With OTAs and minicamp complete and training camp around the corner, it's prediction time in the NFL. Who will make the team, and who will come up short?
DNVR Sports released their Broncos' 53-man roster predictions this morning, and one fan favorite did not make the cut.
The Denver Broncos drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. Estime had a slow rookie season, but head coach Sean Payton said with more volume, he could have the opportunity to show what he's capable of in 2025.
But will he get that chance?
A big change occurred between the time Payton commented on wanting to get Estime more volume in his second season and now.
The Broncos recently signed veteran running back J.K. Dobbins, and suddenly, the position group is pretty compact. Denver already has a new, exciting rookie in RJ Harvey, who they drafted in the second round of this year's NFL Draft.
Dobbins and Harvey are expected the be the one-two punch in the Broncos' backfield in 2025, which leaves little playing time for the guys behind them.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during rookie minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during rookie minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
In DNVR's 53-man roster prediction, only three running backs made the cut: Dobbins, Harvey, and Jaleel McLaughlin.
The big question is whether the Broncos will keep three or four running backs on the roster. Will they value a fourth spot for the position, or will another position group be more valuable for that spot?
Dobbins and Harvey look like locks to make the team, and the other running back spots come down to McLaughlin, Estime, or Tyler Badie.
McLaughlin is 24 years old, with a year of experience in the NFL over Estime, and slightly more production during his two years in Denver. However, Estime is just 21 years old with plenty of upside in just his second season.
The risk the Broncos take if Estime doesn't make the 53-man roster is another team claiming him off their practice squad.
Overall, a lot will be learned in training camp, and it feels like the third and potential fourth running back spots on the roster are up for grabs. However, as of now, Estime may be on the outside looking in.