Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Todd Bowles likes what he has after finalizing the roster. Like every team in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had to trim their roster down to 53 players. Tuesday was the day organizations across the league made their roster moves official as they submitted the list of names that were cut, while a select few get the opportunity to return to the team. The process is never easy for the front office, coaches, and especially not for the players. But it is a business as they say and the group of players the Buccaneers elected to make a part of the 53-man roster is a special group as head coach Todd Bowles talked about the players that made it to the regular season roster. “Well, they work hard, and they’ve got good chemistry – that’s the biggest thing you can see right now,” Bowles said. “You’ve got to wait until they play to see them play. Obviously, we want to play mistake-free football but coming together as a group as early as they did – that’s positive.” It may sound like typical coach talk, however, the players on the roster ahead of their 2024 campaign all have special reasoning throughout the roster why they were chosen. That doesn’t mean that the decisions were so easy to make. Bowles talked about filtering through the difficult roster decisions. “It was really the cross positions where you’re weighing the outside [linebacker] against the sixth [wide] receiver and that type of stuff, but we felt that it’s hard to get pass rushers in this league and hopefully we can get [the wide receivers] through to the practice squad and bring them up as needed.” Below is the official list on the Bucs moves to get to the 53-man roster limit. Waived: DB Marcus Banks DL C.J. Brewer TE Sal Cannella P Nolan Cooney DL Judge Culpepper OL Xavier Delgado DL Mike Greene LB Antonio Grier Jr. OLB Daniel Grzesiak OL Luke Haggard DB Andrew Hayes DB Keenan Isaac RB Ramon Jefferson WR Cephus Johnson III OL Ryan Johnson OL Avery Jones WR Latreal Jones LB Vi Jones WR Tanner Knue DL Brandon Matterson DB Chris McDonald Jr. OL Lorenz Metz WR Ryan Miller OLB Jay Person TE Tanner Taula WR Raleigh Webb RB DJ Williams DB Rashad Wisdom Waived (Injured): LB Kalen DeLoach OLB Shaun Peterson Jr. DL Lwal Uguak Terminated Contracts Of: WR Sterling Shepard WR Cody Thompson LS Zach Triner TE David Wells QB John Wolford Placed on Injured Reserve: RB Chase Edmonds Placed on Injured Reserve/Designated for Return: WR Rakim Jarrett
Buccaneers officially announce roster cuts
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 53-man roster takes shape
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports The Bucs have made the necessary cuts to get down to their initial 53-man roster Well ahead of the Tuesday deadline, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their initial 53-man roster set according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. It came with a few surprises and some players beginning the year on injured reserve. Here’s the roster as it now stands; So here’s the Bucs’ 53-man roster. First, offense (23): QB (2): Baker Mayfield, Kyle TraskRB (3): Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, Sean TuckerWR (5): Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, Kam JohnsonTE (4): Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Devin CulpOL (9):… — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 27, 2024 Bucs’ 53-man roster, defense (27): DL (6): Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, Will Gholston, Earnest BrownOLB (6): Yaya Diaby, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Chris Braswell, Anthony Nelson, Markees Watts, Jose RamirezILB (4): Lavonte David, K.J. Britt, SirVocea Dennis,… — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 27, 2024 One of the first things that jumps out is that the Bucs are only keeping five receivers, opting not to give Cody Thompson a roster spot after he led the NFL in receptions this preseason. He was very impressive in his opportunity, but will likely be back on the practice squad. Another practice squad contender is receiver Sterling Shepard, who was signed this off-season and reunited with Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield. However, he dealt with injury through much of camp and the preseason so he was released Monday afternoon. The Bucs are also keeping eleven defensive backs, a sign that many will contribute on special teams in addition to providing depth in a scheme that uses a lot of versatile corners and safeties. Undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk is among those to make the team and is hoping to be as impactful as undrafted rookie Christian Izien was last season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster cut tracker
