom Payton said was used as an inline blocker when he coached him in New Orleans.

On the bubble: None

Offensive Line (8): Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Cam Fleming, Kyle Fuller, Quinn Bailey

The Broncos completely revamped the offensive line by signing Powers and McGlinchey while bringing back Fleming, who will be a swing tackle. Cushenberry will have competition at center with Fuller and seventh-round selection Alex Forsyth.

“I like the offensive linemen, but we’re not blocking like you’re going to when it’s real football,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said during minicamp. “Our goals are assignments, making sure we know what to do and they understand how we’re trying to coach it. As training camp goes on and we get the pads on, I think we’ll get a better evaluation of each guy individually.”

On the bubble: Isaiah Prince, Alex Forsyth, Christian DiLauro, Henry Byrd, Luke Wattenberg.

Defense

Safeties (4): Justin Simmons, Caden Sterns, Kareem Jackson, P.J. Locke

Simmons and Sterns will likely be the starting safety duo in 2023. Sterns played in the first five games, including three starts, before missing the rest of last season due to a hip injury. The former Texas standout has shown promise through two seasons, totaling 49 tackles, four interceptions and nine passes defended in 20 games.

Jackson, who re-signed in May, is a veteran presence who is durable and still productive despite being 35.

On the bubble: JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell.

Cornerbacks (5): Pat Surtain II, Damarri Mathis, Riley Moss, K’Waun Williams, Tremon Smith

Surtain has already established himself as one of the best in the game. Mathis showed during last season that he can start alongside Surtain and solidify that No. 2 role during training camp. Despite some viewing Moss as a safety in the NFL, Payton expects the former Iowa star to play corner, saying he has the speed and athleticism to play the position.

Smith, whom Denver signed during the offseason, totaled three forced fumbles and four passes defended in a reserve role for the Texans in 2022. He should add quality depth in the secondary while helping in the kick return game.

On the bubble: Essang Bassey, Ja’Quan McMillian.

Outside Linebackers (5): Randy Gregory, Frank Clark, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper