We have finally made it. Training camp and the preseason are behind us; the 53-man rosters are set, and now we’re officially in the week leading up to Week 1 of the 2026 NFL regular season. The Broncos will head to Arrowhead Stadium on Monday Night to take on the returning Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Before we get to all that, let us take a look at the Broncos’ 53-man roster, player by player, and evaluate whether their stock is going up, down, or staying the same heading into Week
1 of the 2026 NFL regular season.
Quarterback
Bo Nix – Stock up: We only saw Bo Nix for a handful of plays vs. the Packers in Week 2 of the preseason, but he looked good. He led the Broncos offense to 10 points, including an absolute dime to running back RJ Harvey for a touchdown. He looks ready for Week 1 and will head to Arrowhead, a place where he has played well, and will look to lead the Broncos to a 1-0 record.
Jarrett Stidham – Stock up: He’s a stock-up because he won the backup quarterback job. Head Coach Sean Payton confirmed it last week, which was expected, and now he’ll be the QB2 for the Broncos once again this season.
Sam Ehlinger – Stock up: All three quarterbacks are getting stock-up. After a strong camp and preseason, Ehlinger made the 53-man roster and now will serve as the Broncos’ QB3 once again this season.
Running Back
JK Dobbins – Unchanged: The veteran running back hasn’t played a snap since he suffered an injury vs. the Raiders on Thursday Night Football last season. However, he is healthy and has been practicing fully all summer and will be unleashed vs. the Chiefs on Monday Night. The Broncos did not have Dobbins in their matchups with them last season, so he will be a bit of an x-factor for them this time around.
RJ Harvey – Stock up: Harvey could play a big part in the Broncos’ passing offense this season. He is an explosive player in space and can get open down the field for big plays. We’ll see how much he offers in the run game, but I think he is going to be a playmaker in the passing game.
Jonah Coleman – Stock up: Is he the Broncos’ RB2? We have to wait and see how everything shakes out after Week 1, but I would not be surprised if Coleman splits time with veteran JK Dobbins as the early down back while Harvey comes in on passing downs. Either way, I think we will see Coleman involved early and often come Week 1.
Tyler Badie – Unchanged: Badie made the Broncos’ 53-man roster, but his role will basically be the same as it was last season. He could be among the inactives, but if he is active, he will serve as the Broncos third down pass blocker while contributing in the kicking game.
Adam Prentice – Stock up: He is on the Broncos’ practice squad, but he will be elevated and active for them moving forward and could be a big part of their short-yardage game. We saw Prentice used a lot in short-yardage and at the goal line during the preseason, and I would not be surprised if that continues at times during the season.
Wide Receiver
Jaylen Waddle – Stock up: Waddle is going to have a big Week 1. The Chiefs’ secondary saw a lot of changes and will be starting a rookie. Look for Waddle to start his Broncos career in a big way. He has been as advertised since he joined the Broncos, and I cannot wait to see what he does moving forward.
Courtland Sutton – Unchanged: I am saying unchanged because we know what we’re getting in Sutton at this point. He will give you about 1,000 yards, 8 to 10 touchdown receptions, and some insane catches mixed in throughout the year. The addition of Waddle should open him up to some more favorable matchups, and we could see a big year from the Broncos’ longtime veteran pass catcher.
Pat Bryant – Stock up: Bryant won the WR3 job and was the Broncos’ breakout/standout player of training camp. He had Sean Payton saying they’re not taking him off the field, and other Broncos coaches/players hyping him up all summer. Now, it’s time to carry that play and hype into the regular season. With all the attention on Waddle and Sutton, Bryant has a chance to make some plays in this Broncos offense.
Marvin Mims – Unchanged: I think Mims is who he is right now. He will be an All-Pro-caliber returner while also giving the Broncos a dangerous deep threat who can make the big plays in key moments. While he may not be a starter or see a lot of targets, Mims has a chance to make a big play whenever he is on the field.
Troy Franklin – Unchanged: I am not sure where Franklin fits in the Broncos’ game-day roster plans right now. We should have more clarity on that after Week 1, but I would not be surprised if he was among the inactives, especially with Lil’Jordan Humphrey making the team. We’ll see!
