The Denver Broncos have finalized their initial 53-man roster ahead of the 2026 season. What once looked like a fairly predictable group of 53 changed drastically on Sunday when the team chose to part ways with three players selected in the 2026 draft, two of whom were major surprises.
The Broncos started by parting ways with seventh-round selection Miles Scott. This wasn't a shock, as Scott failed to stand out during camp and preseason games this summer, but he is a candidate to be brought back to the practice squad.
The team also moved on from linebacker Red Murdock, the player chosen with the final pick in this year's selection process. Despite having one of the best preseasons of anyone on the team, the Broncos didn't feel Murdock was ready
for regular-season action. They will likely hope he slips through the waiver process and can be brought back to the practice squad.
Finally, the Broncos also waived fifth-round pick Justin Joly. It seemed that his 88-yard touchdown reception against the Minnesota Vikings on Friday had done enough for him to stick around, but that wasn't the case. It's rare to see any fifth-round rookie waived, but the Broncos chose to stick with seventh-round choice Dallen Bentley instead, as coach Sean Payton still favors the tight ends who add something as a blocker.
Broncos waived 43% of their 2026 draft picks
It would be quite surprising to see the Broncos have a chance to get Joly back on the practice squad, as he will be a prime target on waivers.
Denver Broncos 2026 NFL draft class
- Round 3: DT Tyler Onyedim
- Round 4: RB Jonah Coleman
- Round 4: OL Kage Casey
- Round 5: TE Justin Joly (cut)
- Round 7: S Miles Scott (cut)
- Round 7: TE Dallen Bentley
- Round 7: LB Red Murdock (cut)
In total, the Broncos waived three of the seven players they selected in April, with Tyler Onyedim, Jonah Coleman, Jage Casey and Bentley the only players making the 53-man roster. That will likely call some of general manager George Paton's decisions into question among members of Broncos Country.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 3 members of Broncos’ draft class did not make 53-man roster
