In a few days, the Broncos will embark on a training camp that will feature intense position battles on both sides of the field. Even though some players made the roster in 2023, their spot is not guaranteed in 2024.
Here are five players on the bubble as the start of training camp looms on July 26:
Tim Patrick, Wide receiver
Patrick is viewed as a big-body receiver in the slot and a veteran presence. However, the Broncos are rebuilding and the 30-year-old pass catcher is coming off two season-ending injuries. Patrick, who recorded 734 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2021, moved well during Denver’s offseason program, but the Broncos signed former Lions wideout Josh Reynolds and took two receivers in the 2024 NFL draft.
Oregon’s Troy Franklin was considered a Day 2 pick before falling to Denver in the fourth round. And Utah’s Devaughn Vele, who was drafted in the seventh round, has been compared to Patrick by head coach Sean Payton. With second-year wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. potentially having a larger role on offense and the new additions to the room, Patrick’s spot on the roster isn’t as solidified as it was in previous seasons.
Javonte Williams, Running back
Williams returning to the field for Denver’s season-opener less than a year after tearing his ACL was admirable. However, the Broncos didn’t get much consistency from the North Carolina product. Williams averaged 3.6 yards per carry and was held under 50 rushing yards in the final four games of the season. He also had only three rushing touchdowns and didn’t surpass 100 rushing yards in a single game in 2023.
Granted, Williams will be more than a year removed from his knee injury and could look better this fall. At the same time, he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and Denver drafted former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime, who Payton considers an early-down player, as a potential replacement. Estime, a fifth-round pick, missed the majority of Denver’s offseason program due to a knee procedure but Payton said he expects the rookie to be ready by the start of camp. If Estime moves well in practice and preseason games, the Broncos might consider ushering in a new era at running back sooner rather than later.
Samaje Perine, Running back
Like Williams, Perine will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season. Last year, he was a reliable presence in the passing game as a blocker and receiver, catching 50 passes for 455 yards. However, the Broncos have high expectations for Jaleel McLaughlin, who could take on that third-down running back role in his second season if he improves in pass protection. That would only underscore the versatility McLaughlin, who brings tremendous speed and acceleration, provides in the backfield. Add it all up and it translates into a heated competition in the running back room, which could look a lot different than last season in Week 1.
Damarri Mathis, Cornerback
Mathis tried to build off a modest rookie year in his second pro season last fall, but couldn’t. He gave up a 74.4% completion percentage and 128.4 passer rating when targeted in six starts before getting benched for the rest of the year.
Mathis will have an opportunity to reclaim his starting role during training camp, competing against veteran Levi Wallace and 2023 third-round pick Riley Moss. Wallace is experienced, starting in 70 career games, while Moss is physically gifted and fast but with limited NFL defensive snaps. The Broncos also have fifth-round selection Kris Abrams-Draine, who can rotate between outside cornerback and the nickel spot. Even if Mathis isn’t named a starter, it will be important for him to prove he can be a quality depth option.
Thomas Incoom, Edge rusher
Incoom was one of four undrafted players to make the initial 53-man roster last season, but he only played 20 defensive snaps in four games. Incoom could be in a position to earn a rotational spot in Denver’s outside linebacker room with Drew Sanders sidelined by a torn Achilles tendon. But he will have to compete against Ronnie Perkins and third-round selection Jonah Elliss, who recorded 12 sacks in 10 games for Utah in 2023. While it was an incredible feat for Incoom to secure a roster spot last season, his path to make the team this fall might be harder, depending on how many edge rushers the team wants to keep.
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Originally Published: July 21, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.