Lil’Jordan Humphrey – Stock up: Lil’Jordan Humphrey made the Broncos’ 53-man roster, and we all know he is going to play. He is a Sean Payton guy and has played a lot in recent years, and I would not be surprised to see him active in Week 1. With the Broncos likely wanting to establish the run vs. the Chiefs, look for LJH to be out there in some capacity.
Tight End
Adam Trautman – Unchanged: The veteran tight end is your “starter” once again and will be the Broncos’ top in-line tight end. Sean Payton and the Broncos trust him in this role, and it will be the same one he has had since he joined the team.
Evan Engram – Unchanged: Engram is the Broncos’ top pass-catching threat and could see a larger role in the offense with OC Davis Webb now calling plays. The two are close friends due to their time with the Giants, so I would not be surprised if Webb drew up some plays for his good friend. With that said, we have to wait and see. There was a lot of hype for Engram last season, and it never really panned out, but hopefully, things are different this time around.
Nate Adkins – Stock up: I am going with stock up because Adkins made the team and showed some pass-catching ability in the preseason finale. He is another Sean Payton favorite and will see playing time in two or three tight end sets as a run blocker.
Dallen Bentley – Stock up: The 7th-round rookie tight end made the team over 5th-round rookie Justin Joly, which was a surprise, and now will give the Broncos another in-line blocking tight end. He will probably be among the Broncos’ inactives, but the fact that he made the team is why I have him as a stock-up guy.
Offensive Line
Garett Bolles – Unchanged: The veteran left tackle will serve as the Broncos’ blindside protector for QB Bo Nix and continue to be one of the best left tackles in the NFL right now
Ben Powers – Stock up: He is healthy, and after an offseason of questions about him potentially being cut or traded, he is back as the Broncos’ starting left guard.
Luke Wattenberg – Unchanged: Wattenberg is a steady presence in the center of the Broncos’ offensive line and is known as one of the more intelligent centers in the NFL.
Quinn Meinerz – Stock up: He gets a stock up because he’s Quinn Meinerz.
Mike McGlinchey – Unchanged: McGlinchey stabilized the Broncos’ right tackle position and gives them a reliable veteran presence with leadership qualities at that position.
Matt Peart – Stock up: I had him on the roster bubble, but the veteran reserve tackle made the team and will serve as the Broncos’ swing tackle once again this season.
Alex Palczewski – Unchanged: Palcho is likely the Broncos’ 6th offensive lineman who will come in on certain heavy packages while also being a reliable and versatile backup.
Alex Forsyth – Unchanged: He has been sidelined with an injury, but he appears to be healthy and will once again be the Broncos’ backup center.
Kage Casey – Unchanged: The rookie lineman provides depth on the interior of the offensive line.
Defensive Line
Zach Allen – Unchanged: He is one of the best interior defenders in the NFL and will be a major part of the Broncos’ defense once again this season.
DJ Jones – Unchanged: The veteran nose tackle will continue to be a run-stopping presence in the middle of their defensive line once again this season.
Malcolm Roach – Stock up: He adds some fire to the Broncos’ defensive line and should see his role grow more this season. He is known as a very good run defender but also has shown some pass rush potential. Roach is an underrated part of this Broncos defensive front 7.
Eyioma Uwazurike – Stock up: Enyi was another training camp star who is expected to have an important role in the Broncos’ defense this season. He is 6-6, 320 pounds, moves well for a man of his size, and was deemed unblockable during Broncos camp. Looks for Uwazurike to get some third-down snaps, push the pocket, and hopefully get some sacks this season.
Tyler Onyedim – Unchanged: The Broncos rookie defensive lineman showed some flashes during the summer, but will likely start the year as a depth player. I think he will be active, but I am not sure how much playing time he will see early on.
Sai’vion Jones – Stock down: I am going stock down here. I hoped for a bigger summer for Sai’vion Jones, but that never happened. There’s a chance he is among the Broncos’ inactives in Week 1, with the team going with Jordan Jackson instead. The Chiefs will be run-heavy with Kenneth Walker, and Jackson is the better run defender.
Jordan Jackson – Stock up: Speaking of Jackson, I have him as a stock-up guy. He made the team and probably will see some playing time early on. Rookie Tyler Onyedim and Sai’vion Jones may not be ready for playing time early on, so Jackson could slot in as one of their rotational pieces off the bench.
