The Denver Broncos released their initial depth chart leading up to their first preseason game vs the Minnesota Vikings. Here are some thoughts…
The Denver Broncos have released their initial depth chart for the 2018 season.
One of the positions in question was the running back order. Here are some thoughts on the depth chart, specifically for the running back position…
1. Devontae Booker—This is not a surprise, as Booker finished second on the team in 2017 in terms of rushing yards (299).
He is also the most experienced of the running back group this season.
Booker’s ability to catch passes is another asset the Broncos like, which surely helped in their decision to make him their number one back. He caught 30 passes in 2017.
2. Royce Freeman—Being the team’s third-round draft pick, the fact that Freeman has been doing so well in camp has the team excited.
To be able to perform the way he has is an amazing thing and likely more than the team expected as a rookie.
I expected Freeman to start out third on the depth chart, but he has clearly impressed the team enough to prove me wrong.
Freeman is a strong candidate to eventually take the starting job from Booker. I don’t think it will take very long for that to happen. Until it does, Freeman will still see the field, just in a more limited fashion.
3. De’Angelo Henderson—I have made it clear that I feel the Broncos under-utilized Henderson last season.
He finished the 2017 season with just seven carries for 13 yards. With the team finishing last in the division with a 5-11 record, I felt that there was no excuse to keep Henderson off the field.
He needed experience.
With two runners ahead of him on the depth chart, he will still see a limited amount of carries but will get his chance to show what he can do during the preseason.
4. Dave Williams—Williams was a player that stood out during the early part of Denver Broncos training camp, and he apparently impressed the team enough to be second on the depth chart for a rookie.
He will have to continue to improve and make the Broncos believe he deserves to be higher in the rotation.
5. Phillip Lindsay—In June, Lindsay was getting work in with the Broncos first-string offense.
Unfortunately for Lindsay, who was an undrafted pickup by the team following the 2018 NFL draft, the running back group for the Broncos looks to be extremely strong.
Being behind four players who were drafted is also something that likely led to the decision.
This does not mean Lindsay will stay at the fifth spot on the depth chart, however.
There is absolutely a chance he continues to improve and shine when the pads come on during the preseason. If the other four guys outperform him, though, the Broncos would likely look to put Lindsay on their practice squad.
In the end, I predict that the Broncos will have a dynamic backfield and one of the best in the entire league.
They may not have a guy who finishes in the top 10 in terms of yards, but their production as a unit should be there.