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images Keeping an updated list of roster moves as the Bucs get down to their initial 53-man roster The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the rest of the NFL have to get down to 53 players on their roster by Tuesday, so the moves have started coming in. It was announced Saturday that running back Chase Edmonds and wide receiver Rakim Jarrett would begin the season on injured reserve, freeing up a few additional spots for other positions. Although, Rakim Jarrett was going to have a tough time making the roster had he not been placed on IR, thanks in large part to undrafted rookie Kameron Johnson. Johnson, as reported during the broadcast of the Bucs’ 24-14 win over the Miami Dolphins in their final preseason game, has secured his spot on the roster. With the Bucs likely carrying six receivers, that would have left the final spot up for grabs between Jarrett, free agent signing Sterling Shepard, and Cody Thompson who exploded during the preseason. It’ll boil down to a tough decision between Thomspon and Shepard – especially since Shepard was dealing with injury throughout much of camp and the preseason but has a connection with Baker Mayfield since the two were teammates at Oklahoma. The Bucs also made a surprise move in cutting long time long-snapper Zach Triner in favor of former Duke Blue Devil Evan Deckers. Triner had been the Bucs’ long-snapper since 2019 Here is a thread of roster moves the Bucs have made with the newest appearing at the top of the list; Just to recap — five more Bucs cuts we know of today: WR Sterling ShepardDL Mike GreeneDL C.J. BrewerOLB Daniel GrzesiakCB Chris McDonald Should have 12 more moves to get to 53. — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 26, 2024 (18th is DL Lwal Uguak) — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 Bucs made 18 cuts today. I know 17 of them: RB Ramon JeffersonWR Tanner KnueWR Raleigh WebbWR Cephus JohnsonWR Latreal JonesTE David WellsTE Sal CannellaOL Ryan JohnsonOL Xavier DelgadoDL Judge CulpepperDL Brandon MattersonILB Kalen DeLoachOLB Jay PersonOLB Shaun… https://t.co/tL1JxS9W6U — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 #Bucs are waiving OLB Jay Person. — PewterReport ☠️ (@PewterReport) August 25, 2024 #Bucs are waiving 4 WRs Raleigh Webb, Tanner Knue, Cephus Johnson and Latreal Jones. — PewterReport ☠️ (@PewterReport) August 25, 2024 #Bucs have released OL Xavier Delgado. — PewterReport ☠️ (@PewterReport) August 25, 2024 To correct here — Bucs have not made a move today with international OL Lorenz Metz, though he’s expected to be released and brought back with an exemption on the practice squad. https://t.co/cbie90XWqd — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 Bucs are waiving rookie receiver Tanner Knue, who had a touchdown catch in Friday’s preseason finale. Former walk-on at Eastern Michigan. Tampa Bay now up to 13 cuts today. — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 Bucs are waiving tight end Sal Cannella, who joined the team after playing well in the UFL this spring. Now up to 12 cuts, but still 23 moves to be made to get to 53 by Tuesday. — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 Bucs are releasing veteran tight end David Wells, who made their opening roster last year and had two catches. Good competition for TE depth this season. — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 Bucs are waiving undrafted rookie running back Ramon Jefferson, who played for Liam Coen at Maine and Kentucky. Now at 10 cuts for Bucs today. — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 Bucs have waived guard Ryan Johnson, a late addition in preseason who played seven snaps in Friday’s finale. Up to nine cuts confirmed now for Tampa Bay. — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 Bucs have to make 37 moves to get from 90 to 53 by Tuesday. Six cuts reported now this morning: LS Zach TrinerP Nolan CooneyLB Kalen DeLoachCB Andrew HayesDL Brandon MattersonWR Raleigh Webb — Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2024 #Bucs are releasing OLB Shaun Peterson. — PewterReport ☠️ (@PewterReport) August 25, 2024 #Bucs are releasing DT Judge Culpepper, son of former #Buccaneers DT Brad Culpepper. — PewterReport ☠️ (@PewterReport) August 25, 2024 #Bucs have released long snapper Zach Triner as cuts begin. They will go with former Duke LS Evan Deckers. — Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 25, 2024
Standouts: Preseason Week 3 Dolphins vs Buccaneers
