Denver Broncos: Most intriguing competitions at offseason camp

With five consecutive seasons without making the playoffs, George Paton in his first offseason as GM has attempted to revamp the Denver Broncos roster. The decisions made during free agency and the draft have created some interesting competitions in training camp across the offense and defense.

The saying that iron sharpens iron is prevalent throughout the NFL and competition to be a starter is healthy for all organizations. It is this desire to be the starter that often improves the level of play and leads to better on-field performances for a team.

For the Denver Broncos, it has felt like for too long now there has been no true competition at key spots across the depth chart. But this offseason, there are positions up for grabs and a plethora of talent available to fill them.

At quarterback, Paton traded for a player he knows well in former Minnesota Viking Teddy Bridgewater. The veteran has been a solid game manager and was trending in the right direction before a horror injury prior to the 2016 NFL season.

Also on offense, the injury to prospective right tackle starter, Ja’Wuan James threw the position into doubt. It left Calvin Anderson as the only right tackle on the roster. But Paton addressed that bringing in Bobby Massie and Cameron Fleming. Both of whom have a wealth of experience.

When the Broncos used the 9th pick in the NFL Draft on Patrick Surtain II, many suggested he would be the surest thing available. But he is walking into a crowded cornerback room that includes Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller, Bryce Callahan, Essang Bassey, and Michael Ojuemdia.

That cornerback room may be crowded, but that is a great thing for Vic Fangio, who will no doubt have a way to make it work.

Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell were solid at inside linebacker last year. But there are obvious deficiencies in this position. Too often the Broncos have suffered at the hands of a Tight End, a problem exacerbated by having to deal with Travis Kelce and Darren Waller twice a year.

This year they will have the returning Justin Strnad who missed his first season due to a wrist injury suffered during the 2020 preseason. As well as third-round pick Baron Browning, both of whom could have a significant role to play this year and beyond.

Here is a breakdown of the biggest positional battles in the upcoming training camp: