On Friday, I explained how the changes for the 2020 NFL season could impact the chances of some players to make the final roster, either by increasing or decreasing those chances.
On the defensive side of the ball, there could be more interesting battles, given the changes to the practice squad, between its expanded size and no restrictions on the number of seasons accumulated.
Between some young players who might surprise and the possibility that the Broncos want to save some money, there could be some unexpected moves.
Let’s look at the defensive side of the ball and see how these changes could impact the decisions the team makes.
Defensive line
For anyone wondering if Shelby Harris could be downsized to save money, he’s got $ 2.5 million in fully guaranteed cash, so he’s not going anywhere unless traded.
Christian Covington is a veteran who might be more likely to be cut to save money, although the Broncos have guaranteed $ 625,000 from his $ 1.5 million contract.
It doesn’t seem likely that the Broncos will cut Mike Purcell, given how hard he played for them last season. However, as his salary of $ 3.25 million in the second restricted free agent bidding is not guaranteed, cutting him is an option. Of course, someone else on the list has to prove that they can be a better nose tackle than Purcell.
The one to watch is DeMarcus Walker. While his gaming experience is invaluable, he is expected to receive $ 1.15 million in base salary and that is not guaranteed.
Because four defensive linemen are close to the locks to make the list (Harris, Jurrell Casey, Dre’Mont Jones, McTelvin Agim) and a fifth is a likely lock (Purcell), Covington and Walker find themselves in a battle for the sixth place.
Walker could be added to the practice squad if he’s not on the 53-man roster, but the Broncos will keep an eye on other players as well. Jonathan Harris, Kyle Peko and Joel Heath will all have their chances.
Linebacker
The Broncos typically keep four top players on the roster, but could add a fifth, with one player who could have the advantage there.
That player is said to be Justin Hollins, whom the Broncos sometimes tried as an off-ball linebacker last season. He might be a better fit as an Edges defender, but he has value on special teams.
For the rest, we don’t need to debate starters, but the backup position battles will be interesting. While the Broncos may save $ 1million in cash by cutting Jeremiah Attaochu, he fits into defense so well last season that it’s hard to see the Broncos cut him just to save money.
The one to watch is fourth place, as 2020 seventh-round pick Derrek Tuszka has a lot of intrigue. Malik Reed, who stood out in the preseason last year, could find himself in a battle to be on the active roster.
Between Tuszka and Reed, it’s likely that anyone who isn’t on the roster will be added to the practice squad.
Linebacker off the ball
While there’s a chance the Broncos will cut Todd Davis to save $ 4.5 million in cash and cap ($ 500,000 of his base salary is fully guaranteed), it doesn’t make much sense, being given that his talent is reasonably priced and that he is a locker room manager.
But depth positions are another story. Although Josey Jewell didn’t show enough to be a starter, he showed promise in special teams last season.
That could give veteran Joe Jones a warning. While he owes only $ 825,000 in base salary and is a good special teams player, the Broncos might prefer to go with a younger player.
And that brings me to Justin Strnad, whose 2020 Draft title fell because of his health, but his talent is good and he might fit Vic Fangio’s plan. If he does stand out in training camp, Jones could be consumable.
If Strnad needs more time, he’s a candidate for the practice squad. But Jones is still not safe, as Josh Watson had some playing time last season and could push to make the main roster as well.
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Cornerback
Barring injury, it’s safe to say that AJ Bouye, Bryce Callahan and Michael Ojemudia will be on the roster.
De’Vante Bausby showed promise last season before injuring his neck. He’s probably one step ahead of the roster.
However, let’s not rule out Isaac Yiadom yet. While he’s yet to make an impact, it’s not uncommon for a third-round pick to blossom only in its third season. This may be the year he hits the mark.
As for other players, it all depends on whether the Broncos keep five or six cornerbacks on the main roster. Either way, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos keep two corners on the practice squad.
So it’s possible that Davontae Harris, who has experience in the NFL, and Essang Bassey, an undrafted rookie, are both part of the Broncos in some capacity. If neither of them is on the 53-player roster, they are ideal candidates for practice.
security
We know that the two starters have their secure places, so it only remains to see who claims the depth spots and how many total safeties make up the active list.
Duke Dawson is listed as a cornerback, but he played a few safe shots last year. Trey Marshall has also shown promise in a limited time. Both could be candidates for third place in Safety, but it wouldn’t surprise me if both were on the active list.
From there, it depends on whether the Broncos stick to four safeties or keep five. But players like Alijah Holder, PJ Locke and Kahani Smith could still be part of the practice squad. Depending on how the Broncos prioritize roster and places on practice teams, all three could be retained to some extent.
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