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Who stood out in the preseason finale? The Buccaneers wrapped up their preseason with a 24-14 win over the Miami Dolphins and finished the 2024 preseason with a 2-1 record. Friday night was the last opportunity for many players to make a name for themselves and try to make the final 53 man roster. Let’s take a look at who stepped up against Miami. QB Baker Mayfield It was quick work for Mayfield, who only had one drive and three pass attempts but he made the most of them. He was 3/3 for 54 yards including a beautiful 28 yard pass to Jalen McMillan that lead to a Bucs touchdown. It was Mayfield’s first and only work of this year’s preseason but he made a great impression. Hopefully it is something that can carry over to the regular season. WR Cody Thompson For the second straight week, Cody Thompson stepped up and lead the way for the Bucs yet again with seven catches for 45 yards and consistently was able to get open and catch the football. Thompson has really made the Bucs decision on which wide receiver to keep. Rakim Jarrett and Sterling Shepard are among the players in the running, but with them being sidelined with injuries, Thompson has made the most of his opportunities. Jarrett and Shepard may be the odd men out as Thompson has showed up and showed out in the preseason. CB Keenan Isaac Cornerback Keenan Isaac is fighting for one of the final cornerback spots on the roster and he has made a name for himself. He had an interception in the first preseason game against Cincinatti and almost had another one tonight. Isaac fought hard and made the final 53 man roster out of camp last year and this year he is trying to do it once again. With corner depth being so important in today’s NFL, Isaac stepping up in year two is a nice development for the Buccaneers defense. K Chase McLaughlin This one was more for the sanity of Bucs fans. After being so good in 2023 and setting a career high in field goal percentage made with 93.5%, McLaughlin missed a kick in each of the first two preseason games to start 2024. One of the misses being a 41 yarder that needs to be made, there was a lot of pressure on McLaughlin to perform and he did just that. Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images Easing Bucs fans minds a bit, he was 4/4 overall on kicks and made his only field goal which was a 51 yarder and made all three of his extra points. It was important for McLaughlin to not give the Bucs and their fans flashbacks of the 2010s when the team went through kicker after kicker trying to find a solution. Hopefully McLaughlin got the misses out of his system and he is ready to roll in 2024. That is a wrap on the 2024 preseason. Who stood out to you during the three games? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!
Raiders roster: Top heavy cornerback room is less than ideal
Jack Jones (18) and Jakorian Bennett are slated to be the Las Vegas Raiders starting outside cornerbacks this season. Beyond them and slot corner Nate Hobbs, depth at the position group is concerning. | Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs provide two premier talent at position group but depth is lacking In Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs, the Las Vegas Raiders have quality starters at outside and nickel cornerback, respectively. Both offer the requisite aggressiveness in coverage and against the run along with the swagger that makes them throwbacks to the storied Silver & Black defensive backs. Yet, outside of those two, the Raiders cornerback room is riddled with question marks. Youngsters Jakorian Bennett and Decamarion Richardson do offer plenty of athleticism and upside, but are relative unknowns as a second-year defender and rookie, respectively. Veteran Darnay Holmes, a free agent signing after he was released by the New York Giants, rounds out the group. That’s five cornerbacks on the active roster as Holmes basically replaces the recently-released veteran Brandon Facyson (injury settlement). Sam Webb and M.J. Devonshire (a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft) are on the practice squad and give Las Vegas a total of seven in the cornerback room. It’s a very top heavy group where depth is lacking. However, as the season wears on and Bennett and Richardson develop and progress, perhaps that changes. The pressure is on Bennett this coming season to showcase he’s a different player from last season. A fourth round pick from the 2023 draft, Bennett initially won a starting job with an impressive offseason but lost his spot along with confidence. The 24-year-old — who has the speed to make Raiders of old proud — has regained the confidence and is slated to be the starter opposite of Jones. “Not too many people can run past me. (Jack Jones & Nate Hobbs) go out there with their swag, they’re talking. They know I’m a dog too. Win my 1-on-1 matchup, they win