The biggest game of their lives
For most football fans (especially casual ones) the 4th and final preseason game is an afterthought, possibly worth a look at the box score the next morning. But for many prospective NFL players, the 4th preseason game is the most important game of their lives. That’s because it’s the last chance for these players to show their coaches that they deserve to make the team and move up the depth chart.
With the Denver Broncos first cuts made to get the roster down to 75, here’s a preview of the other positions heading into the Broncos Thursday evening showdown with the Arizona Cardinals:
Quarterback
Locks: Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler
On the bubble: Bradlee Van Pelt
Pack now: Preston Parsons
Van Pelt may find himself caught in the numbers game due to the talent at other positions. If the Broncos feel comfortable with Parsons, knowing he may not be picked up by another team, they may release Van Pelt and go with two QB’s. Van Pelt can help his case by having a lights-out game against Arizona.
Running Back
Locks: Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, Kyle Johnson, Cecil Sapp
On the bubble: Cedric Cobbs, Ron Dayne, Damien Nash
Pack now: Brandon Miree
This is obviously the position with the most intrigue heading into Arizona as Mike Shanahan stated the starting halfback position is wide open. Eyes will be on Tatum Bell to show if he can shoulder the load as a full time back. Cobbs has the ability to come out of nowhere and steal the position from the 1st guy who came out of nowhere, Mike Bell. It will be interesting to see how Dayne, who received a signing bonus this offseason, effects the roster situation with Cobbs and Nash playing well in the preseason. At fullback, Sapp’s inability to stay healthy may allow for Johnson to head into week 1 as the starter although both will likely see extensive playing time throughout the season.
Wide Reciever
Locks: Rod Smith, Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall
On the bubble: Darius Watts, David Kircus, David Terrell, Todd Devoe, Charlie Adams
Pack now: Brian Clark
Despite his injury, Marshall is a near lock to make the team although he may not be the #3 receiver in week 1. Watts is a mystery as reports of his strong play at camp, along with a strong performance in the Broncos 1st preseason game, are compounded with very limited time in the Broncos other preseason games. At this point, he appears the #3 receiver but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him, #4, #5, #6, or released altogether. Kircus was a head turner early in camp but his performance has dropped recently and he’ll need a strong showing to secure a roster spot. Last year’s backups, Todd Devoe and Charlie Adams, are competing with David Terrell for what appears to be one position. Devoe may have the inside track but special teams should play a factor in determining who makes the roster. Brian Clark is a logical practice squad candidate.
Tight End
Locks: Stephen Alexander, Tony Scheffler
On the bubble: Nate Jackson, Chad Mustard
Jackson has played well in the preseason despite his constant inability to stay healthy. Should he continue to play well on offense and special teams, he’s likely to make the squad. Mustard hasn’t shown much in the preseason although the converted-tackle is in on the Broncos goal-line package which makes keeps him in contention for a roster spot.
Offensive Line
Locks: Matt Lepsis, Ben Hamilton, Tom Nalen, Cooper Carlsile, George Foster
On the bubble: Adam Meadows, Dwayne Carswell, Chris Kuper, Chris Myers, Greg Eslinger
Pack now: Taylor Whitley
This is a position in which the Broncos have good young talent that they may try to sneak onto the practice squad. Veterans Meadows and Carswell may be competing for one spot with youngsters Myers and Kuper competing for the other. Eslinger appears headed for the practice squad although a strong showing Thursday could convince the coaches otherwise he deserves to make the 53-man roster. The team could keep as few as six and as many as ten players at the position.
Defensive Line
Locks: Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Michael Myers, Ebenezer Ekuban, Kenard Lang, Demetrin Veal, Elvis Dumervill
On the bubble: John Engelberger, Corey Jackson, Patrick Chukwruah, Antwon Burton
Pack now: Khaleed Vaughn, Amon Gordon
A position certain to have a lot of competition, depth chart status and roster spots will be on the line. Engelberger, Jackson, and Chukwurah may all be competing for one position
with Burton hoping to show the Broncos should keep a 4th interior tackle. Lang and Veal can secure starting positions to start the season, and Dumervill can work his way up the depth chart at any number of positions. Another deep group, the Broncos may be inclined to keep more talent on the defensive line than offensive line, as defensive lineman rotate much more than offensive lineman.
Linebackers
Locks: D.J. Williams, Al Wilson, Ian Gold, Keith Burns, Nate Webster
On the bubble: Cameron Vaughn, Louis Green
Pack now: Ray Wells
Webster has solidified a roster spot with his outstanding play in the preseason and Burns ability on special teams alone makes him invaluable, not even discussing his leadership ability. Vaughn has turned a lot of heads at camp but Louis Green has had a strong camp as well and they may be competing for just one position. Vaughn does have practice squad eligibity which may help Green.
Defensive Backs
Locks: Champ Bailey, Darrent Williams, John Lynch, Nick Ferguson, Sam Brandon, Domonique Foxworth
On the bubble: Karl Paymah, Roc Alexander, Curome Cox, Hamza Abdullah, Jeff Shoate
Pack now: Tyler Everett
It would take a floundering performance Friday for Paymah to miss the cut and Alexander appears to be in good shape as well. Cox and Abdullah appear to be competing for one position while Shoate is a longshot to make the team. Everett could be a candidate for the practice squad.
Specialists
Locks: Jason Elam, Todd Sauerbrun
On the bubble: Paul Ernster, Micah Knorr, Mike Leach
Ernster has the inside track on filling in for Sauerbrun over his four game suspension, but Knorr will get more opportunities on Thursday . Leach appears safe to serve as the team’s long snapper for another season unless another position player proves serviceable.