The Denver Broncos are preparing to finalize their 53-man roster, a process that follows 14 training camp practices and three preseason games. This mirrors the Philadelphia Eagles' own efforts to trim their 90-man roster to 53 by August 30, after four weeks of practices and three preseason games. These decisions, made by a select few within team management, will dictate the composition of these professional sports organizations for the upcoming 2026 season.
Roster Composition Under Scrutiny
The Broncos enter the season with high expectations, having achieved a 14-3 record and an AFC Championship appearance last year. One game-by-game prediction piece forecasts an 11-6 record for the team this season. Their schedule includes a Week 1 victory at the Chiefs (21-20), losses to the Jaguars (23-21) and Rams (24-22) in Weeks 2 and 3, and a Week 4 win at the 49ers (23-22). Further projections include a Week 5 win at the Chargers (22-19), a Week 6 loss to the Seahawks (23-20), and a Week 7 win at the Cardinals (26-19). They are predicted to lose to the Chiefs in Week 8 (25-28) but win at the Panthers in Week 9 (23-18). Following a Week 10 bye, the forecast includes wins against the Raiders (24-16), Steelers (24-21), Dolphins (24-19), Jets (27-18), and Raiders again (20-17). The season concludes with a Week 16 loss to the Bills (23-22), a Week 17 win at the Patriots (31-17), and a Week 18 loss to the Chargers (23-20). This forecast also notes three prime-time games for the Broncos, alongside two standalone games on Black Friday and Christmas Day.
Management's Strategic Outlook
Philadelphia Eagles coaches are working from two practice sessions and an early-summer depth chart to shape their final roster. Zach Berman and Brooks Kubena have offered their initial 53-man roster projections. At quarterback, Kubena projects Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Andy Dalton, while Berman projects Hurts, McKee, and Cole Payton. Kubena states the Eagles can't afford to trade McKee unless they acquire another reliable veteran. Berman, however, sees a realistic pathway for Payton to make the roster, believing the Eagles will trade McKee or Dalton.
Running back projections from Kubena include Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and Dameon Pierce. Berman's list features Barkley, Bigsby, and Shipley. Kubena highlights Bigsby's touchdown run in practice as evidence he can complement Barkley. Berman expects Shipley to serve as the No. 3 back and a special teams contributor. For wide receiver, Kubena projects DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon, and Johnny Wilson. Berman's projection includes Smith, Wicks, Lemon, Brown, and Wilson. General Manager Howie Roseman reportedly views the unit as a "basketball squad," according to Kubena. Berman suggests the Eagles might prioritize depth at tight end and on the offensive line instead.
At tight end, Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, and Eli Stowers are Kubena's picks, with Berman adding Cameron Latu. Kubena emphasizes Goedert's role as the room's most dangerous target, provided the 31-year-old stays healthy. Berman sees Latu as a versatile fullback/tight end/special teams hybrid. Offensive line projections from Kubena list Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Myles Hinton, and Drew Kendall. Berman's list includes Mailata, Dickerson, Jurgens, Steen, Johnson, Fred Johnson, Bell, Kendall, Hinton, and Micah Morris.
The Final Cut
On the defensive line, both projections include Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, and Ty Robinson. Kubena adds Gabe Hall, while Berman includes Uar Bernard. Kubena notes Bernard's raw talent and the team's investment in his development, despite a potential waiver. Edge rusher projections are consistent, with Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie, and A.J. Epenesa appearing in both. Kubena reports Greenard's pectoral strain is not expected to be long-term, with a Week 1 start remaining his goal. Berman identifies Brandon Graham as a wild card, contingent on his return for a 17th season.
Linebacker projections from both sources include Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., and Chance Campbell. Kubena states Baun and Campbell will remain on the field if healthy. Berman suggests the Eagles could operate with four linebackers, reallocating the extra spot. At cornerback, Kubena projects Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Mac McWilliams, and Jakorian Bennett. Berman's list features Mitchell, DeJean, Woolen, Jonathan Jones, and Kelee Ringo. Kubena sees Woolen as a definitive CB2. Berman favors Jones for his experience and versatility.
Safety projections from Kubena include Drew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II, and J.T. Gray. Berman's list has Mukuba, Epps, Carter, and Cole Wisniewski. Kubena gives Epps a slight edge over Carter for the starting job next to Mukuba. Berman indicates Howie Roseman may still seek an upgrade. For specialists, Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, and Rocco Underwood are projected by both. Kubena notes Underwood is new, Elliott is 31, and Mann is 28. Elliott's 74.1 field goal percentage last season was his second lowest. Berman states Underwood's position is not entrenched, and the Eagles might seek an external upgrade. These detailed projections highlight the intricate decisions made by team management as they shape the final rosters for the season ahead.