their 1-on-1, and it’s gonna be fun to watch.” Raiders CB Jakorian Bennett talks about his growth & playing… pic.twitter.com/Wp0hBcVFVz — Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) August 28, 2024 Facyson wasn’t a world beater by any means, however, the veteran has size (6-foot-2 and 197 pounds) and starting experience (17 starts in 75 career games) to have been in the fight for the other outside corner spot opposite Jones in Patrick Graham’s defense. And one can’t forget Raiders general manager Tom Telesco knows all about Facyson as he inked the corner as an undrafted free agent when the personnel man was the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers GM. “Yeah, I mean, Brandon has shown he’s been a starting level corner in this league. So, he’s just had a tough run of luck the last couple weeks. But when healthy, he’s been a really good player, so we’ll kind of see how it plays out from there,” Telesco noted after he cut the Raiders roster down to the mandated 53-man roster limit. And we saw how it played out. Facyson initially made the roster, was sent to injured reserve, and was let go with an injury settlement after Holmes was officially signed. The 5-foot-10 and 195-pound veteran who is in his fifth year is banking on a change of scenery and familiarity with both Graham and head coach Antonio Pierce resets his career. A part time player who was demoted to special teams work in his final year in New York, the 2020 fourth-round pick provides versatility to the Raiders defense, according to Pierce. “Yeah, position flex. I mean, that’s key for us, right?,” Pierce noted. “Really, the only guy we got that can go inside-outside or outside-inside is Nate Hobbs. So, when you can add another player like that, Isaiah Pola-Mao does it as well from a safety position. You see him a little bit at the nickel position, you’ve seen that obviously in the preseason. So, just the more flexibility you can get, the better it is for our team. It makes us a better overall unit.” Speaking of flexibility, Telesco did reach into his old stomping grounds to claim a safety that can play cornerback in Thomas Harper. The undrafted rookie was waived by the Chargers with the team hoping to get in on the practice squad and the Raiders pounced adding him to the 5-foot-10 and 195-pound 23 year old to the 53-man roster. Former Notre Dame nickel back Thomas Harper picked up a sack in his NFL preseason debut tonight. pic.twitter.com/fcksDqWvNB — Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 11, 2024 “Yeah, I like his play style. What I saw on film was a guy with a burst, aggressiveness, kind of controlling the back end as a young player,” Pierce said of Harper. “I watched him in college. You just saw a guy each and every week get better in the preseason. And again, whatever you can do to keep building depth in every room, especially in the secondary for us, is critical. But he does have a skill set to play both safety and nickel position.” Bennett, Richardson, Holmes and potentially Harper buoy the Raiders cornerback room with Jones and Hobbs as the leaders. Richardson, a fourth-round pick from this past draft offers ideal size (6-foot-2 and 188 pounds) and speed. A better tackler than takeaway artist at this point of his career, it’ll be interesting to see how much playing time on defense the Mississippi State product carves out. But for all the intrigue and potential, there’s plenty of questions. For better or worse, those answers will come quickly for the Raiders and Raider Nation.
Bills players poised for a breakout season in 2024
Bills players poised for a breakout season in 2024 TE Dalton Kincaid Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports Kincaid was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact in his first year with Buffalo. His versatility as a receiving-tight end allowed him to line up in various positions while providing a reliable go-to target with elite hands to QB Josh Allen. His role only increased as the season went on and OC Joe Brady took the reins of play calling on offense, and with a full year under Brady, he stands to increase his contributions further. The second-year pro will have the opportunity to take on some of the workload and productivity of previous Bills such as WR Stefan Diggs and WR Cole Beasley, while carving his own niche as well. The Bills have been looking to run more two tight end sets that, along with the departure of receivers like Diggs and Gabe Davis, could see an increase as well for Kincaid and TE Dawson Knox. GM Brandon Beane has added a flush of 6’4 targets to the Bills’ passing game over the past two seasons, and the tight-end duo will represent the two biggest targets of that stature with the most experience