Things were looking up for the Broncos after their preseason opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons. All three phases of the team played well, and they handled the Falcons on the road despite missing several key starters. However, in Week 2, they would be getting back quarterback Bo Nix and star receiver Jaylen Waddle, and expectations were high in Broncos Country. While Nix and Waddle impressed early on, the rest of the team did not.
The Broncos would lose 33-13 to the Packers in a game where they were dominated in all three phases of the game. A disappointing effort by the team that saw their lengthy preseason winning streak come to an end.
I did this last week, and I will do it again this week. I am going to go through the Broncos’ entire 90-man roster by positional group and tell you if I believe a player’s stock is rising, falling, or remains unchanged, and give you my thoughts on their future with the team. We have one preseason game left and are a week away from roster cuts being made, so things are getting real for players on the roster bubble.
QuarterbackBo Nix – Stock up: Nix was back on the field and looked just like the player we saw vs. the Bills in the playoffs. He looked confident, poised, made big plays, and most importantly, he looked healthy. He was moving around well, had a big play to Jaylen Waddle, and later threw an absolute dime to RJ Harvey for a touchdown. I saw everything I needed and still believe Nix is on the verge of a big season.
Jarrett Stidham – Stock down: What was that? After a good showing vs. the Falcons, backup Jarrett Stidham had a rough outing vs. the Packers that included an ugly interception during a two-minute drill. Stiddy stared down tight end Lucas Krull down the seam, and a Packers defender jumped the route. He was lucky it didn’t end up as a pick-6. Did this impact his QB2 status? I don’t know, but it certainly was not a good showing for the veteran backup.
Sam Ehlinger – Unchanged: He was the third quarterback to come in behind Nix and Stidham and did not see action until the 4th quarter. Not a great sign for him, considering he is apparently competing for the QB2 job. He only had two pass attempts, and his offensive line made it impossible for him to accomplish much of anything. We’ll see what happens in the preseason finale next week.
Running BackJK Dobbins – Unchanged: The veteran back did not play, as expected, and will be your starting running back come Week 1.
RJ Harvey – Stock up: Harvey looked decent as a runner, but he is going to make his impact in the passing game. He ran a wheel route down the sideline and caught a dime from quarterback Bo Nix for a touchdown. Harvey could be filling the Kamara/pass catcher role in this offense and could easily catch 50 or 60 passes this season and be an impact player.
Jonah Coleman – Stock up: His stats aren’t anything to write home about, but how the Broncos are using him, or their lack of using him, is a great sign for the rookie running back. He played a total of 8 snaps, and I believe just one series (with Nix and the starters) before he was pulled from the game. The Broncos believe they don’t need to see him during the preseason shows how confident they are in his skill set.
Jaleel McLaughlin – Stock down: He wasn’t bad, but the writing seems to be on the wall for the former undrafted free agent. He’s behind Harvey and Coleman on the depth chart and is unlikely to make the 53-man roster. He could be a practice squad guy, but we’ll see. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s playing for another team this upcoming season.
Tyler Badie – Stock down: He’s in the same boat as McLaughlin. Unlikely to make the 53-man roster and is looking at a possible practice squad role. He was active ahead of McLaughlin a lot last season, so his odds of making the practice squad could be higher, but we’ll see.
Cody Schrader – Unchanged: He’s a back of the depth chart player who eats some snaps late in a preseason game.
Adam Prentice – Stock up: Davis Webb must like the fullback dive play because it has been called three times in two preseason games. Prentice will have a role on this team as a lead blocker, special teams player, and apparently, a short-yardage specialist.
Wide ReceiverJaylen Waddle – Stock up: I saw everything I needed to see from Waddle in the preseason. He caught a wide-open pass in the middle of the field (great route running) and used his speed to gain some YAC. Loved it.
Courtland Sutton – Stock up: He nearly made another spectacular catch on the sideline (He did, but the refs were being annoying last night) and looks to be the same big-play receiver we have seen throughout his career with the Broncos.
Pat Bryant – Stock up: He did not make any plays, but he started alongside Sutton and Waddle and never left the field. He is the clear WR3 and has really elevated his stock this summer. I expected this to happen, and I am excited that it did.
