Broncos Trim Roster: DiNucci, Vannett, Jackson Waived

The Denver Broncos have begun their post-NFL Draft roster adjustments, waiving three players to make room for their incoming draft class and undrafted free agents. Quarterback Ben DiNucci, tight end Nick Vannett, and defensive lineman Jordan Jackson were released, signaling the team’s shift towards building its 2024 roster for Head Coach Sean Payton’s second season.

Broncos Roster Shake-Up Begins

Following a busy NFL Draft where the Broncos selected seven new players, including franchise quarterback Bo Nix, roster spots inevitably need to be cleared. These initial waiver moves are standard practice across the league as teams transition from the draft period to rookie minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs). For the Broncos, this phase is crucial for integrating new talent and assessing existing depth ahead of a pivotal season.

General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton are looking to optimize the roster for a more competitive team. Every roster spot is valuable, and these early releases indicate where the team felt it had sufficient depth or was looking to upgrade with younger, cheaper talent or recent draft capital.

Ben DiNucci: A Camp Arm Departs

Quarterback Ben DiNucci, who spent the 2023 season on the Broncos’ practice squad, was a familiar face during training camp. His waiver leaves Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix as the primary quarterbacks on the active roster, alongside Zach Wilson who was recently acquired via trade. DiNucci served as a valuable camp arm, providing competition and extra reps during practices, but his departure was largely anticipated following the selection of Nix in the first round.

This move solidifies the Broncos’ commitment to developing Nix and potentially gives Stidham a clearer path to the backup role, at least initially. It also suggests the team is confident in its current quarterback room and its plans for the newly acquired Wilson.

Nick Vannett: Veteran Tight End Moves On

Local product Nick Vannett, a Colorado State University alumnus, signed with the Broncos last October, providing veteran depth after injuries to Greg Dulcich and Albert Okwuegbunam. Vannett played in 10 games, starting two, and recorded 4 receptions for 29 yards. His release highlights the Broncos’ current depth at tight end, with several younger players vying for significant roles, alongside experienced veterans.

The tight end room currently features Greg Dulcich, Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, and new additions like former Steelers tight end Adam Manhertz. The team also signed rookie undrafted free agent Thomas Yassmin. Vannett’s departure suggests the coaching staff is ready to evaluate these options more closely, potentially looking for greater athleticism, versatility, or a more defined role for their pass-catching and blocking tight ends.

Jordan Jackson: A Former Draft Pick’s Short Stint

Defensive lineman Jordan Jackson was a sixth-round pick by the Broncos in the 2022 NFL Draft. While he didn’t make the active roster in his rookie year, he spent time on the practice squads of the Broncos and the Carolina Panthers before returning to Denver last September. His waiver indicates the Broncos are looking in a different direction for their defensive line depth, a unit that saw significant turnover and new additions this offseason.

The defensive line competition is expected to be fierce this year, especially with new faces and the emphasis on stopping the run. Jackson’s release suggests that the team is prioritizing other defensive linemen acquired through free agency or the draft. His journey through the NFL, including stints on multiple practice squads, is common for late-round picks fighting for a permanent spot.

Here’s a quick look at the players waived and their immediate impact:

Clearing Space for New Talent and What’s Next

These roster moves are crucial for integrating the Broncos’ 2024 draft class and an anticipated influx of undrafted free agents (UDFAs). Each waived player frees up a roster spot, allowing the Broncos to hit the 90-man limit before rookie minicamp, which usually takes place the week after the draft. UDFAs often provide surprising talent and can become significant contributors, making these initial roster adjustments essential for their opportunity.

Looking ahead, Denver fans should watch for the official announcement of UDFA signings, which typically happens shortly after the draft concludes. Rookie minicamp will be the first chance for the new draft picks and UDFAs to showcase their skills on the field. Following that, organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp will bring the full team together, providing early glimpses of positional battles and team chemistry.

Expect more subtle roster shuffling in the coming weeks and months as the Broncos fine-tune their squad. The competition at various positions, particularly quarterback, tight end, and defensive line, will be intense throughout the offseason and into training camp as every player vies for a spot on the final 53-man roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why were these specific players waived?
  These players were likely waived to create roster space for the Broncos’ seven draft picks and approximately 13-15 expected undrafted free agent signings. DiNucci was a camp arm, Vannett provided veteran depth in 2023 but the team has other tight end options, and Jackson was a former late-round pick who hadn’t established a permanent role.
• What does this mean for the Broncos’ overall roster strategy?
  It signifies a clear pivot towards building around their new draft class, especially quarterback Bo Nix, and evaluating younger talent across various positions. It’s the beginning of a roster optimization process for the 2024 season, emphasizing future potential.
• Will the Broncos make more roster moves soon?
  Absolutely. Teams frequently make additional adjustments as they finalize their undrafted free agent signings and continue to assess their 90-man roster leading up to training camp. Expect ongoing evaluations and potential further moves throughout the summer.
• Who are the main beneficiaries of these moves?
  The primary beneficiaries are the Broncos’ new draft picks and the incoming class of undrafted free agents, who now have clearer paths to roster spots. Internally, players like Lucas Krull or other depth tight ends might see increased opportunities with Vannett’s departure.
• What’s next for Ben DiNucci, Nick Vannett, and Jordan Jackson?
  They will now be free agents and can sign with any other NFL team. DiNucci and Jackson, as younger players, might look for practice squad opportunities elsewhere, while veteran Vannett will seek a team needing tight end depth, hoping to land on a roster before the season starts.

For Denver fans, these moves mark the unofficial start of the 2024 season’s competitive phase. Keep an eye on rookie minicamp reports and UDFA signings, as the foundation for the next Broncos squad is already being laid.

Broncos Begin Post Draft Roster Cuts