with Brady and catching passes from Allen. WR Curtis Samuel Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports Samuel had a career year under Brady in Carolina, racking up over 1,000 all-purpose yards playing at the receiving and running back positions. And he was one of three receivers along with Robby “Chosen” Anderson and DJ Moore to put up at least 1,000 yards that season with QB Teddy Bridgewater under center, no less. Brady has made it publicly known in the press and on the field in preseason play that the plans to use Samuel in the same diverse capacity. Beane brought Samuel in on a three-year pact as the team’s biggest free agent signing this offseason to give Brady and the Bills a player with elite burst off the catch and speed on the ground who can give them their own Tyreek Hill-like weapon on offense. With Samuel reuniting with Brady he figures to be a frequent part of Buffalo’s offensive attack, which could see him become a breakout candidate. DE Greg Rousseau Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Rousseau came to Buffalo as a 2021 first-round draft pick with a lot of buzz surrounding his big frame and potential impact as a part of Buffalo’s defense. His development has seen a steady increase each season as he enters the end of his rookie contract, and his sample size of preseason play against Russell Wilson and the Steelers suggests both that 2024 might be his breakout season, as well as that it might be best for the Bills to sign him to a new deal sooner than later. LB Dorian Williams Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports Inside linebacker Matt Milano missed much of last season with an injury, and in his absence, LB Terrel Bernard emerged as a solid contributor while Williams saw rotation gameplay as well. When Williams was drafted, his speed and full range of field coverage abilities were compared to that of Milano, whom the second-year linebacker said at the time that he’s modeled his playing style after. With Milano now again set to miss at least a couple of months with an injury that could sideline him until December or all season, Williams will again have the opportunity to play in regular-season contests. That increased playing time along with his skill set could make him a breakout candidate this season. S Cole Bishop Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images While injuries to starters are never the ideal door to playing time, it is one that is open for Bishop to come in and make a difference. With veteran safety Micah Hyde’s playing future still unknown, and fellow vets Taylor Rapp and Mike Edwards also slotted into the rotation at the safety position, he’ll have competition for playing time. It’s unknown yet how much playing time the rookie will see in his first season with the Bills, but with his pro-ready skill set and speed and tackling abilities, he does figure to see the field in his first season with Buffalo and could earn his way into opportunities to make an impact.
Ultimate Fan Guide is ready to BOlieve!
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images A new era. Again. But this one feels different. For the last several years, I’ve been saying that “it’s been a long time” since Broncos Country has been rewarded with a winning season — especially the ultimate fans. It keeps getting longer and we keep getting our hopes up. Because that’s what ultimate fans do. They believe. And that last few seasons that hasn’t worked out so well. The thing is, this season definitely seems different. I still think it will be tough to get eight or nine wins with such a hard schedule and an inexperienced team, especially at the most important position. But that inexperienced QB is looking pretty darn good, the team got better overall, and the coach is enjoying himself. Plus, everyone knows Sean Payton has never won fewer than seven games in a season, and the Broncos came pretty darn close last season to a winning record and even had an outside shot at the playoffs. And that wasn’t even with Sean Payton’s guy. But now he has his guy and loves his young team, and things feel like they are falling into place. So whether that translates into wins or not this season, it has great promise in coming years. And either way, this season should be fun! We just have to BO-lieve. And I know all you ultimate fans are already doing that. So LFG!!! Bo Nix dropped back to pass 34 times this preseason, which is the equivalent of roughly one full game. – 6.1-yard average depth of target– Zero sacks– Four scrambles The Broncos produced 3 TDs, 205 yards passing, and 110 yards rushing with Nix on the field this preseason. pic.twitter.com/JD5p9eL8SW — Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 26, 2024 As usual, there