Broncos begin trimming their roster down to 53 players by making 15 roster moves

The Broncos started the day with 80 players on their roster and now it appears that they will end the night with 65 players currently on the roster. A total of 15 players have been reportedly waived by the Broncos tonight as they have to get to 53 players by 2 pm Mile High time on Tuesday

Here are the 15 total players who have been waived by the Broncos so far.

• DL Isaiah Mack
• CB Savion Smith
• Rookie OT Drew Himmelman
• Rookie TE Shaun Beyer
• WR/QB Kendall Hinton
• Rookie FB Adam Prentice
• OL Austin Schlottmann
• Rookie ILB Curtis Robinson
• Rookie WR Seth Williams
• TE Austin Fort
• RB Stevie Scott III
• WR Tyrie Cleveland
• Rookie CB Mac McCain
• OLB Derek Tuszka

The biggest names of this group are at the wide receiver position. First, rookie wide receiver Seth Williams being among the cuts was the biggest surprise thus far. While the big receiver didn’t light it up this offseason/preseason, many assumed the sixth-round pick who has developmental qualities to his game would crack the 53-man roster. That wasn’t the case and now the team is hoping he will clear waivers and join the 16-man practice squad.

Kendall Hinton, who became a fan favorite after he started at quarterback last season because of the Covid-19 guidelines was also among the cuts. He is a great story but that story doesn’t include him making the opening day roster. He does seem like an obvious practice squad player as well.

Second-year wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland wasn’t a surprise cut at all. He struggled with drops, had an injury, and just didn’t look very good when given the chance. I think he’s the least likely candidate of this group to remain with them moving forward.

These three wide receiver moves likely lock in Trinity Benson and returner Diontae Spencer into the 53-man roster unless something surprising happens.

After that, versatile offensive lineman reserve Austin Schlottmann was probably the next biggest “surprise”. He had a rough game against the Rams in the Broncos preseason finale, but his center versatility potentially gave him an edge. However, the emergence of Netane Muti and the addition of Quinn Meinerz made him expendable. I think he’s a strong practice squad candidate as well if he is able to clear waivers.

Quarterback Brett Rypien was among those waived as well. He had a rough preseason and didn’t do nearly enough to make the team. There’s a slight chance he could be claimed, but if he goes unclaimed, he probably joins the Broncos 16-man practice squad.

The other practice squad candidates among the cuts are rookie ILB Curtis Robinson, rookie CB Mac McCain III, rookie FB Adam Prentice, OLB Derek Tuszka, rookie OT Drew Himmelman and rookie tight end, Shaun Beyer. All must clear waivers first, but I don’t foresee that being an issue for any of these UDFA rookies.