Three Broncos Who Have the Most to Gain This Preseason

For many NFL veterans, the preseason is simply an opportunity to get a few snaps before the games begin to count. For others, it represents a chance to reshape expectations entering the regular season.

A strong August can earn more playing time, strengthen a coaching staff’s trust, or improve long-term career prospects. However, the preseason is not just about preparing for Week 1 – it’s an opportunity for players to change their trajectory and create momentum heading into the regular season. While several Denver Broncos players will enter the preseason looking to make an impression, these three have the most to gain over heading into the 2026 season:

3. Red Murdock

Being selected with the final pick in the NFL Draft comes with plenty of attention, but it guarantees nothing. As this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” Red Murdock enters training camp with an opportunity to prove he belongs on Denver’s 53-man roster. Few Broncos have more to gain from a strong preseason than the rookie linebacker.

Murdock arrives in Denver after one of the most productive collegiate careers of any linebacker in this year’s draft class. He recorded 142 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and six forced fumbles during the 2025 season. Even more impressively, he forced an NCAA-record 17 fumbles over the course of his college career, showcasing a rare ability to create game-changing plays.

Despite those accomplishments, seventh-round picks are rarely guaranteed roster spots. Murdock’s quickest path to securing one will likely come on special teams, where physicality, effort, and instincts often separate young players from the rest of the field. A standout preseason on special teams could be all it takes to transform Murdock from “Mr. Irrelevant” into a Week 1 roster lock.

There is also a realistic opportunity for Murdock to carve out a defensive role. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are expected to open the season as the Broncos’ starting inside linebackers, but the competition for the primary backup role remains unsettled. Murdock’s downhill playing style and success against the run make him a natural fit behind Singleton, giving him a legitimate chance to climb the depth chart with a strong August.

If Murdock takes advantage of his preseason opportunities, he could accomplish much more than simply making the roster. A standout August could establish him as one of Denver’s core special teams contributors while positioning him as the Broncos’ top backup inside linebacker entering Week 1. For the final pick in the draft, that would represent an outstanding start to his NFL career.

2. Jonah Coleman

Few players have a better opportunity to climb up Denver’s depth chart this preseason than rookie running back Jonah Coleman. While J.K. Dobbins is expected to enter the season as the Broncos’ lead back, Coleman has the talent to force his way into Denver’s rotation.

Coleman enters the NFL after an impressive collegiate career that showcased his ability as both a runner and receiver. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry across four collegiate seasons, rushed for 15 touchdowns in 2025, and consistently displayed the physical running style that made him one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft.

Beyond his production, Coleman’s reliability stands out. He fumbled just once on 672 career touches and recorded only one drop on 123 career targets, demonstrating the ball security and dependability that coaches value from young players.

The preseason will provide Coleman his first opportunity to prove his college success can translate to the NFL. If he runs with the same efficiency he displayed in college while continuing to show he can contribute in passing situations, the Broncos may have difficulty keeping him in a limited role.

A strong preseason could allow Coleman to earn meaningful touches much earlier than expected. If he looks like the same dependable playmaker he was in college, Denver may have no choice but to find ways to get him involved in the offense.

1. Jarrett Stidham

No Broncos player has more to gain this preseason than Jarrett Stidham. Although he enters training camp as Denver’s projected backup quarterback, his grip on the role is not as secure as it may appear.

Sam Ehlinger provides legitimate competition, but Stidham’s biggest challenge may be changing the perception of his last meaningful performance. After Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in the Broncos’ Divisional Round victory over Buffalo, Stidham was forced into action for the 2025 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

Stidham led one impressive touchdown drive in that game, but two costly turnovers ultimately contributed to Denver’s 10-7 loss. That performance raised questions about whether the Broncos could confidently rely on him if Nix were unavailable during the regular season.

However, Stidham has already shown the ability to perform during the preseason. In two preseason games in 2025, he completed 30 of 38 passes for 376 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions while consistently displaying efficiency and command of the offense.

If Stidham produces similar numbers in the 2026 preseason – especially if he does so against opposing starters – Denver’s coaching staff will have an easier time viewing the 2025 AFC Championship Game as an isolated setback. A strong August would not only solidify his backup role but also reinforce confidence that he can keep the offense competitive if called upon.