are a few ground rules for this adventure. INTERACT with each other. No more lurking. No more treating this post like a junior high dance where everyone just stands by the wall and sways and sings by him/herself. Get out there and dance. And that goes MAINLY for the writers. I love having new people use this series as a jumping off point to get into the scrum, but you don’t just get to post your answers to me and then leave. YOU ARE OBLIGATED (by me) TO RESPOND to all the awesome fans that are going to give you props! BE RESPECTFUL. That shouldn’t have to be stated and it’s probably not an issue with the UFG, but given the contentious state of so much else, I’m just stating it as a warning 🙂 BE HONEST. I understand there is a certain amount of pressure from me to be “optimistic” about the team (because, yeah, I’m usually predict 17-0, but whatever). You be you. I mean if you want to be the downer and pick a loss, who am I to stop you? lol. Just kidding. All critiques welcome. Except if yours is stupid and predicts a loss. No, I’m really just kidding. Mostly. And here’s how the whole thing will work: • In the comments below, name the game/week that you’d like to “preview” (please scroll through the comments to make sure the game/week you want is still available). I will update the list throughout the process as much as I can before it’s complete! • First come, first served for the assigment! • Up to two people per game (but fill in all the games first before adding your name to a game that already has someone, please!) • Bye Week is a legit week to comment. • Expect an email from me the week of your preview with the questions. THIS ONE IS SUPER IMPORTANT…You have to check the email that is listed with your SBN account because that is where I will get in touch with you. If you don’t hear from me by Thursday (and let’s be honest, it will come at the last minute) you are more than welcome to email or DM me on twitter to remind me I am late 😉 [[email protected] or @docllv] • Once again, I’m adding some “backup QBs” in case the person signed up doesn’t respond…so sign up for that role if you don’t mind having to jump into the game mid-quarter. *And since Brahncos had to email me to remind me it was time to get this post out, he gets first dibs and chose Week 2! OK, on your mark, get set, go! Game Commenter Week 1: Broncos at Seahawks TwoPolesOneChain Week 2: Broncos v. Steelers Brahncos Week 3: Broncos at Buccaneers Week 4: Broncos at Jets NYCBronx Week 5: Broncos v. Raiders SickBoy67 Week 6: Broncos v. Chargers Week 7: Broncos at Saints on TNF jlfreck Week 8: Broncos v. Panthers joebeggs43 Week 9: Broncos at Ravens pootflute Week 10: Broncos at Chiefs WarpathU Week 11: Broncos v. Falcons BoomSauce18 Week 12: Broncos at Raiders TheOmen Week 13: Broncos v. Browns iknowftbll Week 14: BYE Week 15: Broncos v. Colts TopherDoll Week 16: Broncos at Chargers jeffrod Week 17: Broncos at Bengals TheGueroLoco Week 18: Broncos v. Chiefs DBforlife Backup QB bill2975 Backup QB Alexander Wall On to the UFG Selection via THE COMMENTS!
Bo Nix has fourth shortest odds to win NFL OROY
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images The Broncos rookie QB sits at +1,100 at FanDuel to win the award. Good morning, Broncos Country! The Bo Nix hype train is full steam ahead. And we’re seeing the shift in the odds as well. Before the first preseason game, Nix was at +2,000 to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year at FanDuel Sportsbook. Now, the Denver Broncos rookie quarterback sits at +1,100. That’s a major shift in just a few week’s time. Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is the favorite to win NFL OROY at +120. He’s followed by Jalen Daniels at +600 and Marvin Harrison Jr. at +650. Nix is followed by Drake May at +1,400 and Malik Nabers at +1,500. A lot will have to go right for Nix to win the award this season. But the way he looked and played in the preseason, as well as training camp, is why Nix was named the Broncos starter. And you know that Sean Payton has the offense that will allow Nix to put up the numbers that he would need to win the award. Some other notable odds for Denver: Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain is +10,000 to win the Defensive Player of the Year. Denver futures odds have shifted since before the first preseason game. At that point, the Broncos were +760 to make the playoffs. Now, Denver is +540. Broncos news ‘I think it just allows you to play free’: Why the Broncos believe their youth will be advantageous in Week 1 and beyondVeteran players John Franklin-Myers and Mike McGlinchey believe the energy and positivity of Denver’s younger players can fuel the team to success this season. Jonas Griffith announces he