The Broncos’ rookie class already has a split path forming.
Four drafted players made the initial 53-man roster after training camp, while three others were waived. Two of those waived rookies landed on the practice squad, and fifth-round tight end Justin Joly was claimed by Miami. From there, the real question becomes which of Denver’s newcomers can grow into more than just depth pieces.
For some of them, the answer could come quickly. For others, it may take until 2027 or even later before the door swings open.
Third-round defensive lineman Onyedim looks like the kind of player who should spend this season in a rotational role, but a starting job in 2027 is at least on the table. His own development matters, of course, but so does the shape of Denver’s defensive line a year from now.
Eyioma Uwazurike is in a contract year, D.J. Jones has one year left on his deal and carries a high cap number in 2027, and Malcolm Roach is another veteran worth watching.
Onyedim may be the closest stylistic fit to Roach, and if the roster turns over the way it could, 2027 is the year he might have a real opening.
Running back Coleman made noise in the preseason and should get some touches this season, though not a huge workload with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey expected to handle plenty of the offense.
The longer view is where it gets interesting. If Dobbins doesn’t stay healthy enough in 2026, Denver could move on from him in 2027.
If Coleman keeps flashing the way he did this summer, he’d be the first player in line to benefit. Even if Dobbins sticks around through 2027, Coleman could still be looking at a much larger role by 2028 as long as he stays healthy and keeps producing.
Casey may have the clearest short-term path of the group. He impressed in the preseason, locked down his spot, and could push for a starting role as soon as next season.
Ben Powers is in the final year of his contract, took a reduced salary for 2026, and has the chance to earn some of that back through incentives. Still, it appears likely he’ll be allowed to walk in free agency in 2027.
Casey may not see much offensive action this year, though special teams could keep him active. If he keeps trending upward, he’s positioned to compete for the job in 2027.
Bentley is in a different kind of holding pattern. He’ll likely battle Nate Adkins for the role of the third active tight end on game day, but his future hinges on how Denver’s tight end room evolves.
Evan Engram will be a free agent in 2027, Adkins is on a one-year deal, and Adam Trautman has a three-year contract, though his guaranteed money runs out after 2027. Bentley could see more opportunities in 2027, and if his development keeps moving forward, a bigger role - even a starting job - isn’t off the table by 2028.
Scott’s timeline looks longer. He’ll begin the season on the practice squad, and his preseason film shows both promise and plenty of work ahead before he becomes a real contributor.
The Broncos will have multiple safeties hitting free agency in 2027, but the expectation is they’ll try to keep Devon Key and JL Skinner if either proves worthy of a bigger defensive role. For Scott, the ceiling right now looks like a depth piece.
A starting job can’t be dismissed entirely, but if he gets there, it may take several years to come together.
In Other News...
Broncos Cheerleader Story Reignites An NFL Pay Debate
A Denver Broncos cheerleaders social media post has put a familiar NFL conversation back in the spotlight, showing how many dancers in the league are still balancing game-day work with full-time careers away from the stadium. In her case, the weekday job is as a registered nurse, with cheerleading filling weekends, a reality that underlines how limited earnings can be for a role that is highly visible but often poorly compensated.
The post has again stirred fans and commentators who have long argued that NFL cheerleaders should be paid more, especially given the demands and public profile of the job. It also arrives at a moment when the issue has already gained traction elsewhere in the league, with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders landing a significant raise after a Netflix documentary drew attention to what they were making. [Read more 🡒]
Riley Moss Is Forcing A Broncos Decision They Can't Ignore
Riley Moss has reached the point in a Broncos career where his next step matters as much as his last one. Entering a contract year without an extension in place, the cornerback has put himself in position to be a major part of Denvers long-term plans, especially after holding up well on the other side of Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos have clearly noticed, too, with Sean Payton praising Moss for his toughness and resilience as he has carved out a bigger role in the secondary.
The question now is whether Denver treats Moss like a core piece before the market gets involved. ESPNs Seth Walder projects a deal in the neighborhood of $17 million per year, which would push the Broncos toward a decision on whether to pay for his upside now or risk letting the price climb later. Payton has pointed to the penalty issues as the main area to clean up, but the bigger picture is hard to miss: Moss has done enough to make his next contract one of the more important issues on Denvers radar. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Suddenly Need Jonah Elliss To Deliver On His Breakout Buzz
Jonah Elliss has spent his first two NFL seasons turning flashes into something more tangible, and the Broncos have good reason to believe there is more coming. The outside linebacker has appeared in 30 games over the past two years, piling up 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss while gradually working his way into a bigger conversation around Denvers pass rush.
Now the conversation is getting louder because the Broncos need him to take on a larger role in 2026, and he has done little to slow the breakout talk in offseason and preseason work. With a teammates absence clearing the path for more snaps, Elliss is suddenly in position to turn promise into production, leaving Denver with a real chance to find out whether the buzz was merely optimistic or the start of something bigger. [Read more 🡒]