The Broncos are heading into Friday night’s preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings with a lot of their key starters expected to stay on the sideline, and that puts the spotlight squarely on the rookies fighting for jobs.
Denver didn’t make a pick until the third round in the 2026 NFL draft, but it still came away with seven selections across the third, fourth, fifth and seventh rounds. With roster spots and role battles still unsettled, this final preseason game is one more chance for those young players to leave a mark.
The class starts with defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim, the No. 66 pick, and ESPN’s Jeff Legwold said he has already worked his way into the defensive line rotation. Legwold added that Onyedim is expected to get more involved as a pass-rusher, with more playing time likely to come as he gets stronger at the point of attack.
Running back Jonah Coleman, taken No. 108 overall, has made a fast impression. “It took only one 13-yard run in the preseason opener for coach Sean Payton to see all he needed to see,” Legwold wrote Friday.
“Coleman is squarely in the backfield rotation and will get plenty of work.” Coleman has also outplayed second-year player RJ Harvey in camp, which has turned the RB2 job behind veteran J.K.
Dobbins into a real competition.
Offensive lineman Kage Casey, the Broncos’ other fourth-round pick at No. 111, appears on track to make the 53-man roster. Legwold pointed to his versatility and “ahead-of-his-time mechanics in his footwork and hand placement.”
At tight end, Denver has a decision to make. Fifth-rounder Justin Joly has flashed as a pass-catcher and could earn a roster spot because of it, while seventh-round pick Dallen Bentley brings a different profile.
Legwold said the battle between the two comes down to what the Broncos want from a rookie tight end - inline or receiving. Bentley is the inline option and is more consistent in that role.
Safety Miles Scott, taken No. 246, is probably headed for the practice squad after the Taylor Rapp signing, but Denver likes his physical style and could keep him close as a potential injury replacement later on.
The final pick in the class, linebacker Red Murdock at No. 257, has also made noise in camp. “Mr.
Irrelevant” has not played that way, with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph praising his preparation and noting that he has been calling plays when he is on the field. He reportedly “has a nose for the ball.”
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