Broncos' most surprising player still faces long odds to make 53-man roster

The Denver Broncos have a huge hole to fill on the defensive line before the 2026 season following the departure of John Franklin-Myers, who left in free agency. 

The Broncos will have several players challenge for that role. The names of Sai'vion Jones, Eyioma Uwazurike and third-round pick Tyler Onyedim have been talked about this offseason. However, the name of Matt Henningsen has hardly been heard. 

That was, until Jeff Legwold of ESPN threw him a bone this week. Discussing the most surprising player on the Broncos' roster this offseason.

"It's going to be difficult for Henningsen to earn a roster spot when training camp breaks this summer, but the sixth-round pick from the 2022 draft has flashed repeatedly in offseason work. That included a pass he tipped to himself for an interception in an 11-on-11 period in a minicamp practice and a return that would have been a touchdown. Henningsen suffered a torn Achilles in a joint practice with the 49ers in August and spent the season on injured reserve. If the Broncos keep five or six defensive linemen when the roster is cut to 53 in the preseason, it makes it a tight fit for him, but he has done his part so far", said Legwold.

Head coach Sean Payton said during minicamp: "He does a great job of seeing those screens or underneath throws. He's doing really well. He's exceptionally smart.''

Can Matt Henningsen crack Broncos' 53-man roster?

Henningsen having his name pointed out by Payton early this offseason is big for him, as the recovery from his season-ending injury puts him being the 8-ball to begin camp next month. 

Defensive play of the day during mandatory minicamp: Matt Henningsen with a pick six. He tipped the ball to himself, caught it and took off to the end zone. Defense went CRAZY.

The Broncos' likely starters on the defensive line are going to be Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and Malcolm Roach. That means Henningsen likely needs to take a job away from one of the aforementioned players (Jones, Uwazurike or Onyedim) if his tenure in Denver is going to continue. 

It's highly unlikely that the team would move on from Jones already and Onyedim is a lock to make the roster, so Henningsen's only path to the 53-man roster could be to outperform Uwazurike while also fending off the likes of Jordan Jackson and Jordan Miller, who are also on the roster. 

HOT READ: After going undrafted, this player is considered Broncos' most important contract extension

A sixth-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2022, Henningsen has registered 40 tackles and one sack in his four-year career. 

More Broncos Content

Broncos' wild card players at each position group ahead of 2026 season

Broncos final offseason move should be extending 28-year-old safety, says ESPN

5 Broncos veterans who won't be guaranteed a spot on team's final roster

Bo Nix 1 of 5 quarterbacks seen as longshot NFL MVP candidates