will have another ACL surgery | 9news.comDenver Broncos inside linebacker Jonas Griffith is undergoing a season-ending ACL surgery for a second consecutive year. Bronco notes: All 3 QBs to dress against SeattleBo Nix, Jarret Stidham and Zach Wilson will all dress when the Broncos open their season against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sept. 8. in week 1 of NFL. Youth served in Broncos’ running back, wide receiver corps – ESPNThey might not be quite the Baby Broncos, but Denver will have six first- or second-year skill-position players when the season opens. Brandon Aiyuk re-signing with 49ers: Broncos a main reason why Steelers didn’t land WR via trade, per report – CBSSports.comWe reportedly almost had a three-team trade in the NFL NFL news National NFL fans believe Detroit Lions have most promising future – Pride Of DetroitIn our national NFL survey, the Detroit Lions came out #1 when it comes to franchise’s future outlook. Details here: 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall ‘stable’ after attempted robbery shooting – ESPNSan Francisco 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall is in “serious but stable” condition after being shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. Which teams might pursue Dak Prescott? – NBC SportsTeams will be looking for quarterbacks in 2025, and everyone knows Dak will be available. Ravens vs. Chiefs prediction, odds, time, betting lines: 2024 NFL Kickoff Game picks from expert on 48-20 roll – CBSSports.comSportsLine’s Mike Tierney just revealed his Chiefs vs. Ravens picks for the 2024 NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday, Sept. 5 Brazil X ban ahead of NFL game sparks calls to cancelA week ahead of the first NFL game in Brazil, the country has banned X/Twitter. That’s sparked even some calls to cancel the game. NFL restricts Brady as analyst while Raiders deal is pending – ESPNBrady is not permitted to be in another team’s facility, is not permitted to witness practice and is not permitted to attend broadcast production meetings, either in person or virtually.
The ‘youth movement’ by the 2024 Broncos is loved by fans
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images It helps that this movement towards youth has been led by a promising first-round quarterback selection. Fans are bo-lieving in this team. Earlier this week, I dropped a survey about the youth movement this team has experienced heading into Week 1 compared to last year. In 2023, Denver entered Week 1 as the third oldest team in the NFL and today they are the 10th youngest. That is a rapid shift towards youth. 71% of fans are loving the move and 28% are neutral on it. Then we have a Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs fans filling out the last 2%. The movement to get younger has not gone unnoticed by the local media. In fact, veteran defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers was asked about what it means for a team to be ‘young and hungry’ in the NFL. Myers actually had a really good explanation of how a young team feels different from a more veteran-heavy one. “I think there’s a different level of physicality [and] there’s a different level of effort playing with guys who are young and hungry,” Myers explained. “What’s kind of understood is that when you first get into the league, we’re all excited. We all just want to run and hit. You see that a lot here. Guys just want to run, they want to hit and they play with extreme effort and physicality. Those are the two things [I said] in my first press conference [that] if you ask anybody about my game, that’s what they’re going to tell you I play with. So I fit right in with these guys, and [I’m] looking forward to the season.” The seven-year veteran enjoys the kind of atmosphere this young locker room has in Denver this season and he went on to say that the hunger to win is always there with him. “It’s been a while,” Myers said of winning. “I went to the Super Bowl my rookie year, and I’m in year seven now. The hunger is [there].” As a rookie, Myers was with the Los Angeles Rams when they lost to the New England Patriots. He ended up with the New York Jets every year since and that franchise has been stuck in a long rut just like the Broncos have. Hopefully that changes this season for Denver. However, if you ask most NFL fans the optimism that Denver is heading in the right direction is about 50-50. While that might seem like a bad number, its actually the 13th best rank out of all 32 teams. This survey was of all NFL fans, not just Broncos fans. Obviously, we’re about as close to 100% as we can be after two un-bo-lievable preseason games. What did you think of these results? Share in the comments section below.
