Here are the 53 players on the Broncos' initial active roster, from Jonathon Cooper to Zach Allen.
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) before the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith (1) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos placekicker Wil Lutz (3) kicks a field goal while punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) throws a pass during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning (5) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) before the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) celebrates his touchdown run during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos punter Riley Dixon (9) punts during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) runs with the ball and looks to pass during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) runs a route during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) carries the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) scores a touchdown during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) warms up before the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive back Devon Key (26) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (31) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) carries the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety JL Skinner (34) breaks up a pass to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Grant DuBose (86) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (37) carries the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) runs with the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Levi Wallace (39) during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (42) during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Keidron Smith (43) returns an interception during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back Blake Watson (43) carries the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Nate Adkins (45) reacts after catching a touchdown pass during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos long snapper Mitchell Fraboni (48) celebrates with Chris Banjo after a play during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) reacts after a play during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos center Alex Forsyth (54) takes the field before the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Rachel O'Driscoll / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton (55) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Levelle Bailey (56) signals for fourth down during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos center Luke Wattenberg (60) prepares for the snap during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (63) blocks during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (69) blocks against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (54) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Frank Crum (73) blocks during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos guard Ben Powers (74) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz (77) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Matt Peart (79) in action during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (80) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (81) carries the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman (82) smiles on the sideline during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Lucas Krull (85) runs with the ball on a play nullified by penalty during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) readies for the snap during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Jordan Jackson (94) celebrates after a sack during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (96) tries to get past Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson (65) during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) works against Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 11, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford (6) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 18, 2024. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Following a training camp and preseason that featured intense competition, the Broncos have set their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season.
Denver's initial 53-man roster features 25 players on offense, 25 players on defense and three specialists.
The initial roster also features six of the Broncos' seven draft selections from the 2024 NFL Draft and three undrafted rookies. Denver has now seen at least one undrafted rookie make the initial 53-man roster in 20 of the last 21 seasons. In the last two seasons, seven undrafted free agents have made Denver's initial 53-man roster.
The key word, of course, is initial. Denver is now able to submit waiver claims and formulate its practice squad.
"I think there are 1,400 players, if I'm not mistaken, on the wire tonight," General Manager George Paton said Tuesday. "So we'll sift through that. It will take us half the night, then we'll watch those players. Any way we can upgrade our team, we'll do that. We feel like we're stronger in certain areas on our team, maybe a little weaker [in others]. If we can upgrade the weaker areas, then we'll do that. We're looking across the board, any way to upgrade our team."
Ahead of any additional moves, though, we're taking a position-by-position look at the Broncos' initial roster.
Note: Players are listed by position group and listed in alphabetical order.
OFFENSE (25):
Quarterback (3): Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson
Head Coach Sean Payton said Sunday the Broncos planned to keep all three quarterbacks on the roster, and Denver made the move Tuesday. All offseason, Payton spoke highly about Denver's quarterback room, which features Bo Nix as the starter. On Tuesday, Paton echoed those thoughts.
"We think highly of the quarterback room," Paton said. "I really liked the process. I thought the competition brought out the best in really all of the quarterbacks. All these guys support each other, they compete and they work well together. We looked at last year, [and] I think almost half the league kept three quarterbacks. With the rule changes, we think that number will increase. We're glad to have all three. In regard to Bo, he's earned the opportunity to be the starter. We've talked about it multiple times. Just the poise, the maturity and efficiency that he's operated on the offense has been impressive. We know like every rookie, he is going to have ups and downs, but we'll support him through that. We're confident in Bo and just look forward to his continued growth and development. With Zach, we knew Zach was really talented. We didn't know the person. We love the day to day with Zach, and we love the person. He's smart and [has] all the intangibles. He obviously played well and he moved the team, and 'Stiddy' did as well. We like our group."
Running back (4): Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Blake Watson, Javonte Williams
A pair of new backs join Denver's running back room, as fifth-round pick Audric Estime and undrafted free agent Blake Watson both made the initial 53. Veteran fullback Mike Burton and running back Samaje Perine were among the players released.
"With Samaje, [he's] another great pro," Paton said. "He's going to move on and do well somewhere else. [That is] another stacked room and it's not just because they are young, [but] we like the talent. They are young and they are talented, the whole group. Javonte, Jaleel, Estime and then this Watson kid is really talented. ... We like the room. We loved having Samaje here. He won us games. We just wish him the best."
Wide receiver (5): Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Josh Reynolds, Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vele
Denver's wide receiver room features three new players from a year ago, as veteran Josh Reynolds joined the team from Detroit and Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele made the roster as draft picks. Vele was a seventh-round selection who stood out during training camp. Veteran Tim Patrick was among the players Denver parted ways with on Tuesday.
