After a solid career at Wyoming, Frank Crum entered the 2024 NFL Draft with the hopes of being drafted sometime on Day 3. Unfortunately, all 7 rounds of the draft were completed without Crum’s name being called. However, soon after the draft, he would agree to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos, hoping to make their 53-man roster.
Crum would enter the league with excellent size and athleticism, giving the Broncos a developmental prospect with a high ceiling. What helped Crum out even more was that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was already a huge Frank Crum fan. Payton has routinely talked up Crum and even kept him on the 53-man roster during his rookie season to simply keep him from hitting the waiver wire. He told reporters last season that Crum is “extremely athletic” and can move his feet really well.
“He’s extremely athletic. It’s always harder on the big guys because we’re not in pads. He can move his feet really well. Again, he’s a young player who when you go through these installations and for him, it’s his fourth or fifth time now. You’re able to play a little faster.”
Crum didn’t play much his rookie season with the Broncos, and while he didn’t play a ton in year two, he did see his role grow a little bit. He appeared in 11 regular-season games for the Broncos and played a total of 65 offensive snaps and 83 special teams snaps. However, his biggest contributions came in the Broncos’ thrilling victory in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, where he would catch a tackle-eligible touchdown and show off that athleticism.
Now, in year three with the Broncos, Crum will look to compete for the team’s swing tackle role and continue to see his role as a reserve player grow. He will be competing with veteran tackle Matt Peart, who was the Broncos’ swing tackle last season, as well as undrafted rookie Tyler Miller, potentially undrafted rookie Gavin Ortega (probably an interior guy), and potentially even 4th-round rookie Kage Casey, who played left tackle in college. The Broncos have several reserve offensive linemen who can play multiple positions, so it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
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Player Profile
Frank Crum | Offensive Tackle | Denver Broncos
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Experience: 3rd NFL season
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2025 stats: Appeared in 11 regular-season games for the Broncos and played a total of 65 offensive snaps and 83 special teams snaps. Caught a touchdown pass in the Broncos’ OT victory over the Bills in the playoffs.
Frank Crum’s 2026 outlook on the Denver Broncos
While I wouldn’t label Crum as a lock to make the 53-man roster, I believe he is pretty damn close to being one. He has earned praise from head coach Sean Payton multiple times throughout his career and seems to be a favorite of former offensive line coach and current run game coordinator/assistant head coach Zach Strief. Crum has been a developmental player for them over these past two seasons, and I would be surprised if they gave up on him in year three.
With that said, I believe Crum is competing for a roster spot with veteran Matt Peart. I say this because the Broncos re-signed reserve offensive lineman Alex Palczewski to a new deal this offseason, drafted Kage Casey in the 4th round, and Alex Forsyth is the backup center. Palcho and Casey have tackle versatility, so they could pop outside if needed; that would leave the 4th and final reserve spot to Crum or Peart. Injuries and a potential move of veteran Ben Powers could change the picture some, but for now, that is how I see it playing out.
It should be noted that Peart took a $1.5 million dollar pay cut to remain with the team this offseason, so that could factor into this decision as well.
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Here is how I could see the Broncos’ offensive line depth chart looking in Week 1.
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LT: Bolles – Crum/Peart
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C: Wattenberg – Forsyth
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RT: McGlinchey – Palcho?
The versatility of Casey at LT and Palczewski at RT and LG make it interesting, but I believe these will be the main players. Again, a potential move of Ben Powers would change drastically, but we have to see if that is in the cards or not.
At the end of the day, I believe Crum’s role will be similar to the one he had last season, but maybe with an uptick in playing time. However, the versatility of Kasey and Palcho could cloud his exact role on the team since either of those two could be the swing tackle while also being the primary backup at the guard positions.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos’ offensive line depth has come a long way over these past three years under Sean Payton. When he took over the team in 2024, the offensive line was an absolute mess, and the depth was not great, and a revolving door every year it seemed. Now, they have a consistent five starting each and every week and have multiple key reserve players who have played significant snaps and done well when needed.
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Crum is one of them, and I believe we will see his role continue to grow this upcoming season. I wouldn’t be shocked if we see him have some snaps at RT during camp and the preseason and really push for that swing role. Again, Palcho and Casey figure to factor into that as well due to their versatility, but it is a nice problem to have.
If I had to take a guess, I would say Frank Crum will be on the Broncos’ 53-man roster come Week 1.
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