The Denver Broncos released their initial 2019 depth chart ahead of the Hall of Fame Game against the Atlanta Falcons. Here are our reactions.
The Denver Broncos have their first preseason game of the 2019 season this week against the Atlanta Falcons. The two teams will take each other on in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH.
Because the game is so close the Broncos (and Falcons, for that matter) released their first official depth charts of the 2019 offseason.
Coaches in the past have said that media shouldn’t pay too much mind to the initial depth chart release, and I’m guessing head coach Vic Fangio will say much of the same.
The Broncos have been operating in camp with many of these things already known, but with almost two weeks of camp competition in the books, how do things currently stand on this 90-man depth chart?
Our first depth chart of the season is here 👇
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2019
The Broncos have released their first depth chart. pic.twitter.com/0LCamglKTL
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 29, 2019
Highlights
Quarterback
This one is chalk right now. The Broncos have Joe Flacco as the top quarterback on the depth chart, followed by Kevin Hogan, Drew Lock, and Brett Rypien. That’s how it’s been going at camp, and that’s how it remains.
Back end wide receivers
The Broncos’ top four WR spots are set in stone. Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, and Tim Patrick are the top four receivers on the depth chart.
Right behind Tim Patrick? Sixth-round draft pick Juwann Winfree.
Behind him is currently Fred Brown, but the Broncos have a tight competition for the WR6 spot — if they keep six — between a few guys including UDFA receivers Trinity Benson and Kelvin McKnight as well as former third-round cornerback Brendan Langley.
I found it interesting that Kelvin McKnight was listed ahead of River Cracraft, who was on the active roster last year.
Tight Ends
The pecking order at TE right now goes Jeff Heuerman, Noah Fant, Troy Fumagalli, and Jake Butt. Rookie Austin Fort is fifth on the depth chart as of right now.
It’s somewhat notable that Butt is listed fourth here behind Fumagalli, despite other players being listed higher on the depth chart while dealing with injuries.
Fant is making his way to TE1 status.
Inside linebacker behind Todd Davis
The Broncos list Alexander Johnson just behind Todd Davis at inside linebacker, and Joe Jones right behind Josey Jewell.
Rookie free agent Josh Watson, who has been getting a ton of play with the top defense, is listed just behind Johnson.
From the AAF to the second unit
Former AAF star De’Vante Bausby has had a great camp with the Broncos and is listed as the fourth CB on the depth chart behind Bryce Callahan and Isaac Yiadom.
Safety
The Broncos brought in Kareem Jackson this offseason, and while he’s typically been a cornerback in the NFL, he’s listed as the starting strong safety.
Right behind him on the depth chart is Su’a Cravens.
Behind Justin Simmons at FS is Will Parks.
Return specialists
The Broncos’ top kick returner is Devontae Booker, followed by River Cracraft. Kickoffs are almost irrelevant in the NFL, so that’s not a super big deal.
More important, the punt returner, which is currently Cracraft’s job to lose followed by DaeSean Hamilton, Brendan Langley, and Kelvin McKnight.