Projecting the 53-Man Roster, 2014 Edition

[BowlenBall]

Now is the long, dark nighttime of our football soul -- the draft is finished, and training camp is more than 2 months away. So, just for something to do, here's my 4th annual stab at projecting the 53-man opening day roster:

Quarterbacks
# on roster in 2011: 3
# on roster in 2012: 3
# on roster in 2013: 3

Positional Grade: A-
Positional Analysis: One of the better quarterback situations in the league, with the reigning 2013 MVP as the starter, backed up by a young heir and a spare who are being given multiple years to develop. The only question at this position is whether Bryn Renner can overtake Dysert for the 3rd slot, which I think is highly unlikely.

Locks
Peyton Manning
Brock Osweiler

On the bubble
Zac Dysert
Bryn Renner

Camp Fodder
Derek Thompson

***********************************************

Running Backs
# on roster in 2011: 4
# on roster in 2012: 5
# on roster in 2013: 4

Positional Grade: C+
Positional Analysis: This position took a hit when Moreno left for greener pastures. The hope (and the hype) is that Montee Ball is ready to be a stud-daddy bellcow back, and maybe he is, but it remains to be proven. Hillman also has some untapped potential, but is running out of time and chances to get out of the doghouse and onto the field.
We'll almost certainly keep 4 backs on the roster, so Anderson and Bibbs are probably both in. Clay, Thompson, Thigpen, and Williams are unknowns, and all look like "just guys" at first glance.

Locks
Montee Ball
Ronnie Hillman

On the bubble
C.J. Anderson
Kapri Bibbs

Camp Fodder
Brennan Clay
Juwan Thompson
Jerodis Williams
Damien Thigpen

***********************************************

Wide Receivers
# on roster in 2011: 5
# on roster in 2012: 5
# on roster in 2013: 5

Positional Grade: A+
Positional Analysis: Amazingly, this unit looks even better than it did last year. Decker and Holliday are gone and have been replaced by Latimer and Sanders, which is an upgrade in my book. The only question in training camp is for the 5th spot -- it's probably Bubba Caldwell once again, but Burse, Hardin, or Fowler could unseat him if they play lights-out in the preseason.

Locks
Demaryius Thomas
Cody Latimer
Emmanuel Sanders
Wes Welker

On the bubble
Andre Caldwell
Isaiah Burse
Greg Hardin
Bennie Fowler

Camp Fodder
Jordan Norwood
Nathan Palmer
Greg Wilson
Devin Aguilar

***********************************************

Tight Ends
# on roster in 2011: 3
# on roster in 2012: 4
# on roster in 2013: 4

Positional Grade: B
Positional Analysis: Julius Thomas was a 2013 pro bowler, and is improving by leaps and bounds as a blocker and route runner. However, the other tight end slots are iffy at best. Tamme is another year older, and really started to show diminishing returns last year, while Dreesen doesn't seem to have anything left in the tank.
The coaches clearly like Virgil Green on running downs and on special teams, so I've got him ahead of Dreesen if they only keep 3 tight ends this year. Gerrell Robinson has been hanging around the practice squad for two years now, first as a receiver and now as a receiving tight end. He's got a chance to unseat one of the players above him on the bubble list.

Locks
Julius Thomas

On the bubble
Jacob Tamme
Virgil Green
Joel Dreesen
Gerrell Robinson

Camp Fodder
Cameron Morrah
Jameson Konz

***********************************************

Offensive Linemen
# on roster in 2011: 9
# on roster in 2012: 8
# on roster in 2013: 9

Positional Grade: A
Positional Analysis: This group also looks slightly better than it did last year -- Ramirez and Clark both filled in very well as injury replacements, and are solid starters (at worst) at center and right tackle. Orlando Franklin is almost definitely an upgrade over Beadles at guard, and Vasquez ended up being one of the best players at any position in the NFL in 2013, according to Pro Football Focus. Schofield will be given a chance to start at right tackle, but most likely he'll play out the year as a swing tackle/guard all along the line, which is ideal for a young offensive lineman.
So, there looks to be six players competing for 3 remaining spots on next year's offensive line. As a 2014 draft pick, Paradis probably has a leg up on this competition, but Ben Garland is also a sentimental favorite among teammates, coaches, and fans, and he's out of practice squad eligibility, so it's now or never to make the 53-man roster. Vinston Painter and Ramone Harewood are physical wonders, but not particularly good football players -- if the lightbulb comes on, one or both of them could surprise.

