Denver waived Joshua Pickett, an undrafted Duke defensive back, after a preseason that showcased his versatility at corner and safety and value on special teams. Pickett appeared in 50 Duke games with 23 starts, posting 101 tackles (66 solo, 35 assisted), 2 interceptions and 16 pass deflections, with 2024 his best year at 38 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. The move signals a thin Broncos secondary where depth and special-teams play could determine if Pickett lands on the practice squad after waivers.

For fantasy managers, the takeaway is to monitor Denver’s backfield of defensive backs and the waiver-wire landscape. If Pickett clears, a practice-squad path remains a possibility; any later elevation would hinge on injuries or scheme-driven opportunities in the Broncos’ secondary rotation.

Denver inventories an ACL setback for Nick Gargiulo after a preseason collision, sidelining a seventh-round rookie who had been pushing for a swing guard/center role. Sean Payton confirmed the season-ending injury to Gargiulo, compounding Denver’s alignment questions along the interior line. Gargiulo’s absence tightens the Broncos’ path to roster decisions and creates immediate depth concerns as cuts loom.

Meanwhile, the injury report also notes others not practicing, with Mathis listed as undisclosed but deemed fine by Payton. On the brighter side, Bonitto, Greenlaw, Perry, and Pickett returned to practice. Adkins’ ankle loss signals a potential waiver-wire search for a blocking tight end/fullback, and the Broncos may lean on depth pieces or a short-term add as they finalize roster plans.

Denver’s 30-9 preseason win over San Francisco showcased a strong rookie imprint and a high-upside veteran revival. The 2025 draft class, led by RJ Harvey, flashed depth and versatility as Barron, Bryant, Jones, Robinson, Crawshaw and Lohner contributed in meaningful ways. Courtney Jackson jump-started special-teams and added two receptions, while Stidham seized the moment after relieving Bo Nix, delivering efficient accuracy and a rushing threat. Denver’s defense forced five turnovers, underscoring their ball-hawking potential even before the regular season.

Harvey’s modest carries still suggested a future committee role behind a revamped backfield, while Barron and Barron-adjacent rookies appear poised to compete for early snaps. Stidham’s 14-of-15, 136 yards and two TDs signaled a viable fallback option, with 36 rushing yards adding fantasy intrigue in mobile QB formats. Courtney Jackson’s multifaceted impact, including punt returns and a couple of catches, indicates a fresh weapon for depth charts. The defensive takeaway—five turnovers including three INTs and a fumble—gives IDP managers a glimmer of upside as the Broncos aim to convert takeaways into fantasy points this season.

Kyrese White, the rookie wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, has made a noteworthy impact on the practice field as he competes for a spot on the final roster. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 185 pounds, White transferred from the University of Utah to Utah State, where he had a breakout season, recording 44 receptions for 526 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing on special teams. His speed, with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, positions him as a potential asset for the Broncos in the depth chart.

However, White faces fierce competition from established veterans and other undrafted free agents. While he was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, his performance during the Broncos' rookie minicamp secured him a place on the 90-man offseason roster. As training camp approaches, the challenge remains to outperform both veterans and fellow competitors to earn a coveted spot on the 53-man roster, or at least a place on the practice squad.

Joshua Pickett, a rookie cornerback for the Denver Broncos, is vying for a spot on the team after a solid collegiate career at Duke. He stands 6-1 and weighs 180 pounds, boasting impressive stats from his time at Duke, including 101 tackles, two interceptions, and 16 pass deflections over 50 games. Currently wearing number 39, which he shares with wide receiver Kyrese White, Pickett faces tough competition to secure a 53-man roster spot after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2025. His prospects appear slim as several other undrafted free agents also aim for limited positions.