And just like that, the Denver Broncos have finalized their (initial) 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season.
The Broncos aren't expected to publish an updated depth chart until closer to the regular season, and even when they do, they will still call it an "unofficial" depth chart. It should provide a rough idea of how players stack up, though, perhaps with a few caveats.
Before Denver officially updates the "unofficial" depth chart, we're taking a crack at projecting it ourselves. The Broncos made 38 roster moves to get down to the initial 53-man squad over the weekend, and this is our best guess at how the remaining players stack up at their position groups going into the regular season.
Broncos (projected) depth chart
Quarterback (3)
- QB1: Bo Nix
- QB2: Jarrett Stidham
- QB3: Sam Ehlinger
Sam Ehlinger makes the 53. Denver was worried Ehlinger would
join another club's active roster if they attempted to bump him down to the practice squad like they did in 2025.
Running back (4)
- RB1: J.K. Dobbins
- RB2: RJ Harvey
- RB3: Jonah Coleman
- RB4: Tyler Badie
Tyler Badie makes the cut over Jaleel McLaughlin, who seems unlikely to return on the practice squad after sharing a goodbye message on his Instagram page.
Wide receiver (6)
- WR: Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant
- WR: Jaylen Waddle, Lil'Jordan Humphrey
- WR: Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin
It's clear that coach Sean Payton is a big fan of Lil'Jordan Humphrey, a willing blocker who also had a strong training camp as a receiver.
Tight end/fullback (4)
- TE1: Evan Engram
- TE2: Adam Trautman
- TE3: Nate Adkins
- TE7: Dallen Bentley
Fullback Adam Prentice is expected to begin the season on the practice squad. Denver will hope fifth-round draft pick Justin Joly clears waivers so he can also return on the practice squad.
Offensive line (9)
- LT: Garett Bolles, Matt Peart
- LG: Ben Powers, [Alex Palczewski]
- C: Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth
- RG: Quinn Meinerz, Kage Casey
- RT: Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski
When the Broncos eventually update their depth chart, Kage Casey might be listed as the backup guard for both spots, but Alex Palczewski filled in when left guard Ben Powers was injured last season.
Defensive line (7)
- DE: Zach Allen, Jordan Jackson, Sai'vion Jones
- NT: D.J. Jones, Eyioma Uwazurike
- DE: Malcolm Roach, Tyler Onyedim
Seven defensive linemen is a lot for a 3-4 defense, which demonstrates how deep the Broncos are up front.
Outside linebacker (4)
- OLB: Nik Bonitto, Que Robinson
- OLB: Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman
Jonathon Cooper has an arraignment for his felony assault case scheduled for today, and he has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list. Cooper can't practice or play in games until the NFL makes an updated ruling.
Inside linebacker (4)
- LB: Alex Singleton, Karene Reid
- LB: Justin Strnad, Jordan Turner
Denver went with Karene Reid and Jordan Turner as the backup inside linebackers. They will likely try to get rookies Red Murdock and Taurean York back on the practice squad if they clear waivers.
Cornerback (5)
- CB1: Pat Surtain, Kris Abrams-Draine
- CB2: Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron
- Nickel: Ja’Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron
From one to five, this is arguably the best cornerback room in the NFL. The Broncos have great depth at the position.
Safety (5)
- S: Brandon Jones, Devon Key
- S: Talanoa Hufunga, JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson
Denver clearly had a focus on special teams with the backup safety spots. If seventh-round draft pick Miles Scott clears waivers, he will probably be a practice squad target.
Special teams
- K: Wil Lutz
- P: Jeremy Crawshaw
- LS: Mitchell Fraboni
- PR: Marvin Mims
- KR: Marvin Mims, Tyler Badie, RJ Harvey
Marvin Mims will presumably continue to handle returns after Denver cut all of his rookie challengers. We'll see if one or both of Kolbe Katsis and Cam Ross end up on the practice squad.
Following waiver claims later today, Denver will begin building a 17-player practice squad (with an international player). We will continue to track all of the team's roster moves on Broncos Wire.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos' updated depth chart projection after roster cuts
