The Broncos got absolutely stomped 33-13 by the Green Bay Packers last week in their Week 2 preseason game. Now, Denver hosts the Minnesota Vikings for their preseason finale this Friday, and for a lot of guys, it’s the last shot to make that final 53-man roster. This is it. Crunch time. We’ve got three players to keep a super close eye on, because their performance could mean everything for their season.
Justin Joly Needs to Unleash His Full Bag of Tricks
Adam Trautman and Evan Engram are locked in as the top tight end duo for the Broncos, but that battle for depth spots behind them is wide open. Rookie fifth-rounder Justin Joly is right in the thick of it. In college, Joly was a beast, one of the most productive tight ends out there, and super versatile. He played everywhere: inline, on the move, even lined up in the backfield sometimes. But we just haven’t seen that versatility yet through two preseason games. He’s been targeted three times and caught all three, but only for 10 receiving yards. That’s not gonna cut it. I’m really hoping the Broncos offense gives him more looks in this finale against the Vikings. In college, he excelled on middle-of-the-field concepts and was great at moving the chains on third down. Let’s see him get some targets down the field on Friday, please!
Tyler Onyedim Has to Flash That Collegiate Promise
Denver’s got a strong four-man defensive line rotation with Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, and Eyioma Uwazurike. Even with John Franklin-Myers gone, they should be solid up front. But they absolutely need one of their younger guys to step up as that key fifth man to get some real playing time. Third-round pick Tyler Onyedim is definitely a candidate here. He saw 23 snaps in his NFL debut against the Falcons and then 32 plays last week versus the Packers. I’d expect similar, maybe even more, snaps against the Vikings. Onyedim’s main competition for that spot is second-year defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones. Both have had similar playing time in preseason, but honestly, neither has really pulled ahead. This is Onyedim’s chance to show us some of the promise and pass-rushing traits that made him stand out in college. He’s gotta show up big.
J.L. Skinner’s Opportunity Just Got Wild
Okay, this one is massive. The Broncos signed Taylor Rapp, and everyone just assumed he’d be their third safety in the rotation. Well, guess what? He was released yesterday. Head Coach Sean Payton hinted at a reunion down the road, sure, but for now? That move completely blows open the door for another player to grab that spot. This is where J.L. Skinner comes in. This Friday’s game is his moment. With Rapp out of the picture, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Skinner to prove he’s the guy. He has to seize this opportunity and show the coaching staff he can be that rotational piece the Broncos desperately need.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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