Taking a look at what the Broncos depth chart may look like heading into training camp
With Denver Broncos training camp only days away from starting, it is a good time to take a look at their projected depth chart heading into camp. On paper, the team looks much improved from previous years, and the team has more depth and competition up and down the roster.
The Broncos were active this offseason and added key members to the offense, defense, and even on special teams. These additions have shaken up the depth chart a bit and have some players who originally were on the roster suddenly fighting for a roster spot.
Since the Broncos have yet to release an official depth chart, I will be using the one on Ourlads.com as a reference. So, with all that said, let us take a look at the Denver Broncos’ depth chart as they near the start of training camp.
Notes
- QB: The Denver Broncos QB room seems set heading into camp, with each player in designated roles. Bo Nix is your starter, Jarrett Stidham is your backup, and Sam Ehlinger is your third-string backup. No drama, no competition, and hopefully, all three perform well.
- RB: At running back, things get interesting behind rookie RJ Harvey and veteran JK Dobbins. Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson will all be competing for one or two spots on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.
- WR: Suddenly, the Broncos’ wide receiver room looks fairly deep and set heading into camp. Courtland Sutton is WR1 with Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele, and rookie Pat Bryant all competing for roles on offense. Veteran Trent Sherfield is your special-teams guy and likely a lock for a roster spot. After that, the rest will be pushing to make it difficult for the team to cut them and/or fighting for a handful of spots on the Broncos’ practice squad
- TE: At tight end, Evan Engram was brought in to be Sean Payton’s ‘Joker’ in the passing offense. Behind him, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins will have the same role they had last season as the blocking specialists. The most intriguing player of this group is rookie tight end Caleb Lohner. He is a former basketball player transitioning to tight end and has been compared to former Saints great Jimmy Graham. He will be one of the intriguing players to watch during training camp. Rounding out this group are Lucas Krull and rookie Caden Prieskorn, who are fighting for a roster spot or a spot on the practice squad.
- OL: The Broncos have all five starters returning along the offensive line as well as their key reserves. With no starting jobs up for grabs, all eyes will be on the reserves, where we could have an intriguing UDFA group push for a spot or two on the 53-man roster. The line looks better and much deeper than in previous years, where you had questions throughout this entire unit.
Notes
- IDL: The Broncos’ defensive line looks the same as last season, outside of the addition of intriguing third-round pick Sai’vion Jones. This unit was very good last season and will look to repeat that success this upcoming season.
- EDGE: Like their defensive line, they have the same core returning from last season. Nik Bonitto is coming off a breakout year and will look to build off that in a contract year. Joining this unit is intriguing, 4th-round pick Que Robinson, who was a standout during the OTA and minicamp practices.
- LB: One of the Broncos’ biggest additions this offseason was signing veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw. If healthy, he will be a huge addition to this defense. They are also getting back starting linebacker Alex Singleton, who is coming off a torn ACL. Behind these two, you have “pressure player” Drew Sanders, special teams standout Justin Strnad, along with Levelle Bailey, JB Brown, Karene Reid, and Jordan Turner. It will be interesting to see if any of the UDFA players can push for a roster spot.
- CB: Headlining this group is reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. He will look to repeat that honor this upcoming season and lead the Broncos’ defense to success. Then you have rookie first-round pick Jahdae Barron, who is expected to start in year one, along with third-year corner Riley Moss. Ja’Quan McMillian will serve as a depth player and potentially be on the trading block, while second-year corner Kris Abrams-Draine will look to build off a good rookie year. After that, you have Damarri Mathis, Mario Goodrich, Reese Taylor, Quinton Newsome, Jaden Robinson, and Joshua Pickett all competing for a spot with the team.
- S: Brandon Jones is coming off a breakout year for the Broncos last year, and now will be joined by Talanoa Hufanga, who signed with the team during free agency. These two will give the Broncos a very talented duo in the back of their defense. Safety P.J. Locke is coming off offseason spinal fusion surgery, so how he recovers will be something to keep an eye on. Former Panthers safety Sam Franklin was brought in as a special-teams ace while Devon Key, JL Skinner, and Delarrin Turner-Yell are all competing for a roster spot.