The Denver Broncos saw four of their rookie draft picks make the initial roster out of training camp, while three were waived. Two of those waivers ended up on the practice squad, while the other — fifth-round tight end Justin Joly — was claimed by Miami off waivers. We've already looked at what the impact might be for the drafted players — along with other rookies on the practice squad -- but how many have it in them to become a future starter?It's nice to see rookies make an immediate impact, but some drafted players don't take that step until their second or third year, depending on how they progress and the performance of players ahead of them on the depth chart.Let's look at the four drafted rookies who made the 53-man roster to see what their future might hold.Tyler Onyedim | DLThe Broncos' 2026 third-round pick will likely be a rotational player this season, but could he earn himself a starting job in 2027? That will depend on a couple of factors.Obviously, Onyedim's level of play will determine that, but the other factor is what happens with veterans who are ahead of him on the depth chart. The three to watch are Eyioma Uwazurike, D.J. Jones, and Malcolm Roach.Uwazurike is in a contract year, and Jones has one year left on his deal, though with a high cap number in 2027. As for Roach, Onyedim might be most similar to him, but in 2027, the door could open for Onyedim to claim a starting job depending on what happens with Uwazurike and Jones.Jonah Coleman | RB
Projecting When Each Broncos Rookie Could Crack the Starting Lineup
Some rookies will see the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
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