Denver's 53-man cutoff looms after a brisk preseason, with four thorny decisions shaping the Broncos’ path into the season. Engram and Trautman are locks at tight end, while Lucas Krull vs Caleb Lohner could decide the fourth spot. Eyioma Uwazurike vs Jordan Jackson battles for a sixth defensive lineman role, and a five-wide receiver group (Sutton, Franklin, Mims, Bryant, Sherfield) leaves undrafted Courtney Jackson or Joaquin Davis on the bubble. The running back picture remains fluid behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, with Tyler Badie pushing for a roster spot and Audric Estime seemingly on the edge. The final call between Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson could determine the last few spots.

Paton and Payton must balance upside with immediate contribution, leveraging depth, special-teams value and rotational versatility to minimize waivers losses. The result will hinge on development versus immediate impact, and Denver’s ability to optimize a very full roster while preserving flexibility for Week 1 and beyond.