The Denver Broncos have been subject to plenty of change in the 2019 offseason. Their groups of quarterbacks once led by Case Keenum have been replaced by Joe Flacco and rookie Drew Lock. Outside of the quarterback position, the team dropped players including Brandon Marshall and Darian Stewart for Kareem Jackson, Bryce Callahan, and Ju'Waun James.
The Broncos' change doesn't end at quarterback or veterans. In the draft, the team gave their new shot callers weapons and protection. The additions of Noah Fant, Dalton Risner, Connor McGovern, and Juwann Winfree could prove to be fruitful. But, with additions comes subtractions, and these three players are the most likely to be the latter.
3. Jake Butt – Tight End
Jake Butt is a talented receiving tight end. Coming out of Michigan in 2017, many thought he'd be a first or second rounder. But, an ACL tear halted those talks, as he slipped to the Broncos in the fifth round. So far, Butt hasn't shown that he's worth that selection. Since landing in Denver, he's suffered a second and third ACL tear.
The addition of Noah Fant should paint a clear picture for Butt. As it currently stands, he's the third tight end behind Fant and Jeff Huerman. Although the Michigan product is talented, his three games played in two seasons could spell doom for his time in the mountains. Butt should be competing against Troy Fumagalli for the third tight end spot.
2. De'Vante Bausby – Cornerback
After a successful stint for the AAF's San Antonio Commanders, cornerback De'Vante Bausby saw his once lowly NFL stock rise. He proved to be a ball-hawk in the now-defunct league as he led the entire AAF in interceptions. But, he has an uphill battle to make the roster. That notion becomes truer when you account for Broncos' head coach Vic Fangio telling him to “pick it up” in OTA's.
At 26 years old, Bausby has room to grow. But, he's also on his fifth NFL team since 2015. In the AAF, he showed that growth, but his struggles were even apparent against minor league talent. As it currently stands, Bausby will need to turn heads to earn a roster spot amongst a competent squad of cornerbacks.
1. Devontae Booker – Running Back
Many called for Devontae Booker's release after the outstanding preseasons by Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman in 2018. Now, nine months later, those same calls can be heard. Though Freeman didn't have the season many expected him to, UDFA Lindsay shocked the NFL world en-route to a Pro Bowl birth. Because Lindsay impressed, and Freeman has the potential to be a true bell-cow, it's hard to find a spot for Booker on the Broncos.
Booker is a solid third-down back. For the past two seasons, he's tallied 275 receiving yards. But, outside of receiving, the Utah product has proved that he can bring more to the table. But Lindsay and Freeman can.
As it currently stands, one of Lindsay or Freeman will be the primary back (probably Lindsay), but the former will likely see a lot of snaps in receiving situations or on third-downs. This makes Booker expendable, but perhaps not in a cut. Several NFL teams are looking for a third-down back and Booker brings just that. If the Broncos part ways with him, expect it to be a trade.
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