Marques Cox Joins Practice Squad of the Denver Broncos

Marques Cox’s signing to the Denver Broncos’ practice squad is a strategic move that highlights the franchise’s focus on building offensive line depth—a priority for head coach Sean Payton, who views trench stability as critical to his run-heavy scheme. Cox, a 25-year-old offensive tackle/guard with two years of NFL practice squad experience, brings versatility and developmental upside to a Broncos unit looking to shore up backups behind their starting five. For Cox, the opportunity represents a chance to learn from a Super Bowl-winning coaching staff and compete for a future active roster spot, while the Broncos gain a young player who can step in during injuries or gameday elevations. Marques Cox Joins Practice Squad of the Denver Broncos thus explores how this signing benefits both parties, underscoring the often-overlooked value of practice squads in NFL roster construction.

Cox’s journey to the Broncos’ practice squad is defined by resilience and adaptability—traits that have helped him carve out a niche in the NFL despite going undrafted in 2023. A standout at Old Dominion University, Cox started 42 games at left tackle, earning All-Conference USA honors twice and developing a reputation for his technical precision and ability to mirror edge rushers. After going undrafted, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in 2023, where he spent the season learning from veteran tackle Ronnie Stanley and adjusting to NFL-level speed. In 2024, he joined the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad, shifting to guard to fill a team need and showcasing his versatility by playing both left and right guard in scout team drills. “I’ve never been afraid to move positions or put in the work,” Cox said in a post-signing interview. “Every practice squad stop has taught me something new, and I’m ready to bring that to Denver.” His ability to play multiple spots makes him particularly valuable to the Broncos, who lost backup tackle Cam Fleming to injury in training camp and needed a flexible lineman to fill the gap. Marques Cox Joins Practice Squad of the Denver Broncos thus frames his background as a perfect fit for the Broncos’ need for depth and versatility.

The Broncos’ decision to target Cox aligns with their practice squad strategy: signing young players who can contribute immediately in scout team roles while developing skills for long-term use. For Payton’s offense, practice squad linemen like Cox play a critical role in preparing the first-team defense—mimicking opponents’ schemes and techniques to help the Broncos’ pass rushers and linebackers get reps against realistic looks. For example, if the Broncos are facing a team with a mobile quarterback, Cox might line up at tackle in scout team drills to simulate the opponent’s blocking scheme, forcing edge rushers like Nik Bonitto to practice contain. Beyond scout team duties, Cox will also work closely with Broncos offensive line coach Butch Barry to refine his run-blocking—an area Payton prioritizes in his scheme. Barry, known for developing late-round or undrafted linemen (like former Saint Terron Armstead), plans to focus on Cox’s hand placement and leverage, areas that can turn a solid practice squad player into an active roster contributor. “Marques has the tools—we just need to polish the details,” Barry said. “Practice squad is where that work happens, and he’s shown he’s willing to put in the time.” Marques Cox Joins Practice Squad of the Denver Broncos thus highlights how the team uses practice squads as a developmental pipeline.

The Denver Broncos’ offensive line depth chart made Cox an ideal addition, as the team needed a reliable backup who could cover both tackle and guard spots. After starting left tackle Garett Bolles and right tackle Mike McGlinchey, the Broncos’ top backups were rookie seventh-round pick Alex Palczewski (a pure tackle) and guard Luke Wattenberg (who primarily plays center/guard). Cox’s ability to play both positions fills a gap: if Bolles or McGlinchey needs a rest during practice, Cox can step in at tackle, and if a guard gets injured, he can shift inside without disrupting the unit’s chemistry. This flexibility is especially important in Payton’s offense, which relies on consistent blocking assignments to execute power runs and play-action passes. “In the NFL, injuries happen—you need guys who can plug and play,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “Marques gives us that security, and he’s got the upside to get better.” The Denver Broncos also value Cox’s experience in multiple systems: his time with the Ravens (a run-heavy offense) and Browns (a pass-first attack) means he can quickly adapt to Payton’s scheme, reducing the learning curve for gameday elevations. Marques Cox Joins Practice Squad of the Denver Broncos thus underscores how his signing addresses a specific roster need.

The Denver Broncos’ veteran offensive line will play a key role in Cox’s development, as players like Wattenberg and McGlinchey have already taken him under their wings. Wattenberg, who spent two seasons on practice squads before earning a starting role, has shared film study tips with Cox, showing him how to identify defensive alignments and anticipate blitzes. McGlinchey, a former first-round pick with seven years of starting experience, has worked with Cox on tackle-specific drills, like how to set against speed rushers and maintain balance during power moves. “When I was on the practice squad, veterans helped me—now it’s my turn to pay it forward,” McGlinchey said. “Marques is a good listener, and he asks smart questions—those are the guys who make it to the active roster.” The Broncos also hold “extra rep” sessions after practice, where Cox and other practice squad linemen get one-on-one time with Barry to work on weaknesses. This mentorship structure is intentional: the Broncos believe that pairing young players with veterans accelerates development and builds team culture. The Denver Broncos’ investment in Cox’s growth isn’t just about 2025—it’s about building a pipeline of linemen who understand Payton’s system and can contribute for years. Marques Cox Joins Practice Squad of the Denver Broncos thus shows how veteran guidance enhances the value of practice squad signings.

Looking ahead, Marques Cox has a clear path to contributing to the Denver Broncos—either through gameday elevations in 2025 or a potential active roster spot in 2026. The NFL allows teams to elevate up to two practice squad players per game, and with the Broncos’ thin backup tackle depth, Cox could see action if Bolles or McGlinchey misses time. Even if he doesn’t get elevated, his work on the scout team will help the Broncos’ defense prepare, making him a valuable part of the team’s game-day success. Long-term, Cox’s versatility and development could make him a candidate for a reserve/future contract, where he’d compete for a spot on the 53-man roster in 2026. For the Broncos, signing Cox is a low-risk, high-reward move: if he develops into a reliable backup, they’ve strengthened their line depth; if not, they’ve gained a valuable scout team player for the season. “Practice squad signings are about investing in potential,” Paton said. “Marques has shown he has what it takes to compete in this league, and we’re excited to help him grow.” Marques Cox Joins Practice Squad of the Denver Broncos thus concludes by emphasizing that this signing is more than a roster filler—it’s a strategic step in building a deep, competitive team that can sustain success in the AFC West.