Future Broncos: Denver’s 2025 NFL Draft picks and early needs analysis
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images This collegiate football season is underway which means this year’s series of Future Broncos begins. This year’s collegiate football season is underway—which means my annual series of Future Broncos is back as well. For all you Colorado locals, I’m sure you watched the Buffalos take down the North Dakota State Bison on Thursday night. That was a tough one for me being a Bison alumnus, but it was a fun game to watch. Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter sure looked pretty awesome, and I’ve got to say Hunter would be a great selection for the Broncos to bolster their offense. For my initial Future Broncos entry, I’ll take a look at what the Broncos have for selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Moreover, pontificate on some early potential needs now that the 53-man roster and practice squad has been set. Feel free to give your thoughts on what you feel are Denver’s top needs for next offseason in the comments section. The Broncos’ 2025 Slate of Draft Selections The franchise doesn’t have a full slate of selections for the 2025 NFL Draft, but the good news is that they have all their premium selections after several seasons without them. The Broncos are without their original fifth round pick which was sent to the Miami Dolphins in the Bradley Chubb trade. Additionally, they lack a pick in the seventh round due to the Albert Okwuegbunam trade to the Philadelphia Eagles but will receive their sixth-round selection from that trade. General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton are known for making a lot of trades, so it’s very likely the franchise will have more picks than what is on deck here. 1st Round Selection 2nd Round Selection 3rd Round Selection 4th Round Selection 6th Round Selection 6th Round Selection (via Philadelphia) What are the Broncos’ biggest future needs on the roster? The Broncos scratched their biggest long-term need of their list when the drafted Bo Nix with the 12th selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Pro Football Focus and several outlets ranked the franchise’s roster as one of the worst in the National Football League, I don’t think that it’s as bad as it appears. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of work to be redone to make them a formidable contender worthy of hoisting another Lombardi Trophy. My top three choices for early round draft investment are definitely focused on upgrading their trenches on both sides of the ball. Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey will be in the fold for at least this season and the 2025 campaign based on his contract structure. Though I’d argue it’s almost a certainty the team cuts ties with him after 2026 to save a gargantuan amount of cap space (over $17 million) to help retool the roster. However, if his play drastically improves, his $23 million dollar deal might not look so bad a few years down the road when other players at his position eventually reset the market. That being said, the biggest wildcard along the offensive line and perhaps the entire team is Garett Bolles’ future with the franchise. Bolles has been the team’s starting left tackle since he was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft but is in the final year of his extension. It’s entirely possible the team is able to come up with a multi-year extension to keep him in the fold and be Nix’s blindside protector, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the team decides to move on and subsequently utilizes their top selection in 2025 on a franchise caliber left tackle. LSU standout Will Campbell and Texas product Kelvin Banks Jr. are the top two names too watch, but the only shot Denver has at getting either of them is by picking in the Top 10 next April. Another player to scout this year is Arizona Wildcat Jonah Savaiinaea. He has played right guard and right tackle, but definitely has the tools and traits to be a fantastic left tackle in NFL. Top 15 Offensive Linemen in the Big 12 in 2024 3. Jonah Savaiinaea – Arizona 2. Dalton Cooper – Oklahoma State 1. Wyatt Milum – West Virginia Who should’ve made the list? Follow for more #Big12 content. pic.twitter.com/jztZRsiiZh — Week-to-Week CFB (@CFBW2W) August 26, 2024 Defensive Line The Broncos added some beef to their offensive line by trading for John Franklin-Myers during last year’s draft and signing Malcolm Roach in free agency. Zach Allen is an ascending and underrated player, but D.J. Jones is in the final year of his deal and the Broncos desperately need top-tier talent for the long haul at the position. Michigan’s Mason Graham and Kentucky’s Deone Walker are two high-profile players to watch that would certainly beef up Denver’s defensive line. Tyleik Williams of Ohio State and Graham’s teammate Kenneth Grant (Michigan) are also two players to watch that have preliminary first-round grades in my book. Edge Rusher The Broncos have a nice foursome of pass rushers in Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, and rookie Jonah Elliss. But it’s important to keep in mind both Cooper and Browning are free agents at the end of this season. There is no such thing as having too many good pass rushers and team lacks an alpha in that room as is. If the Broncos stumble in 2024, utilizing their top selection on a premier edge rusher would be a smart move. Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. is the top prospect at the group in 2025, but Georgia’s Mykel Williams might have something to say about that when it is all said and done. Don’t sleep on Nic Scourton of Texas A&M (previously with Purdue) and Abdul Carter of Penn State. They all have traits to become top-notch players at EDGE in the pros. Could Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton blossom into the state’s best defender? My full breakdown #GigEm: https://t.co/9p4lE8d0PN pic.twitter.com/rIEIrutZsQ — Carter Yates (@Carter_Yates16) August 26, 2024 Honorable
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