Denver Broncos depth chart: Starters, surprises, and analysis

Surprises

Running Back

Royce Freeman is officially the number two running back on the depth chart ahead of De’Angelo Henderson.

No seniority rules there.

Freeman has a chance to unseat Devontae Booker as the team’s starter by the time the regular season rolls around.

Dave Williams was also listed fourth ahead of Phillip Lindsay at running back.

The Broncos continue to list Andy Janovich with the starting unit and apparently have plans for the fullback this season.

Wide Receiver

The Broncos’ top six wide receivers according to the depth chart are Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, Tim Patrick, and River Cracraft.

Isaiah McKenzie is listed as the team’s top punt returner but would be on the outside looking in as far as a roster spot in this situation as the number seven or eight wideout.

Tight End

Jeff Heuerman remains the top tight end on the depth chart, followed by Jake Butt and Austin Traylor. This would seem to indicate the Broncos’ intent to keep four tight ends with Troy Fumagalli well behind his peers on the depth chart at this point.

Offensive Line

Rookie Sam Jones is listed as the backup center, which is significant. That cross-training could help him seize a roster spot instead of getting put on the practice squad to start the year.

Outside Linebacker

Bradley Chubb is starting at OLB ahead of both Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett. Both players will play significant roles, but the rookie is getting the nod as a starter.

Former undrafted free agent Jerrol Garcia-Williams also moved to SLB and is not listed with the other ILBs. It appears there’s been a position switch for him.

Cornerback

Tramaine Brock and Isaac Yiadom are the backup cornerbacks, but Yiadom is placed behind Chris Harris Jr. on the depth chart release which leads me to believe he’s the initial number three. Brock is not practicing right now. Brendan Langley is listed as the fifth corner.