As NFL teams continue to release their unofficial depth charts early into training camp, the Denver Broncos have some interesting surprises.
As the Denver Broncos gear up for their first preseason game, fans get a first look at what the final 53-man roster might look like this season.
Many NFL teams have released their unofficial 2022 depth charts with the Broncos releasing theirs on Tuesday giving some surprises early on. Unlike last season the biggest question mark that has haunted the Broncos the last few seasons was answered through a trade before training camp started with Russell Wilson listed at the starting quarterback.
Along with the quarterback position, wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and KJ Hamler had their spots secured as the starting wide receiver core. The other expected lockdown spots are the entire offensive line and running back committee.
As the unofficial 2022 depth chart looks to be what fans expect, there are some surprises that hint at some fresh changes.
Here are three surprises from the unofficial depth chart.
Denver Broncos depth chart surprise: Jonas Griffith set to be a starter?
The Denver Broncos defense has been consistent for a while with both Vance Joseph and Vic Fagino being defensive masterminds as head coaches. The problem occurred on the offensive end with the conservative play calling causing the Broncos to go a different route with an offensive-minded Nathaniel Hackett as the new HC and new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero joining him.
Now one question remains… Can the defense still produce like years prior?
An early indication that they will be building off what worked last season with inside linebacker Jonas Griffith set as a starter on the unofficial depth chart. Last year, Griffith found his footing on the team late starting the final four games, a trend that is set to continue.
Griffith has taken a majority of the starting reps over the first 11 practices, giving Griffith a chance to finish off what he started last season. The 25-year-old is set to play his second season with the Broncos after securing 46 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. I wouldn’t be shocked if Griffith makes a giant leap this season into an all-pro level.
Denver Broncos depth chart surprise: Albert Okwuegbunam a front runner for tight end spot?
Every aspect of the offense is figured out except for one position… the tight end. Trading for Russell Wilson meant losing TE Noah Fant, in return creating a sizable hole in the passing game.
Fant, who is heading into his fourth season, was the ideal modern-day TE, snagging 68 passes for 670 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Now with Fant gone, the Broncos have a new competition on their hands with Albert Okwuegbunam getting the starting nod on the unofficial depth chart list.
Okwuegbunam’s experience can pinpoint why he’s getting the nod over third-round rookie Greg Dulcich.
As it stands, Okwuegbunam appears to be in the driver’s seat, however, I wouldn’t be shocked if after a few preseason games we see a pit stop with Dulcich taking over as TE1.
Denver Broncos depth chart surprise: Finally a kickoff return specialist?
Much like the offense, one of the biggest struggles of the previous Broncos teams has been the special teams, or lack thereof.
One of the biggest surprises is seeing rookie Montrell Washington as the starting kick-off and punt returnee. The fifth-round wide receiver also found himself behind KJ Hamler on the WR depth chart with expectations of becoming one of those weapons who can return kicks and explode for splash plays when his number is called.
Last season the Broncos finished as the worst team in kickoff returns, failing to find any consistency in that department. Bringing in a young speedster in Washington can help change the trend of the special teams with Denver being one of six teams to not have a kickoff return since 2015.
I wouldn’t be shocked if Washington becomes a household name in Denver soon using his speed and Madden-like jukes as his driving force. I expect Washington to secure the spot as the kickoff return specialist and change the dreadful pattern of lackluster kickoffs.
Be sure to check back with Predominantly Orange as we continue our coverage on the Denver Broncos and their Super Bowl hopes.