Locks
Ryan Clady
Louis Vasquez
Orlando Franklin
Manny Ramirez
Chris Clark
Michael Schofield

On the bubble
Matt Paradis
Will Montgomery
Winston Justice
Vinston Painter
Ben Garland
Ramone Harewood

Camp Fodder
Ryan Miller
Paul Cornick
Aslam Sterling

***********************************************

Defensive Linemen
# on roster in 2011: 10
# on roster in 2012: 9
# on roster in 2013: 7

Positional Grade: B+
Positional Analysis: A nice, deep group -- so wonderful after years of wandering in the defensive line desert.... This group is stout and scheme-diverse. Mitch Unrein and Sione Fua are the two players that are the most bubble-iscious, and their ultimate fate depends on how many DL we retain this year (which is anywhere from 7 to 10 players historically).

Locks
DeMarcus Ware
Sylvester Williams
Terrance Knighton
Derek Wolfe
Malik Jackson
Kevin Vickerson

On the bubble
Marvin Austin
Quanterus Smith
Mitch Unrein
Sione Fua

Camp Fodder
Kenny Anunike
John Youboty
Hall Davis
Mister Cobble
Greg Latta
Will Pericak

***********************************************

Linebackers
# on roster in 2011: 7
# on roster in 2012: 7
# on roster in 2013: 7

Positional Grade: B-
Positional Analysis: This group worries me a bit -- lots of question marks even with the starters. Can Von Miller be trusted to stay away from drugs and/or drop some of that fat he packed on during his suspension last year? (short answer: no) Will Irving ever develop into a starting NFL linebacker? Will 5th round pick Barrow be able to contribute? Our depth here is also a little concerning -- the backups are iffy at best. Look for the Broncos to pick up one or two veterans before the start of training camp at this position.

Locks
Von Miller
Danny Trevathan
Nate Irving
Lamin Barrow

On the bubble
Lerentee McCray
Steven Johnson
Brandon Marshall
Corey Nelson
Shaquil Barrett

Camp Fodder
Jamar Chaney
Jerrell Harris
L.J. Fort
Chase Vaughn

***********************************************

Cornerbacks
# on roster in 2011: 5
# on roster in 2012: 5
# on roster in 2013: 6

Positional Grade: B+
Positional Analysis: A very strong group, but much hinges on Harris returning all the way from his injury, and Roby and Webster developing quickly. Tony "Stickyman" Carter looks well-positioned to cockroach his way onto the back end of the roster for yet another year.

Locks
Aqib Talib
Chris Harris
Bradley Roby
Kayvon Webster

On the bubble
Tony Carter

Camp Fodder
Louis Young
Jerome Murphy
Jordan Sullen
Paul Webster

***********************************************

Safeties
# on roster in 2011: 4
# on roster in 2012: 4
# on roster in 2013: 5

Positional Grade: B
Positional Analysis: On paper, T.J. Ward and Rahim Moore look like a very strong starting combo. However, Moore is going to need to stay healthy and also take the next step as a ball-hawking centerfielder for me to adjust this grade any higher.
We have nice depth here as well, with several good special teamers who can also play cornerback in a pinch.

Locks
T.J. Ward
Rahim Moore

On the bubble
David Bruton
Duke Ihenacho
Quinton Carter
Omar Bolden
John Boyett

Camp Fodder
Eric Hagg
Charles Mitchell

***********************************************

Specialists
# on roster in 2011: 3
# on roster in 2012: 3
# on roster in 2013: 3

Positional Grade: A
Positional Analysis: Same as last year, a very solid and steady group, all three of which have pro bowl potential. As I've said before, Brewer is the type of player which may end up having a roster spot for 15+ years -- if you're gonna buy a jersey, his might be the one!