Marvin Mims – Unchanged: He didn’t play and is still coming back from an injury he suffered during training camp. He did dress for the game and get some work in pre-game, so he appears close, but they’re being cautious. His role is locked in, so his stock is unchanged for me.
Troy Franklin – Unchanged: I said stock down last week and don’t believe anything has really changed since then. He did have a good end to training camp, but he’s clearly behind Bryant on the depth chart and is playing on the same unit as Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who Sean Payton loves to use. I am not sure where he slots in on the depth chart and the game-day roster, but we’ll see what happens in the coming days. Also of note, he played 0 special teams snaps.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey – Stock up: As long as Sean Payton is with the Broncos, Lil’Jordan Humphrey’s stock is up. He was with the second-team offense last night and made some plays. He’s either making the team or heading to the practice squad, where he will be elevated to the roster for game days for three weeks.
Michael Bandy – Stock down: The Broncos also love them some Bandy, but the veteran has been sidelined with an injury, has missed several camp practices, and has yet to play in the preseason. The gap between him and some of the UDFA wide receivers could be closing.
Hakeem Butler – Stock down: You’re a 6-5, 220+ wide receiver; you need to win the 50/50 balls. That did not happen, and the former UFL star player has not made an impact during the preseason. He is likely headed back to the UFL and not sticking around with the Broncos.
Dane Key – Slightly up: Had a nice catch with the second-team offense, but that was all I really noticed from Key. Have to note that he was getting second-team reps, so his stock is slightly up for me.
Cameron Ross – Stock up: He didn’t do too much last night, but Ross was making some noise during camp and even saw some reps with Nix at the end of camp. Does he make the team or even the practice squad? I don’t know, but it seems like his stock is up right now.
Kolbe Katsis – Stock up: Katsis has return potential and has some playmaking ability. Like Ross, I am unsure if he even makes the team or the practice squad, but it seems like his stock is up right now. We have seen the team pass completely on their UDFA WR class in recent years, so I am skeptical about any of them sticking around right now.
Joseph Manjack IV – Unchanged: He had a nice showing vs. the Falcons, but outside of that, he didn’t do much vs. the Packers.
Kyrese Rowan – Unchanged: He’s a camp/preseason body needed due to injuries.
Kyre Duplessis – Unchanged: He’s a camp/preseason body needed due to injuries.
Tight EndAdam Trautman – Unchanged: His role is likely locked in as the “starter” and top in-line tight end for the Broncos this season.
Evan Engram – Stock up: His stats won’t move the needle, but he saw 16 snaps with the starters (I believe all with the starters) and has been getting some in-line work. Will this continue? We shall see, but his role appears to be larger than it was last season. Just have to see if this continues into the regular season.
Justin Joly – Stock down: I still think he makes the team, but he didn’t see playing time until late in the game and played behind Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins. Krull and Adkins played 13 snaps while Joly saw just 8 snaps. You can stash one or both of them on the PS and keep Joly on the 53, but his impact has not been what I hoped it would be thus far.
Nate Adkins – Stock slightly up: He has been consistently on the 53-man roster the past few seasons and is now healthy. Payton seems to like him, and he can contribute to multiple areas on the team, including blocking and special teams.
Lucas Krull – Stock slightly up: Krull was getting second-team work with Jarrett Stidham and seems to be ahead of Joly and others on the depth chart. I still would be surprised if he made the 53, but a practice squad spot could be likely for Krull.
Dallen Bentley – Stock down: He played 6 snaps on offense and 3 on special teams. That’s it. Not a great sign for the 7th-round rookie.
Caleb Lohner – Stock down: Still hurt and hasn’t practiced. The seat is getting hot.
Offensive LineGarett Bolles – Unchanged: Was one of the best left tackles in the game last season and will continue to be Bo Nix’s blindside protector.
Ben Powers – Unchanged: The veteran left guard is healthy and will be your Week 1 starter at LG.
Luke Wattenberg – Unchanged: Still coming back from injury but will be your starting center come Week 1.
Quinn Meinerz: Unchanged: All-Pro right guard
Mike McGlinchey: Unchanged: Veteran right tackle who has stabilized the position for the Broncos. He needs to quit with the penalties, though.
