The Road to 53

The Broncos will trim the roster to a final 35 by 4:00 PM (EST). (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Yesterday the Denver Broncos released: wide receiver Alric Arnett, defensive lineman Chris Baker, offensive lineman Paul Duncan, linebackers Jammie Kirlew and Johnny Williams, tight ends Nathan Overbay and Kory Sperry. The team then placed running back LenDale White on the injured reserve, where he will serve his four game suspension.

Elvis Dumervil has been placed on the injured reserve and the team has cut Darrell Reid, Brandon Stokley and Jarvis Green. Ben Garland has also been placed on the Military/Reserve list.

That leaves seven players on a roster that now consists of 65 that will not be on the roster as of 2:00 PM (MDT) today.

Here’s a position by position breakdown of the current depth chart:

Quarterback: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow

Analysis: Though it’s possible the Broncos could move Quinn, it is unlikely that they will be willing to go ahead with just Tebow as a backup for Orton. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tebow and Quinn flip-flop depth chart positions.

Running Back: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Bruce Hall and Lance Ball

Analysis: There were too many injuries right now for the Broncos to cut anyone at this position and although Hall is listed above Ball on the official depth chart I didn’t see any reason why Ball wouldn’t be listed above Hall come week one.

Fullback: Spencer Larsen

Analysis: No movement here, the Broncos are going with two back sets a lot this season and Larsen will need to be a part of that.

Wide Receiver: Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal, Brandon Lloyd, Demaryius Thomas, Matthew Willis, Eric Decker and Britt Davis

Analysis: I predicted back in early August that I didn’t think Stokley would make the team. It’s still tough to make the case for the fan favorite having a spot on the roster after today. The Broncos won’t move first round draft pick Demaryius Thomas and undrafted rookie Matthew Willis has been incredible all throughout training camp and in preseason. The same can be said for rookie Eric Decker. So Britt Davis is the lone standing receiver who will not make the team. However, there’s a slim possibility that the Broncos may decide to keep seven wide receivers. Alric Arnett was already released, but I’d expect him to make the Broncos practice squad.

Tight End: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson and Riar Geer

Analysis: Branson’s strong preseason and ability to play in that coveted H-Back role will give him a spot on the team. Local favorite Riar Geer may have more trouble, but with the emphasis the Broncos place on three tight end sets it’s possible that there’s still room for Geer. If Geer were to be cut, he’d have a spot on the practice squad for sure. Josh McDaniels has employed four tight ends throughout most of his coaching span in Denver.

Offensive Tackle: Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris and D’Anthony Batiste

Analysis: Harris went down against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday and has yet to make it through an entire season healthy. The Broncos don’t have much options here Batiste’s flexibility to play guard assure him a roster spot.

Guard: Zane Beadles, Chris Kuper, Seth Olsen, Eric Olsen and Stanley Daniels

Analysis: There are too many players here for someone not to get cut, Eric Olsen’s play in the preseason likely will make him the one that is expendable out of the group. Daniels looked good against the Vikings and was even in with the starters in the first quarter. I would venture to guess that Eric Olsen is out at guard. Seth Olsen was deactivated from the starting team almost immediately in camp and may also need a bit of luck to make the final 53.

Center: J.D. Walton and Russ Hochstein

Analysis: Hochstein can play any position on the offensive line, including center. I don’t see the Broncos dumping the most veteran player on their offensive line.

Outside Linebacker: Robert Ayers, Jarvis Moss, Baraka Atkins, Kevin Alexander and Jason Hunter

Analysis: Dumervil has been placed on the injured reserve today, on top of that four outside linebackers on the team is plenty. Kevin Alexander has been able to get pressure in limited reps. Jason Hunter has good special teams ability, but the Broncos have him playing out of position and he  looks to be the odd man out here.

Defensive End: Ryan McBean, Justin Bannan, Le Kevin Smith, and Jeff Stehle

Analysis: Le Kevin Smith’s looked good during several opportunities in the preseason, but with Marcus Thomas and his ability to slide over to end Jeff Stehle may be out of a depth chart spot.

Nose Tackle: Jamal Williams, Ronald Fields and Marcus Thomas

Analysis: I think all three make the team, as I pointed out Thomas can play either end or tackle.

Inside Linebacker: D. J. Williams, Mario Haggan, Wesley Woodyard, Joe Mays and Worrell Williams

Analysis: The Broncos traded J.J. Arrington for Joe Mays early on in training camp and picked up Worrell Williams late in the preseason. If one is out, it’s likely Williams, but his play against the Vikings may have got him one more shot at the final roster. However, having so much depth and being the last man in Williams may not make the final 53.

Cornerback: Champ Bailey, Andre Goodman, Perrish Cox, Nate Jones, Syd’Quan Thompson, Alphonso Smith and Cassius Vaughn

Analysis: Fans have been calling for not only Alphonso Smith’s head, but also Josh McDaniels and Brian Xanders for the pick/trade, but his interception late in game four made everyone kind of wonder. Cassius Vaughn is likely out here, but will make the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Strong Safety: Ronaldo Hill, David Bruton and Kyle McCarthy

Analysis: Bruton is a special teams force, that make McCarthy and the likely hood of him making the team doubtful. Broncos corner Nate Jones can also play strong safety in a pinch.

Free Safety: Brian Dawkins and Darcel McBath

Analysis: McBath isn’t going anywhere.