The Denver Broncos are still sorting through their options along their offensive line, and their latest addition has plenty of experience, albeit not at the NFL level, in the potentially versatile Marques Cox.
Denver is on its third starter at left guard, with Alex Palczewski stepping in for Matt Peart, who took over for Ben Powers before joining him on injured reserve.
Cox, though, remains a project at this stage.
Broncos Add Big-Bodied Project in Marques Cox
GettyMarques Cox #69 of the Kentucky Wildcats in action against the Auburn Tigers.
Cox is a 6-foot-6 prospect whose frame suggests he could help the Broncos as a depth piece at multiple positions.
“Broncos are signing OL Marques Cox to their practice squad per source,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on October 21. “An undrafted rookie free agent following draft, he was with Broncos thru OTAs, camp and preseason. Familiar with system.”
Cox was a “long shot” to make the Broncos’ roster and remained in free agency until rejoining.
“It remains to be seen if Cox will play primarily as a tackle or as a guard in the NFL,” Broncos Wire’s Brandon Walker wrote in July. “Denver might ask him to serve as a backup swing guard/tackle. Regardless of where he lines up, Cox will face tough competition to make the active roster as a rookie. He might be competing for a practice squad spot this summer.”
Cox had a tryout with the Broncos leading into Week 7, alongside two-time Super Bowl champion and fellow offensive lineman Cam Fleming, but neither signed at the time.
Broncos OL Marques Cox a Work in Progress
GettyMarques Cox #69 of the Kentucky Wildcats tends to Cutter Boley #8 against the Texas Longhorns.
Cox ranked 21st among OTs on NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter’s top UDFA list that was published in April and updated in June, underscoring how raw the Broncos youngster is.
“With 59 career starts, Cox is a well-seasoned player after seven years in college,” Zierlein wrote in before the 2025 draft. “He has adequate size and good length but his footwork and body control can be a mess at times. Cox lacks the fluidity and slide quickness to protect his outside edge against speed rushers. Teams could consider bumping him inside to guard, but he also lacks the core strength to mix it up against defensive tackles.”
The Broncos hope that Powers can return by December, and Palczewski acquitted himself well in his first start at left guard in Week 7 against the New York Giants. They could also make a trade before the deadline, with potential options like Cleveland Browns All-Pro Joel Bitonio.
The Broncos have until the trade deadline on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET to decide.
Cox is unlikely to have a significant impact on how the Broncos operate at the trade deadline, but he could solidify a depth role on the practice squad.
Broncos Telegraphed OL Shakeup
GettyKarsen Barnhart #61, Jamaree Salyer #68, and Will Dissly #89 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrate a touchdown against the Detroit Lions.
Cox’s arrival did cost another player their roster spot with the Broncos. The Broncos cut another former UDFA, former Los Angeles Chargers prospect Karsen Barnhart, deciding on that before they brought Cox back.
Barnhart joined the Broncos’ practice squad on October 14, making for a short stint.
The Broncos added Barnhart in a shuffle that included All-Pro special teamer and reserve safety J.T. Gray. Gray remains on the Broncos’ roster, now joined by Cox.
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