Alex Palczewski – Unchanged: I am probably going to say this for most of the reserve offensive line players, but it wasn’t their best night last night. Palcho’s role hasn’t changed, and he’ll be the Broncos’ 6th offensive lineman this season.
Kage Casey – Stock slightly down: I am far from an offensive line expert, but it seemed like Casey had some struggles last night. He was in at right guard, which could be a newer position for him, so maybe some growing pains.
Alex Forsyth – Unchanged: Still didn’t play due to injury, but his backup center job does not seem in danger.
Matt Peart – Unchanged: I didn’t really notice him good or bad, but he’s on the roster bubble.
Frank Crum – Stock down: I said slightly up last week due to Sean Payton loving him some, Frank Crum, but after back-to-back weeks of poor performances, it’s stock down for me. I still think he makes the 53-man roster, though.
Calvin Throckmorton – Stock up: He is unlikely to make the team and seems destined for a practice squad spot, but I am still saying stock up because he is starting at center(due to injuries). He’s not a center. He played tackle in college and transitioned to guard in the NFL, and now is playing some center in a pinch due to injuries.
Gavin Ortega – Stock up: The snapping still needs some work, but again, he’s still learning to be a center. He entered camp likely as a guard who was getting some center work to becoming the second-string center due to injuries. This versatility likely helps him crack the practice squad.
Reid Holskey – Unchanged: Camp/preseason body pushing for a practice squad spot.
Tyler Miller – Unchanged: Big undrafted rookie could push for a spot on the practice squad.
Nick Gargiulo – Unchanged: On the PUP.
Lecticus Smith – Unchanged: Just signed and likely a camp body/depth.
Defensive LineZach Allen – Unchanged: He’s one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL
Malcolm Roach – Stock up: Roach will likely see a larger role on defense this season and has been very productive throughout camp and during his time with the Broncos. He brings energy and attitude to the Broncos’ front seven.
DJ Jones – Unchanged: He’s a veteran nose tackle and is who he is at this point in his career.
Eyioma Uwazurike – Stock up: He has been unblockable all camp and has made himself a key member of the Broncos’ defensive line rotation. He worked on his body according to DC Vance Joseph and is now a pass rusher.
Tyler Onyedim – Unchanged: I saw good and bad from Onyedim last night. He made some plays in the backfield, but I also noticed him on his ass a few times. The Packers were also running the ball at will vs. the Broncos’ reserve defensive line.
Sai’vion Jones – Stock down: I had him as a breakout candidate, and you can barely notice him out there. I haven’t studied the film, so I could be missing something, but I had hoped he would be more of a standout game-wrecker right now, but we haven’t seen that much, if at all.
Jordan Jackson – Unchanged: He’s solid back-end depth, but his role and status with the team seem unchanged.
Jordan Miller – Unchanged: He’s a backup nose tackle who likely lands on the practice squad again.
Kristian Williams – Unchanged: Battling for a spot on the Broncos practice squad.
Edge RushersNik Bonitto – Unchanged: He’s one of the top speed rushers in the NFL and made his impact known in this game. Bonitto did not get a sack, but he was applying pressure and looked like his usual self out there.
Jonathon Cooper – Slightly down: His pending legal battles and potential suspension have his stock slightly down for me. He has played well this summer, though.
Jonah Elliss – Unchanged: I had his stock WAY up last week, but didn’t see much of an impact from him this week. He still has had a strong summer and looked good in the preseason opener, so I am not going to knock him for last night. He didn’t look bad, but his teammate looked better.
Que Robinson – Stock up: He looked great. He’s big, explosive, and has some filthy pass rush moves. The refs did him dirty with a soft roughing the passer call, but he was making plays all over the field last night. I love his upside and believe he can have a role on this defense this upcoming season.
Dondrea Tillman – Unchanged: He is who he is, which is a solid rotational edge rusher who can set the edge and apply some pressure.
Drew Sanders – Stock down: Drew Sanders is hurt again. He missed all of practice this week and then the game on Friday. This is likely the final nail in the coffin for the Broncos’ former third-round pick.
Dasan McCullough – Unchanged: He played 20 snaps of defense and 4 snaps of special teams, but I cannot recall a single standout thing he did. I was also a little checked out late in the game. At least he’s healthy and playing now.
