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.