Can Johnny Walker Jr. earn a spot on the Broncos’ final 53-man roster?
Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. (15) celebrates after a sack against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images | Butch Dill-Imagn ImagesThe Denver Broncos set a franchise record again and led the National Football League with 68 sacks in 2025. That total was five more than their previous record-breaking season in 2024. The Broncos' ability to get after opposing quarterbacks has been a primary reason for the defense's significant turnaround the past few seasons.
This year, the Broncos are bringing back virtually every defensive lineman and edge rusher from last season. The major exception being defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. With such continuity, the franchise's defensive front seven is strong and poised to make an impact once more.
With that in mind, it'll be tough for fringe roster players to have a shot at cracking the final 53-man roster. One of those vying for a spot is first-year player Johnny Walker Jr. Walker, who played at Mizzou, was one of the big name undrafted free agent signings from the Broncos after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Out of any player they signed that cycle, he received the largest signing bonus of them all, showing the coaches believe in his potential. But with a loaded group of edge rushers, what are the odds he earns a spot on the roster this season? Let's discuss.
Player ProfileMissouri EDGE Johnny Walker Jr isn't getting a ton of buzz right now, but I like the tools he has. Uses his 33-inch arms with power in this rep where the T tries to pull him down, but he keeps his balance and runs the arc for the strip-sack pic.twitter.com/7SYdMRsgwN
- Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) March 26, 2025
Age:24 |Experience:First Year |College:Mizzou | Height:6'2" |Weight:246 pounds
Arm Length: 33" | Hand Size: 10" | Bench Press:21 reps | Broad: 10'0" | Vertical:26 inches
10-Yard Split:1.72 seconds |40-yard dash:4.82 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.69 seconds
Johnny Walker Jr.'s 2026 outlook with the BroncosThe Broncos seemingly already have their top four at edge rusher with Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, and Que Robinson. However, there may be an opening and opportunity for Walker to make the final 53-man roster. Last season, they opted to keep five edge rushers. I'd expect them to do the same in 26.
Veteran edge rusher Jonathon Cooper is the wildcard at the position group. Given the recent off the field issues, his future with the franchise is uncertain. Even if the Broncos opt to keep him, Cooper will miss at least six games due to violation of the league's domestic abuse policy.
That means another player will have to step up and earn some snaps-primarily on special teams. Walker figures to be one of the front runners to do so. His physical traits and ascending pass rushing talent are noteworthy. In his final two seasons with the Tigers, he combined for 22 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He will have to impress during training camp and preseason in order to win a spot, but I believe he has the ability to do so.
Final ThoughtsBonitto, Elliss, Tillman, and Robinson will be the top four at the position barring any unforeseen circumstances. Walker was thought highly of by the Broncos' coaching staff and earned the most signing bonus money of any UDFA in 25-that leads me to believe they think he has a lot of untapped potential.
With that in mind, and the fact you can never have enough pass rushers, I believe Walker has a decent shot at making the final 53-man roster-especially if the situation with Cooper worsens. If he doesn't make the team outright, the former Mizzou standout seems like a sure-fire bet to be on Denver's 16-man practice squad for the upcoming season.