
35 locks for Broncos' 53-man roster
If this projection is accurate and these 35 players are safe, that leaves 18 spots up for grabs going into training camp. Of course, few NFL players are truly ever "locks," but these players seem about as safe as you can get.
Three quick notes: fullback Michael Burton could be cut from the active roster and signed to the practice squad, just like he was last year. Linebacker Drew Sanders will likely make the initial 53-man roster and then get moved to injured reserve. Fellow linebacker Alex Singleton does not make our lock list. He's likely to make the team, but he'll turn 32 this season and is coming off a torn ACL and carries a large cap hit.
Broncos locks for 53-man roster
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