Here are the 53 players on the 2025 Broncos' initial active roster, from Jonathon Cooper to Zach Allen.
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) runs off the line during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (1) runs with the ball after a reception during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) warms up before the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos placekicker Wil Lutz (3) prepares for a field goal during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. (5) makes a catch during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) tackles New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) to stop the Saints on fourth down during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) throws a pass during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga (9) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) drops back to pass during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) catches a pass in the end zone for his second touchdown during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gavin Liddell / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron (12) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) runs with the ball on a reception during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) celebrates a first down after a long reception during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos punter Jeremy Crawshaw (16) punts the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) runs with the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety Devon Key (26) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (27) smiles as he warms up before the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (28) runs with the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) tackles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (31) defendsArizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos safety JL Skinner (34) during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (37) runs with the ball during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) reacts after a big play during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) celebrates after a tackle during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gavin Liddell / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Nate Adkins (45) reacts after catching a touchdown pass during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2024. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Karene Reid (47) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos long snapper Mitchell Fraboni (48) warms up before the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Que Robinson (51) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) pressures San Francisco 49ers quarterback Carter Bradley (14) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos center Alex Forsyth (54) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) warms up before the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos center Luke Wattenberg (60) waits to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (63) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (69) blocks during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) blocks during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Frank Crum (73) blocks during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos guard Ben Powers (74) blocks during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz (77) blocks during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Matt Peart (79) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman (82) makes a catch during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos tight end Lucas Krull (85) catches a touchdown pass during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman (92) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) in action during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Jordan Jackson (94) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Sai'vion Jones (95) during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (96) during the Broncos' preseason Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) smiles during the Broncos' preseason Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 23, 2025. Photo by Ben Swanson / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (98) reacts after a sack during the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen (99) in the tunnel for player introductions before the Broncos' preseason Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on August 9, 2025. Photo by Gabriel Christus / Denver Broncos
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The initial 53 is set.
Following a series of roster moves, the Broncos have their initial 53-man roster in place for the 2025 season.
The initial 53-man roster features 24 players on offense, 26 on defense and three specialists. Six of Denver's seven 2025 draft picks made the roster, and the Broncos' rich tradition of undrafted rookies making the initial 53 also continued. In 21 of the last 22 seasons, at least one undrafted rookie has made the Broncos' initial 53-man roster.
The roster, of course, remains the initial iteration. Following a slew of activity around the league, the Broncos are now able to submit waiver claims and then build their practice squad.
Before any additional moves, however, we're taking a position-by-position look at Denver's 2025 initial 53-man roster.
Note: Players are listed in alphabetical order by position group.
OFFENSE (24):
Quarterback (2): Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham
A year after keeping three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster, the Broncos opted for two in 2025. Sam Ehlinger also competed with the group during training camp and the preseason. Head Coach Sean Payton said Tuesday Ehlinger is "a guy we want back." As a vested veteran, Ehlinger is not required to pass through waivers.
Running back (4): Tyler Badie, J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin
After a lengthy competition, the Broncos' running back room settled out with four players making the initial 53. Badie rushed 13 times for 60 yards in the preseason while also adding eight catches for 56 yards. McLaughlin, who did not play on Saturday, rushed six times for 53 yards in the preseason — good for an 8.8-yard average that led all Broncos running backs. McLaughlin is also the only player in the position group who also was on the Broncos' initial 53-man roster in 2024.
"There's also a credit to Badie's experience, but also his versatility," Payton said. "Clearly, when you add and have the ability to sign a [J.K.] Dobbins and draft a [RJ] Harvey, that room changed immediately and the competition changed immediately."
Fullback Michael Burton was placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his hamstring and will miss the 2025 season, according to Payton.
Wide receiver (5): Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Trent Sherfield Sr., Courtland Sutton
Following last week's trade of Devaughn Vele, the Broncos kept five wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster. Third-round pick Pat Bryant and veteran Trent Sherfield Sr. are the two new additions to the returning trio from a year ago.
Tight end (4): Nate Adkins, Evan Engram, Lucas Krull, Adam Trautman
While Payton said last week that Adkins may not be ready to play Week 1, he said Adkins should be ready to return from an ankle injury sooner than a short-term injured reserve stint would allow. Krull caught three passes for 49 yards — including a 27-yarder — in his final preseason action of the summer.
Offensive line (9): Garett Bolles, Frank Crum, Alex Forsyth, Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz, Alex Palczewski, Matt Peart, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg
Denver's offensive line group features the same combination as 2024's initial 53-man roster, making it the Broncos' only position group without some change.
DEFENSE (26):
Defensive line (7): Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Jordan Jackson, D.J. Jones, Sai'vion Jones, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike
The Broncos have plenty of talent along their defensive front, and that was evident in the team's decision to keep seven defensive linemen. Denver has not kept seven defensive linemen on its initial 53-man roster since 2016.
"It's easy to say, 'Here's the league averages on defense with an odd front,'" Payton said. "Even with the practice squad, we have to value the player over the quota. ... We like certain numbers, and yet talent still trumps it."
Outside linebacker (5): Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, Dondrea Tillman
Tillman earned a spot on the 2025 initial 53-man roster after starting last season on the practice squad. Rookie Que Robinson finished his preseason with a big play, as he forced a fumble against the Saints on Saturday.
Inside linebacker (4): Dre Greenlaw, Karene Reid, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad
Karene Reid becomes the Broncos' lone undrafted rookie to make the initial 53, continuing the aforementioned tradition in Denver. Reid recorded eight tackles, a tackle for loss, an interception, a pass defensed, a quarterback hit and a fumble recovery in preseason action.
"Man, we saw a draftable player," Payton said of Reid.
Cornerback (5): Kris Abrams-Draine, Jahdae Barron, Ja'Quan McMillian, Riley Moss, Pat Surtain II
The Broncos opted to keep just five cornerbacks, with first-round pick Jahdae Barron representing the only new addition.
Safety (5): Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, Devon Key, P.J. Locke, JL Skinner
For the second consecutive year, the Broncos have kept five safeties on their initial 53-man roster. Veteran Sam Franklin Jr. also competed for a spot and was among the players the team released.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3):
Kicker: Wil Lutz
Punter: Jeremy Crawshaw
Long snapper: Mitchell Fraboni
The Broncos have had one player at each of the above positions since before the start of training camp, and there were no surprises on Tuesday with this group.
"We are going to be happy with him and his ability," Payton said of Crawshaw.
