Broncos Add Two Tryout Players to Offseason Roster Amid Minicamp Evaluations

The Denver Broncos signed offensive tackle Reid Holskey and cornerback Blake Cotton to the 90-player offseason roster after they impressed as tryout players during the team's recent mandatory minicamp. To make room, the Broncos waived guard Nash Jones and undrafted rookie cornerback Amari Harvey. The transactions were reported by 9NEWS Denver and corroborated by multiple outlets.

Broncos sign OL Reid Holskey and DB Blake CottonSports IllustratedHeavySports Illustrated

Denver’s six-week “NFL desert” period after mandatory minicamp is used to evaluate undrafted talent and free-agent prospects. The Broncos have added players who performed well in non-contact drills, aiming to deepen the practice-squad pool before training camp opens in late July.

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Both signings add depth but do not threaten established starters. Analysts expect Holskey and Cotton to fight for practice-squad positions rather than immediate 53-man roster spots, given the presence of entrenched veterans and other young prospects.

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The Broncos’ transaction log confirms the signings of Holskey and Cotton and the corresponding waivers of Jones and Harvey. While the organization has not issued detailed comments, the moves align with its stated goal of “giving longshot players a chance to live out their NFL dream” and expanding the talent pool for upcoming training camp.

Broncos sign OL Reid Holskey and DB Blake Cotton

Scouting assessments note that Cotton’s lack of interceptions and modest ball production in Power-four tape “places a hard ceiling on his projection.” Holskey is described as a “tryout-caliber player” whose best-case path involves earning a camp invite through size and physicality rather than proven NFL performance.

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• “Holskey has been a familiar name along the RedHawks line over the last four seasons, starting all 54 contests at the right tackle position,” — Scouting Report

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• “Holskey was named to all-MAC teams in 2023 (second-team) and 2024 (first-team), and helped pave the way for Miami’s run-based offense, which graduated two 1,000+ yard rushers over the last two seasons.” — Scouting Report

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• “Cotton's 6-2 frame and willingness to play press man are his calling cards, and he held up reasonably well in Morgan Scalley's man-heavy scheme — but one year of Power 4 tape with no interceptions and modest ball production doesn't give NFL teams much to hang their hat on.” — Scouting Report

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• “The lack of turnovers, combined with an FCS pedigree and limited starting experience at the Power level, places a hard ceiling on his projection.” — Scouting Report

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Holskey and Cotton will participate in organized team activities and the upcoming training camp, where they must demonstrate readiness in full-contact drills. Their performance will determine whether they secure practice-squad positions or are released before the regular-season roster deadline.

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