Locks
Matt Prater
Britton Colquitt
Aaron Brewer

Camp Fodder
Steven Clark
Tanner Hedstrom

***********************************************

Projected Final 53-Man Roster

QB: Manning / Osweiler / Dysert
RB: Ball / Hillman / Anderson / Bibbs
WR: D. Thomas / Caldwell
WR: Sanders / Latimer
WR: Welker
TE: J. Thomas / Green / Tamme / G. Robinson
LT: Clady / Painter
LG: Franklin / Garland
OC: Ramirez / Paradis
RG: Vasquez
RT: Clark / Schofield

DE: Ware / Q. Smith
DE: Wolfe / M. Jackson
DT: S. Williams / Vickerson
DT: Knighton / Austin
SLB: Miller / McCray / Barrett
MLB: Irving / Barrow
WLB: Trevathan / S. Johnson
CB: Talib / Roby
CB: Harris / Webster / T. Carter
FS: Moore / Bruton / Q. Carter
SS: Ward / Ihenacho

K: Prater
P: Colquitt
LS: Brewer

Practice Squad

1. QB Bryn Renner
2. S John Boyett
3. WR Isaiah Burse
4. WR Greg Hardin
5. WR Benny Fowler
6. DE John Youboty
7. LB Corey Nelson
8. DT Mister Cobble (based on his name alone)

[Dedhed]

I agree with most of this, except for Dysert and Ramirez.

I don't think Dysert is in any way a lock over Brenner. Brenner has first round talent, but fell due to missing half of his senior season with an injury. He has far more upside than Dysert and if he's healthy and performs reasonably well in camp I think Dysert is gone.

Manny clearly isn't the long term solution at the position and if Montgomery beats him out for the starting spot, his roster position is in serious jeopardy. If Paradis and Montgomery both have unimpressive camps, Manny will remain the starter, but I think the C position is completely up for grabs. No lock there.

[Ziggy]

Solid write up. Rep given. I would disagree with you on a few things though.

1. I would put CJ as a lock and Hillman on the bubble.
2. Jamar Chaney is a solid vet and coverage LBer. He should have a very good chance to stick.
3. Bruton isn't going anywhere. He's one of the better special teams players in the league and provides solid depth at both safety spots.
4. My money is on Steven Clark to beat out Colquitt for the punting job.

[peacepipe]

Colquit just signed a 3 yr extension he isn't going anywhere.

[barryr]

You don't have Unrein making the team and I think he likely does. He's cheap, but still makes plays when given a chance. I think they keep 9 DL.

Hillman is no lock. He fumbles again in preseason and he's gone.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos looked for another TE to sign at a later date.

I hope Tony Carter is playing someplace else.

[The Joker]

Can't believe what's happened to Colquitt.

He looked like a lock until they brought in competition.

[baja]

Can't believe what's happened to Colquitt.

He looked like a lock until they brought in competition.

Are you saying Colquitt has been unlocked?

[baja]

Excellent work BolwenBall.

[crush17]

I think Will Montgomery makes the team.

[LikeABoss5820]

Colquit just signed a 3 yr extension he isn't going anywhere.

From a financial standpoint, it would make sense.

Can you really agree with him making as much as he does. With as many key players due big money soon, need every penny possible.

They'd take a small dead-money hit this year, the last 2 not so bad.

[Rabb]

I don't think Dysert is in any way a lock over Brenner. Brenner has first round talent, but fell due to missing half of his senior season with an injury. He has far more upside than Dysert and if he's healthy and performs reasonably well in camp I think Dysert is gone.

+1

[baja]

I agree with most of this, except for Dysert and Ramirez.

I don't think Dysert is in any way a lock over Brenner. Brenner has first round talent, but fell due to missing half of his senior season with an injury. He has far more upside than Dysert and if he's healthy and performs reasonably well in camp I think Dysert is gone.

Manny clearly isn't the long term solution at the position and if Montgomery beats him out for the starting spot, his roster position is in serious jeopardy. If Paradis and Montgomery both have unimpressive camps, Manny will remain the starter, but I think the C position is completely up for grabs. No lock there.

Maybe we can trade one of them.

[Garcia Bronco]

yep Montgomery will be our starting center..and RamMan will be back-up at Center and Guard.

[Pick Six]

From a financial standpoint, it would make sense.

Can you really agree with him making as much as he does. With as many key players due big money soon, need every penny possible.

They'd take a small dead-money hit this year, the last 2 not so bad.

It ONLY makes sense, from a money standpoint. Colquitt has been a reliable punter, ever since he came to Denver. Clark BETTER step up his game...

[pricejj]

I think Corey Nelson makes the roster. Need the speed.