"Obviously not an easy one," Paton said. "Just on behalf of everyone in our organization, [we] just can't say enough great things about the type of player and the person Tim has been while a Bronco for the last seven seasons. We have a lot of great respect for Tim [with] the resilience, the work ethic and the perseverance [with] the last two years [and] to come back from the injury and play like he did. We just wish him the very best. What went into it is a number of things. We really like our depth at receiver, and we liked the depth at other positions on our team. We wanted to keep some other players at other positions. Special teams comes into play. Obviously, you have the new element at kickoff and kickoff return. There will be over 200 more plays. So it wasn't just one thing. Tim did a lot of really good things. We wish him well and we're going to miss him."
Tight end (4): Nate Adkins, Greg Dulcich, Lucas Krull, Adam Trautman
Denver returns its primary contributors at tight end from the 2023 season and surely hopes to see Greg Dulcich continue his strong training camp performance once the regular season arrives.
Offensive line (9): Garett Bolles, Frank Crum, Alex Forsyth, Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz, Alex Palczewski, Matt Peart, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg
In addition to the Broncos' projected starters, Frank Crum, Alex Forsyth, Alex Palczewski and Matt Peart also earned initial spots. Crum, a Wyoming product, made the roster as an undrafted free agent.
"Crum, you don't get many [6-foot-7] guys or whatever he is that can bend like he does and has the power he does," Paton said. "He's still raw. You see him in pass [protection]. I know he got beat a couple of times, but for a kid who played at Wyoming and a first-year rookie in the NFL to do some of the things he did in practice and vs. Green Bay. He played well in Indy, obviously. I thought he played well most of the game. He had a few breakdowns, but really talented. I really love the upside of Crum."
DEFENSE (25):
Defensive line (6): Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Jordan Jackson, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike
Air Force product Jordan Jackson earned a spot after posting two sacks in the Broncos' final preseason game. Eyioma Uwazurike also made the team after returning during training camp. Angelo Blackson and Matt Henningsen were among the players who did not make the roster.
"Jordan has really improved since we got him, and I would say he's gotten stronger," Paton said. "He's always had the athletic ability. He was a [project] of mine when he was at Air Force. We were going to draft him, but the Saints took him. So we monitored him, and then obviously we were able to get him on our roster. Again he's been athletic. He could always rush, and now he's gotten stronger, playing with better leverage and learning the defense more. He really fits what [Defensive Coordinator] Vance [Joseph] is doing up front. He got better really each and every preseason game, and then obviously finished with a bang. [I] love the way he goes about his business. [He's] smart, tough, athletic, and I think he can keep getting better."
Added Paton on Uwazurike: "Since he showed up here, he showed up in shape. He's only been here for three weeks. He's not quite there — he's rusty, but he's big, he's athletic, he's talented and he plays hard. We thought the talent was too much [to part ways]. We love the kid. [He's] a really good kid who made a mistake. We weren't able to see him for a year, so when he showed up and he looked like he did, we thought that was really positive that he had been keeping himself in shape. We're glad he's here. He's going to help us."
Inside linebacker (4): Levelle Bailey, Cody Barton, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad
Levelle Bailey joins the ranks of undrafted rookies to make the team, and he likely helped his case with a 94-yard pick-six. Veteran Jonas Griffith was released, which could indicate Cody Barton is poised to start alongside Alex Singleton. Barton and Griffith were listed as co-starters on Denver's most recent depth chart.
"We liked him, and we liked the athletic ability," Paton said of Bailey. "... [He's] young, athletic and plays with his hair on fire. We think he's just going to keep growing and keep getting better"
Outside linebacker (4): Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss
The Broncos keep four outside linebackers, as three of the four return from 2023. Jonah Elliss, a third-round pick, is the lone newcomer and makes the roster after a strong preseason. Denver designated Durell Nchami as waived/injured.
"Jonah Elliss is everything we saw in college," Paton said. "[He] plays with his hair on fire, and he obviously can rush the passer. He's gotten better in the run game and he's gotten stronger, so we like the track that he's on."
Cornerback (6): Kris Abrams-Draine, Ja'Quan McMillian, Riley Moss, Tremon Smith, Pat Surtain II, Levi Wallace
Kris Abrams-Draine and Levi Wallace represent the new additions to the Broncos' cornerback group. Damarri Mathis was placed on Reserved/Injured (Designated for Return) after Sunday's game and will be eligible to return after Week 4.
Safety (5): Brandon Jones, Devon Key, P.J. Locke, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith
The Broncos' initial 53-man roster features five safeties, including young players in Devon Key, JL Skinner and Keidron Smith. A Kentucky product, Smith made a slew of plays — including a pair of interceptions — in preseason action.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3):
Kicker: Wil Lutz
Punter: Riley Dixon
Long snapper: Mitchell Fraboni
Riley Dixon is now the only punter on the roster, as Trenton Gill was waived on Tuesday.
