The Broncos’ second preseason game brings a different kind of test. Against the Packers on Friday night, it’s less about the headline names and more about the players fighting to separate themselves from the pack.
That’s the real preseason race in Denver right now: who can turn one decent showing into two? Who can stack another clean game, another useful rep, another reason for the coaches to keep them around?
At center, Alex Throckmorton already made a strong case in the opener. With Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth out, he started against the Falcons and took his first-ever NFL snaps at the position.
He handled it well, and that kind of added flexibility only helps his case. Another solid outing would give his roster chances a real lift.
For Caleb Lohner Casey, the first NFL action was encouraging, even if it came with the usual rookie bumps. The bigger question now is whether he can build on it. It also bears watching whether Denver moves him around or places him in a different spot, something Sean Payton has often done with his depth linemen.
Rookie tackle Frank Miller was one of the few depth offensive linemen who came away from Atlanta looking steady. Denver’s backup line had a rough night overall, but Miller brought size, raw tools, and athleticism, along with noticeable technical progress from his college film to his first NFL game. The next step is simple: can he keep climbing?
Up front on defense, Jordan Jones was the seventh defensive lineman onto the field in the preseason opener, which says plenty in itself. Still, that was just one game.
The bigger issue now is whether he stays in that same spot or starts working his way onto the field earlier. He also needs a more memorable performance than the one he gave in the opener.
Rookie defensive lineman Chamarri Conner Onyedim got on the field before Jones, but he had a quiet night too. He was steady, just not flashy. The same questions apply to him: can he crack the rotation sooner, and can he make a bigger impression in Game 2?
At running back, Audric Estime Schrader was the depth runner who stood out in Atlanta. Tyler Badie didn’t do much, and Jaleel McLaughlin didn’t make the most of his chance.
Schrader got a heavy workload, which also told you where he sits on the depth chart. Even so, another productive game could tighten the race for a practice squad spot.
At receiver, Jerquan Manjack was one of the better depth options, but he’s missing a key edge that Cameron Ross and Kolbie Katsis both bring: return value. That puts more pressure on Manjack to keep shining on offense.
On special teams and defense, Mr. Irrelevant Murdock had one of the more eye-catching outings.
He nearly forced two fumbles and also helped in coverage, which mattered because those were two areas of concern in his roster battle. He was the second-unit green-dot linebacker, and the defense didn’t seem to miss a beat with him running things.
If he does it again, he strengthens his grip on a roster spot and continues to separate from Taurean Tork and Jordan Turner.
Cornerback Fresch also gave Denver something to think about. He was the Broncos’ second-best corner in the preseason opener and did enough on special teams to stay in the conversation.
Another strong defensive showing, plus more as a returner, could push him closer to the roster. That return ability was a big part of what made him stand out in the UFL.
Then there’s Taylor, who didn’t hurt himself in the opener, but didn’t help enough either. For a slot-only corner with limited special teams value, the path is narrow. He still has a shot to make a push for the practice squad, but he’s falling behind other depth corners.
The Broncos don’t need perfect nights from these players. They need proof. Friday is another chance to give it to them.
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