Johnny Walker – Unchanged: He’s pushing for a spot on the practice squad.
LinebackerAlex Singleton – Unchanged: He’s the quarterback of the defense and a veteran team leader.
Justin Strnad – Unchanged: This will be his first full season as a starter, and he has earned his opportunity after being a productive backup the past few seasons.
Jordan Turner – Stockslightly up: He played in his first preseason game this summer and was in on the second-team defense. I am a Turner fan, but I don’t recall him making any noteworthy plays. However, playing with the second-team defense is certainly something to note as we move forward with this linebacker competition.
Karene Reid – Stock up: I think he made the team. He made it out of camp last year and seems to be trending that way again this year. He’s solid, is always around the ball, has made some plays, and contributes on special teams. We’ll see, though!
Red Murdock – Stock up: Led the team in tackles again, which could mean something or mean nothing. He did play 35 snaps on defense and 18 snaps on special teams, so we’ll see. He seems to be trending in the right direction, but came in after Reid and Turner.
Taurean York – Unchanged: I am still a fan, but he’s clearly at the tail end of this depth chart. We’ll see if he lands on the practice squad or not.
CornerbackPat Surtain II – Stock up: Best cornerback in the NFL and popped Christian Watson pretty good.
Riley Moss – Stock up: Had a great start to the game and continued his strong summer, but would leave the game with a rib injury. Hopefully, just a minor issue, but he did not return to the game.
Ja’Quan McMillian – Unchanged: Top slot corner in the NFL.
Jahdae Barron – Unchanged: He played 50 snaps, which was the most for any defender, and came in for Moss when he went out with the injury. Outside of that, I don’t recall him making any good or bad plays. He was beat for a touchdown, but that was just a good catch and some fancy footwork. He made some open-field tackles, but also missed some. He did get a good hit on the quarterback on a blitz, which was nice to see. Nothing moved the needle one way or another for me.
Kris Abrams-Draine – Unchanged: Like Barron, he had some good and bad, but nothing that moved the needle for me. Was called for DPI but also had a few nice PBUs. He’s a solid CB5, and nothing that happened last night changed his outlook.
Reese Taylor – Unchanged: He’s a backup slot corner who has spent time on the Broncos practice squad in recent years and is competing for that role again. He has made some plays and seems destined for the practice squad.
Brent Austin – Stock up: Austin is a name to watch. Has been making plays in camp and could be pushing for a practice squad spot. Didn’t do anything super noteworthy last night, but again, seems like someone headed for a practice squad spot. He did play 43 snaps last night on defense.
Sean Fresch Jr. – Unchanged: He has special teams upside, but the production hasn’t really been there. The former UFL player is known for his return skills, but I do not think he’s making the team or practice squad.
Ricardo Hallman – Unchanged: Likely just a camp/preseason body.
SafetyTalanoa Hufanga – Unchanged: All-Pro safety and a leader of the Broncos defense.
Brandon Jones – Slightly up: He’s healthy and an underrated part of the Broncos’ secondary.
Taylor Rapp – Stock up: He was signed a few days ago, and the veteran safety with a ton of experience is likely locked in as the Broncos’ third safety.
Devon Key – Slightly up: All-Pro special teamer, but can he lock down a role on defense as the third safety? The fact that the Broncos signed veteran Taylor Rapp says otherwise.
JL Skinner – Stock up: I think he makes the team. He played ahead of his competition and looks the part on the field, and contributes on special teams.
Tycen Anderson – Stock down: The writing seems to be on the wall here. He played behind Skinner, and the signing of Rapp all but ends his hopes of making the 53, but a practice squad spot could be up for grabs.
Miles Scott – Slightly down: The 7th-round rookie hasn’t made much noise this summer and seems destined for the practice squad.
Parker Robertson – Stock down: Probably just a camp/preseason body
Special TeamsWil Lutz – Unchanged: Remains one of the more accurate and consistent kickers in the NFL
Jeremy Crawshaw – Stock up: He has been booming punts all summer and seems to be putting his early-season rookie struggles behind him.
Mitchell Fraboni – Stock up: He snapped the ball well.
Luke Basso – Stock down: Seems like a camp body who had a botched snap vs. the Falcons
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