Edge Rusher
Nik Bonitto – Unchanged: He’s one of the best pure pass rushers in the NFL and will look to lead the league in sacks this season
Jonah Elliss – Stock up: With Jonathon Cooper sidelined for what will likely be a while, Elliss likely will slot in as your starter opposite of Nik Bonitto. He had a strong camp and will look to take advantage of this opportunity.
Que Robinson – Stock up: Robinson has all the traits you look for and will see plenty of playing time this season. He might be a better pure pass rusher than Elliss, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get some third-down snaps.
Dondrea Tillman – Stock up: He’s often the forgotten man here, but with Cooper sidelined and the Broncos only carrying four edge rushers, Tillman is going to see some playing time. He’s a bigger edge rusher who is an interception specialist and will be a top reserve for the Broncos off the bench. ‘
Linebacker
Alex Singleton – Unchanged: He’s the quarterback of the Broncos defense, a captain, and a vocal team leader. He will be tested Week 1 as the Chiefs will look to unleash Kenneth Walker.
Justin Strnad – Stock up: After being a top reserve and basically a starter in recent years, Strnad is now an unquestioned starter in this Broncos defense and will be counted on to play well. He is solid in coverage and has done well as a blitzer and will need to excel in those roles this season for the Broncos.
Karene Reid – Stock up: Reid had a strong summer and simply had a nose for the ball in the preseason. He earned the LB3 job and will play a key role on special teams as well.
Jordan Turner – Stock up: After a slow start to the summer due to an injury, Turner made the team and will also play a key role on special teams.
Cornerback
Pat Surtain II – Stock up: CB1
Riley Moss – Stock up: Moss had an excellent summer and is looking to prove to the Broncos that they should sign him to a big-money extension. He did have an injury scare vs. the Packers, but has already returned to practice and will look to continue his strong summer into the regular season. Teams will be targeting him early and often, so Moss figures to be tested early by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing offense.
Ja’Quan McMillian – Unchanged: McMillian, the hero of the postseason, had a solid summer and continues to be one of the better slot corners in the NFL right now. Like Moss, he is looking to prove that he also deserves a big-money contract from the Broncos.
Jahdae Barron – Stock slightly up: The Broncos’ 2025 1st-round pick had some good plays in the preseason, including a pick-6 in the opener vs. the Falcons. However, he did not have the breakout that some hoped for, so I am going slightly up here. He will see playing time in certain dime packages and could see some one-on-one matchups vs. veteran tight end Travis Kelce.
Kris Abrams-Draine – Unchanged: KAD will serve as depth off the bench for the Broncos and continues to be, in my opinion, the best CB5 in the NFL. With Moss and McMillian both in the final years of their contracts, KAD will need to prove he can be a future replacement for them and continue to play well when called on.
Safety
Talanoa Hufanga – Unchanged: Team leader, plays with his hair on fire, and the spark in the back of the Broncos’ defense. Hopefully he can come down with some interceptions this season.
Brandon Jones – Stock up: He’s back and healthy and will look to give the Broncos a ball-hawking specialist at their safety position.
Devon Key – Unchanged: All-Pro special teams player in 2025 will look to continue that play this season and repeat those honors again in 2026.
JL Skinner – Stock up?: I add a question mark because of the looming return of veteran Taylor Rapp. If he stayed on the roster, he would likely be viewed as the Broncos’ third safety. However, he has yet to re-sign, but he did work out for them recently; in the meantime, is JL Skinner the Broncos’ third safety? He had a solid summer and earned a roster spot and potentially a key reserve role in the Broncos’ defense. As I write this, Rapp has signed to the Broncos practice squad so we shall see how it plays out.
Tycen Anderson – Unchanged: He’s a special teams specialist who may not be active on game days.
Special Teams
Kicker Wil Lutz – Unchanged: He has been a reliable kicker for the Broncos and will look to be that again for them this season.
Punter Jeremy Crawshaw – Stock up: As a rookie, Crawshaw had some growing pains, but improved as the season went on. In his second season, he has been booming punts all summer and will look to put his early-season rookie struggles behind him in year two.
Long Snapper Mitchell Fraboni/Luke Basso – Unchanged: Fraboni is expected to be elevated from the practice squad on game days and be the long snapper vs. the Chiefs. However, the fact that they kept two long snappers on the practice squad is curious and potentially not a great sign for Fraboni moving forward. We’ll see how this plays out, but it figures to be Fraboni in the short term, at least.
