As the Denver Broncos gear up for training camp this Friday, the focus will shift towards crafting their 53-man roster. Roster construction in the NFL often demands innovation, compelling teams to make tough decisions about players they’d prefer to keep. Last season, the Broncos opted to carry three quarterbacks on their final roster, and this year, the expectation is to maintain four running backs. Achieving this, however, may require some strategic cuts at other positions.
In a notable move last season, the Broncos released fullback Michael Burton, only to bring him back on the practice squad after he cleared waivers. He was later promoted to the main roster, contributing in all 17 regular-season games. Currently, the team also has Nate Adkins on the roster. Adkins, while classified as a tight end, possesses a physique akin to that of a fullback and is capable of filling the fullback or H-back role effectively.
Adkins is not only a proficient receiver but also showcases solid blocking skills, making him a valuable asset on special teams. Though he went undrafted in 2023, he is entering his third year in the league and finished last season with 14 receptions, impressively scoring three touchdowns.
Adkins vs. Burton
Head coach Sean Payton is aiming for a rugged, run-first offense, but retaining both Burton and Adkins could be counterproductive. Adkins is still developing after a subdued rookie season, yet he is poised to take over Burton’s role. Additionally, his presence could bolster the tight end position, which lacks depth behind Evan Engram.
If the Broncos are to successfully carry four running backs, they may need to make a decisive choice between Burton and Adkins. The ability to optimize the roster hinges on this decision, as keeping both players could restrict the team’s options moving forward.
As training camp approaches, the Broncos face a pivotal moment in roster management. Balancing the needs of the offense with the overall depth of the team will be crucial as they aim to finalize their lineup for the upcoming season.
