Broncos’ hardest projected roster cut on offense and defense

As the Denver Broncos prepare for their second preseason game this Friday night at home against the Green Bay Packers, the realization that several players will soon be released in an effort to get down to a 53-player roster is starting to sink in.

The team will have some difficult cuts to make within a talent-laden roster as it tries to find the right combination of players capable of reaching and winning Super Bowl LXI.

Many things can still take place over the course of the next two preseason games as players jockey for spots on the roster, but which cuts are going to be the most difficult to make? Taking a look at the team’s most difficult decisions, we will select one player from each side of the ball and project that they won’t make this year’s team. However, letting them go will not be an easy choice to make.

‘ most difficult projected roster cuts

Jaleel McLaughlin is a hard-working running back who provides a great spark off the bench. He won’t be cut because of a lack of ability, but rather, he’ll likely be a victim of the numbers game.

The Broncos have J.K. Dobbins, who was re-signed on a two-year deal this offseason. That was a somewhat surprising move made by the team, which also used a fourth-round selection on Washington’s Jonah Coleman. Along with RJ Harvey, the team has its present and future at the running back position.

McLaughlin scored a touchdown in the preseason victory over Atlanta last week and is one of those players who just does what is asked of him. However, he’s not great in pass protection and he doesn’t play special teams, two factors that caused him to lose snaps to Tyler Badie in 2025. He also lost a fumble in the win over the Falcons, which won’t do him any favors, either.

It will be a tough move to make, but it’s hard to see McLaughlin making this year’s team.

Like McLaughlin, Drew Sanders flashed against the Falcons with a sack, but he has a big hill to climb after missing a big chunk of his career due to injuries. The former third-round pick has never been able to show much on the field as a result.

He is a player who would likely get snatched up quickly by another team due to his draft status and untapped potential, but as the Broncos are trying to win a Super Bowl, there may not be room for players who can’t be counted on regularly.

Sanders could wind up turning his career around, but do the Broncos have the patience for that right now? In addition, the team has a good group at outside linebacker with Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman and Que Robinson all likely to make the team, leaving Sanders on the wrong side of a burst bubble.

Sanders would likely be scooped up off the waiver wire if cut, but his time in Denver could be coming to an end.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos’ hardest projected roster cut on offense and defense