Broncos camp: First depth chart released

With only 4 days until the first pre-season game in Seattle, the Broncos have officially released their first depth chart of training camp.  The chart will be listed below along with my initial reaction to the chart.

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Peyton Manning- Brock Osweiler- Zac Dysert- Trevor Siemian

Fullback: James Casey- Joe Don Duncan

Running Back: CJ Anderson- Montee Ball- Ronnie Hillman- Juwan Thompson- Jeremy Stewart- Kapri Bibbs

Wide Receiver: Demaryius Thomas- Andre Caldwell- Nathan Palmer- Bennie Fowler- Corbin Lukes- David Porter

Wide Receiver: Emmanuel Sanders- Cody Latimer- Jordan Norwood- Isaiah Burse- Jordan Taylor- Solomon Patton

Tight End: Owen Daniels- Virgil Green- Dominique Jones- Marcel Jensen- Jeff Heuerman (Injured)

Left Tackle: Ty Sambrailo- Chris Clark- Kyle Roberts

Left Guard: Max Garcia- Ben Garland- Dillon Day- Andre Davis

Center: Matt Paradis- Gino Gradkowski- Dillon Day

Right Guard: Louis Vasquez- Shelley Smith- Andre Davis

Right Tackle: Ryan Harris- Michael Schofield- Charles Sweeton

REACTION: I think the running back battle will go on until the end of camp. Despite Hillman’s recent surge in practice with the starters, I wouldn’t count out Juwan Thompson having some sort of role on this team.  The best case scenario could be to keep 4 RB’s on the roster, as it would allow you to have a versatile weapon of Thompson’s caliber and playmaking ability of Hillman’s skill set to both stick around.

As for the receivers, it’s a little disappointing to see guys like Jordan Taylor and Solomon Patton so low on the chart.  I think both could certainly make a strong push for roster spots if they make plays in preseason games like they’ve been at camp.  I’m not that surprised with the youth on the starting line.  Hopefully those guys are the best five and begin to gel together as a unit.

DEFENSE

Defensive End: Derek Wolfe- Vance Walker- Chuka Ndule- Josh Watson

Nose Tackle: Sylvester Williams- Darius Kilgo- Sione Fua- Marvin Austin jr

Defensive End: Malik Jackson- Antonio Smith- Kenny Anunike

Strong Side Linebacker: Von Miller- Lerentee McCray- Shaquil Barrett- Danny Mason

Weak Side Linebacker: Demarcus Ware- Shane Ray- Gerald Rivers- Chase Vaughn

Inside Linebacker: Brandon Marshall- Todd Davis- Lamin Barrow- Zaire Anderson

Inside Linebacker: Danny Trevathan- Steven Johnson- Corey Nelson- Reggie Walker

Left Cornerback: Aqib Talib- Kayvon Webster- Tony Carter- Tevrin Brandon- Taurean Nixon

Right Cornerback: Chris Harris jr- Bradley Roby- Curtis Marsh- Lorenzo Doss

Strong Safety: T.J. Ward- David Bruton Jr.- Josh Bush- Josh Furman

Free Safety: Darian Stewart- Omar Bolden- Ross Madison

REACTION: I’m surprised Anunike is so low on the depth chart.  Despite his placement on the depth chart, injuries and heavy rotation will still allow him to make the 53 and be a contributor to the team this year.  Marvin Austin has been sidelined with an injury for most of camp and his lack of practice time is showing on the depth chart. The linebacking and secondary charts look about to be as expected.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker: Connor Barth

Kick-off specialist: Brandon McManus

Punter: Britton Colquitt

Holder: Britton Colquitt

Long Snapper: Aaron Brewer

Punt Returner: Omar Bolden- Solomon Patton- Isaiah Burse- Jordan Norwood- Corbin Louks- Jordan Taylor

Kick Returner: Omar Bolden- Andre Caldwell- Solomon Patton- Jordan Norwood- Isaiah Burse- Corbin Louks

REACTION: No real surprises here.  The only thing to keep an eye on is the kicking battle.  If Barth can prove to be an effective kick off specialist, then I think the job is his. If he struggles, the Broncos may have to carry an extra kicker for kickoffs.

I thought Omar Bolden was a fantastic kick returner last year and I’m happy to see him get the first crack at the job this year. The punt return duties are bit more mysterious, at this point. I’m hoping Patton or Norwood can win that job.

Next: Ryan Harris will be major factor for OL

Schedule