As the football world waits for Dallas to make a decision on quarterback , the Broncos have remained true to their priorities and valuations in adding key pieces on both the offensive and defensive line.
Training camp is still four months away, as general manager pointed out last week, so more moves will likely be made. But following the first week and a half of free agency, there’s finally a rough structure of what the 2017 Broncos will look like prior to the draft.
The Broncos have positions of strength and depth like safety and outside linebacker. But like always, most of the attention is drawn to the scary holes in spots like left tackle. Here’s a look at our projected Broncos depth chart if the season began Monday:
QB — 1. ; 2.
Siemian did nothing to lose his job to a first-round pick who still has plenty to learn about the NFL game. If there’s no Romo, Lynch will have to chase Siemian down with improved awareness and comfort within offensive coordinator ‘s system. If Denver is smart, the decision on a starter will come sooner than the third preseason game like last season.
RB — 1. ; 2. ; 3. ; 4. ; 5. Zac Brooks
Anderson expects to be a full-go before the start of minicamp in early June. He’s still the lead back unless somebody takes it from him. Booker is promising, but still has room to grow. A better offensive line and new system should open up more holes for the Anderson-Booker duo to become a top-15 rushing attack.
FB — 1. ; 2.
Denver intends to use a fullback, which will excite Janovich and Broncos fans. He may need to bulk up a bit to survive the pounding he’ll take at the position.
WR1 — 1. Demaryius Thomas; 2. ; 3. ; 4. ; 5. Mekale McKay
WR2 — 1. ; 2. ; 3. Kalif Raymond; 4. Hunter Sharp
Thomas and Sanders are among the NFL’s best receiver duos, but the Broncos still need a reliable slot receiver to take pressure off of them. Latimer, Fowler and Taylor could be battling for one or two roster spots this summer.
TE — 1. ; 2. ; 3. ; 4. Henry Krieger-Coble; 5. Steven Scheu; 6. Austin Traylor
Tight end is a position to target in the draft as the core group disappointed for the second straight season. Derby has promise. Green and Heuerman may find themselves on the roster bubble with a bad summer.
LT — 1. ; 2.
LG — 1. ; 2. ; 3.
C — 1. ; 2. ; 3. Dillon Day
RG — 1. Ronald Leary; 2.
RT — 1. Menelik Watson; 2. Justin Murray
There’s a strong possibility this won’t be the depth chart to open the season as the Broncos are still seeking a true left tackle. The interior of the line looks solid with starters and depth. The tackles are mired with uncertainty. Are they better at this point on paper than last season? Maybe, but not by much.
DE1 — 1. ; 2. ; 3. Bobby Richardson; 4. Iosia Iosia
NT — 1. Domata Peko; 2. Kyle Peko
DE2 — 1. Zach Kerr; 2. ; 3. Travis Raciti
Denver did well adding depth and competition at defensive end. Kerr currently gets the edge at the other starting defensive end spot now, but with a strong summer Gotsis or Crick could nab it from him. The Broncos need to draft another nose tackle in case the older Peko doesn’t have much left and the younger Peko is too small.
OLB1 — 1. Von Miller; 2. ; 3. Vontarrius Dora
OLB2 — 1. ; 2. Kasim Edebali
WLB “WILL” — 1. ; 2. ; 3. Quentin Gause
SLB “MIKE” — 1. ; 2. ; 3. Kevin Snyder
Ray will do fine replacing on the field. Miller and Ray may soon be the best passing rushing duo in the NFL possibly totaling 25 sacks next season. Denver may go another round with the Marshall-Davis combo though Nelson may see more reps as a coverage linebacker. Barrett, Edebali and Anderson are good depth.
CB1 — 1. ; 2. ; 3. Taurean Nixon
CB2 — 1. ; 2.
FS — 1. ; 2.
SS — 1. ; 2.
This is still the Broncos strongest group. Can they have the top passing defense for three straight seasons? Denver will likely draft depth at cornerback as Aqib Talib gets older and a hole opened up with ‘s departure.
K —
P —
LS — 1. ; 2. Jeff Overbaugh
Barring injury or significant regression, McManus, Dixon and Kreiter should all return to their starting roles in 2017.
