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Denver Broncos: Which spots on depth chart could change?

By Graham Tiedtke

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers passes during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers passes during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Drew Lock
COLUMBIA, MO – OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers passes during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos released their initial depth chart on Monday, but which spots could see some adjustments before week one?

There were no real surprises in regards to the starting lineup on offense, defense, and special teams when the Denver Broncos released their initial depth chart for the 2019 NFL preseason.

Of course, there are bound to be changes as the weeks go on and we get closer to week one.

With there being more players on the roster now than there will be come week one, some things are likely to be switched around.

Quarterback

For one, it is hard to not focus on the quarterback depth chart. We know Joe Flacco will be the starting quarterback for the 2019 NFL season, unless he gets injured. Then, we have Kevin Hogan as the QB2, and rookies Drew Lock and Brett Rypien as the QB3 and QB4.

As Ty Walden said in an article the other day, Hogan will need to prove himself to the Broncos in order to stay at the QB2 spot—and even from getting released in part of the roster cutdown. Eventually, Lock should become the backup to Flacco, Hogan released or not.

Running back

Now this one is tricky. It is no secret that Phillip Lindsay is the most talented running back on the roster. That’s not where I’m going with this.

See, after Lindsay and Royce Freeman, there are potential question marks. Third on the depth chart is Devontae Booker. Then there are the rest: Khalfani Muhammad, Devontae Jackson and Dave Williams.

There is not room on the 53-man roster for so many running backs.

The Broncos brought in Theo Riddick for a visit on Monday. He has yet to decide between Denver and the New Orleans Saints. But he remains an option for the team. That would automatically knock one of the less experienced running backs off the team.

Offensive line

There really weren’t any surprises when it came to the depth chart of the offensive line. The Broncos have more offensive line bodies than they will keep on the 53-man roster.

Tight end

The Broncos traded down in the 2019 NFL Draft to get in position to select Iowa tight end Noah Fant with the 20th overall pick. They passed on some very talented players for who they (probably) wanted most.

Fant is second on the initial depth chart, behind Jeff Heuerman. I am not sure that this will be that big of a deal because of the possibilities of 2TE sets that Rich Scangarello may use for Joe Flacco, who loves to utilize the tight end position when possible.

After Heuerman and Fant are Troy Fumagalli, Jake Butt, Austin Fort, and Bug Howard. The Broncos will not be keeping six tight ends. There just isn’t room for that many on the roster.

I have stated in the past that I do not think the Broncos are going to give up on Jake Butt so fast, but I do think it’s a possibility if he is still unable to play at some point in the preseason. He has just proven he cannot stay healthy unfortunately.

Fumagalli was drafted last year and is heading into his second season healthy after not playing as a rookie. He could be a strong asset to the Broncos offense as a third tight end.

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