The Denver Broncos officially locked in their 53-man roster yesterday, hitting that 2 pm MT deadline, and you know there were some wild calls made, because there always are when these critical roster cuts come down. Now that the main squad is set, the real chess match begins: building out that crucial 16-man practice squad. Every single spot matters, especially when you’re looking to develop talent and keep veteran depth close by.
The Practice Squad Hustle and Waiver Wire Drama
The practice squad rules are the same as last year, allowing teams to stash up to 16 players. Ten spots are for the younger guys, those with two years or less of NFL experience. This is huge for developing future starters, letting them learn the system without the immediate pressure of game day. But here’s where it gets really interesting: they can bring back up to six NFL veterans who might not meet the old criteria. That means we’re seeing some familiar faces expected to sign right back on, guys who just missed the main roster but are absolutely crucial for depth through a long season. On the waiver wire front, the Broncos are sitting at 30th in the order, right where their NFL Draft pick landed them. It’s a waiting game now to see if they decide to make any claims. Anyone who goes unclaimed becomes a free agent, fair game for any team, including a practice squad spot. It’s a high-stakes scavenger hunt happening right now across the league.
Who’s Landing on the Broncos’ Radar?
So, who’s actually signing up for the practice squad grind in Denver? We’ve got confirmation on a few names already. OLB David Agoha is in, joining as part of the International Pathway program and serving as their 17th man on the squad. That’s a unique role, bringing global talent into the mix. Veteran fullback Adam Prentice is locked in, bringing that old-school physicality. And long snapper Mitchell Fraboni is signing, too, with GM George Paton himself confirming that move. You know how important special teams depth is, right?
The rumor mill is also spinning fast with who else they want to bring back. Veteran offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton is reportedly expected to return. They’re also reportedly hot on the trail for undrafted rookie linebacker Taurean York, undrafted rookie wide receiver Cameron Ross, tight end Lucas Krull, and outside linebacker Johnny Walker. Plus, if undrafted rookie offensive tackle Tyler Miller clears waivers, he’s expected to be a Bronco. Undrafted rookies Luke Basso, 7th-round rookie Miles Scott, and returning undrafted rookies WR/KR Kolbe Katsis and OL Gavin Ortega are all on their radar too. GM George Paton is clearly concerned other teams might swipe these guys, and honestly, with that much talent and potential floating around, who wouldn’t be?
The Odds Are In: What Do They Say About Denver?
After all these crucial roster moves and the scramble to fill the practice squad, what’s the word from the oddsmakers? FanDuel Sportsbook has dropped their lines for the Broncos, and they’re definitely something to talk about if you’re a fan of that team. Their Super Bowl odds are +2000. To win the AFC Championship? +1000. Making the playoffs sits at -148, which shows some confidence, but not exactly a lock, you know? And to win the AFC West, they’re at +200. These numbers aren’t exactly screaming “championship contender” from the rooftops, but they do show the oddsmakers still see some potential there, even if it’s an uphill battle.
The Broncos are clearly trying to stack their practice squad deep with both fresh talent and experienced vets. With GM Paton sweating over other teams making claims, it shows just how much they value every single piece. The next few days will determine who truly sticks around, shaping the depth that could be critical for their entire season. Get ready, football is officially here, and every move matters!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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