There still are questions, but any remaining doubt about the Broncos’ open competition at quarterback has been quashed.
Ahead of their preseason opener at Chicago on Thursday, the Broncos released their first depth chart, which listed veteran Mark Sanchez and second-year player Trevor Siemian as co-No. 1 quarterbacks.
The designation mirrors their split repetitions and the early declaration by coach Gary Kubiak, who has said throughout training camp that the two are neck-and-neck for the leading job. Rookie Paxton Lynch is No. 3, as he continues to get acclimated to the pro speed and Broncos’ playbook.
“Nothing’s changed at quarterback,” Kubiak said Monday. “Mark and Trevor continue to split reps as far as with the first group, and Paxton’s behind those guys.”
Kubiak said he probably will declare a starter for Thursday’s game on Tuesday, but made it clear time will continue to be shared among the quarterbacks. His choice for the first preseason game is not necessarily an indicator of the likely starter for the regular-season opener, against Carolina on Sept. 8.
The shared lead marks a sharp departure from the past four years for the Broncos, when Peyton Manning was at the helm. But his retirement and Brock Osweiler’s abrupt departure to Houston has given way to a competition unlike any other in recent years for the Broncos.
The quarterback position isn’t the only one left in question, however.
At wide receiver — arguably the deepest position for the Broncos this year — Bennie Fowler, Cody Latimer, Jordan Norwood and Jordan Taylor round out the top six behind leaders Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Fowler, who rose from a practice player to key contributor last season, appears to have a firm grip on the No. 3 position, with his ability to play in the slot and out wide. And Kubiak has praised Latimer’s growth year over year. But it remains to be seen if Kubiak will keep six receivers or cap it at five.
The Broncos’ running backs, who are expected to play a larger role this season, are led by C.J. Anderson. But the No. 2 spot is an open competition between veteran Ronnie Hillman and rookie Devontae Booker. Kapri Bibbs, who has earned high praise from Kubiak and general manager John Elway this offseason, is No 4.
“At the end of the day, that can always change,” Anderson said. “We’ve seen that here. I can’t speak for any other depth charts around the league, but I know ours’ interchange at any time, so you better be on your P’s and Q’s.”
The offensive line, which has endured more shuffling recently because of injuries, continues to be a work in progress. Russell Okung, Max Garcia and Matt Paradis are No. 1 at left tackle, left guard and center, respectively. But second-year player Ty Sambrailo (elbow) shares the lead right guard spot with Michael Schofield, who is also the No. 2 left tackle behind Okung. Donald Stephenson is the lead right tackle, backed by Darrion Weems. Kubiak has experimented in using Weems inside over the past few days of camp and was impressed enough to place him as Sambrailo’s and Schofield’s backup at right guard, as well.
There are few surprises on the defensive side, which remained mostly intact this offseason. After the release of veteran Kenny Anunike, rookie Adam Gotsis assumed the No. 2 left defensive end spot behind Derek Wolfe. Vance Walker and Jared Crick are No. 1 and 2, respectively on the right, filling the void left by Malik Jackson.
Kyle Peko, another camp surprise, is co-No. 2 with Darius Kilgo at nose tackle, behind Sylvester Williams.
At strong safety, Shiloh Keo and rookie Will Parks are split for the No. 2 job, behind T.J. Ward.
And on special teams, Norwood will take the lead on both punt and kick returns, with camp star Kalif Raymond and Bralon Addison filling in behind him. Veteran Britton Colquitt retains his No. 1 job as punter and as holder, but the draft choice of Riley Dixon has made both roles worth monitoring.
OFFENSE
Quarterback:
Mark Sanchez / Trevor Siemian (co-No. 1)
Wide receiver
Demaryius Thomas
Bennie Fowler
Left tackle
Russell Okung
Michael Schofield
Left guard
Max Garcia
Aaron Neary
Center
Matt Paradis
James Ferentz
Right guard
Ty Sambrailo / Michael Schofield (co-No. 1)
Right tackle
Donald Stephenson
Darrion Weems
Tight end
Jeff Heuerman / Virgil Green (co-No. 1)
Wide receiver
Emmanuel Sanders
Cody Latimer
Running back
C.J. Anderson
Ronnie Hillman / Devontae Booker (co-No. 2)
Fullback
Andy Janovich
Juwan Thompson
DEFENSE
Left defensive end
Derek Wolfe
Adam Gotsis
Nose tackle
Sylvester Williams
Darius Kilgo / Kyle Peko (co-No. 2)
Right defensive end
Vance Walker
Jared Crick
Strongside linebacker
Von Miller
Shaquil Barrett
Weakside linebacker
DeMarcus Ware
Shane Ray
Inside linebacker
Brandon Marshall
Corey Nelson
Inside linebacker
Todd Davis
Zaire Anderson
Left cornerback
Aqib Talib
Kayvon Webster
Right cornerback
Chris Harris
Bradley Roby
Strong safety
T.J. Ward
Shiloh Keo / Will Parks (co-No. 2)
Free safety
Darian Stewart
Justin Simmons
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker
Brandon McManus
Kickoff
Brandon McManus
Punter
Britton Colquitt
Riley Dixon
Kick returner
Jordan Norwood
Kalif Raymond
Punt returner
Jordan Norwood
Kalif Raymond
Long snapper
Casey Kreiter
Holder
Britton Colquitt
Riley Dixon
