Denver Broncos Depth Chart
Read Time:5 Minute, 15 Second
Every year we try and get a good prediction for how the depth chart will look for the regular season, before training camp, and I’ll try and do my best to revisit this for accuracy once the season starts. With Broncos training camp a week and a half away (I’ll be there both Saturdays! Come find me!), I think it is time for a deep dive into the roster. The team the Broncos have on paper today is very close to what they will likely trot out on the field for the regular season opener, barring any serious injury. I think that it is worth noting that the roster still has room for shake-ups, having played zero pre-season games we don’t know how the new guys will show up and we don’t know if any players will have lost a step. I’m using the film I have watched to determine this mock depth chart, as well as the commentary coming out of the players and coach’s mouths.
That being said, let’s get to building our Denver Broncos Depth Chart for the 2022-23 season!
Offensive Line: 9 players
Left Tackle – Garret Bolles, Calvin Anderson
Left Guard – Dalton Risner
Center – Lloyd Cushenberry III, Graham Glasgow
Right Guard – Quinn Meinerz, Netane Muti,
Right Tackle – Billy Turner, Tom Compton
I know that it isn’t common that offenses carry more than 10 linemen on the active roster, but I have no clue who they are getting rid of. Risner is the incumbent at left guard, but they signed Ben Braden in free agency from Green Bay, I think Risner holds on. Lloyd Cushenberry appears to be being put on notice with them drafting Luke Wattenburg in the third round, and Graham Glasgow coming back from injury, but I think he holds his position and Glasgow is the backup. Quinn Meinerz and Netane Muti held down the right guard spot last season when Graham Glasgow was injured, so seems Glasgow is looking to be a backup Guard/Center on this current roster. Finally, they signed both Billy Turner and Tom Compton in Free Agency which makes me think they want both on the active roster.
If the Broncos only wish to carry 9 offensive linemen, my guess is that Ben Braden, Wattenburg and Tom Compton are the options for a cut. Glasgow restructured his contract to stick around which leads me to believe they like the guy and he wants to be here, so he’s not in jeopardy. Ben Braden follow Nathaniel Hackett, but Risner has been a pillar in Denver since being drafted in the second round in 2019. Wattenburg could be a practice squad storage and could be elevate in case of injury. Tom Compton was a free agent acquisition from the 49ers, and could be cut in favor of Calvin Anderson just being the swing LT/RT backup like he has been the last few seasons.
Wide Receivers: 6 players
Left WR – Courtland Sutton
Right WR – Tim Patrick, Kendall Hinton
Slot WR – Jerry Juedy, KJ Hamler, Montrell Washington
I don’t think there are any secrets here, the Broncos have four starter caliber receivers that make up the players that are going to be on the field the most. Then, Kendall Hinton has proven himself over the last few years and has a secure roster spot. Last draft they picked a receiver from CU in Seth Williams, that has a chance to earn a roster spot as a depth player, but will likely be practice squad player again. This past draft, they selected a specialist in Montrell Washington that will take kickoff and punt returns as well as possibly taking gadget plays.
Tight End: 3 players
TE – Albert Okwuegbunam, Greg Dulcich, Eric Tomlinson
Albert O is the starter but most people who know his history with injury are skeptical that he will play all 17 games this coming season. That’s why the Broncos drafted Greg Dulcich in the third round the NFL draft, and all the talk in camp is that he’s as good or better than advertised. Eric Tomlinson was a free agent acquisition, and he will be a good down blocking tight end. I had a really hard time not putting Eric Saubert in here, because I really like his game, and I could see the Broncos cutting one of those 11 offensive linemen to keep another tight end.
Quarterback: 2 players
QB – Russell Wilson, Brett Rypien
I have no idea why they brought in Josh Johnson, a 13-year veteran who’s played for an NFL record 15 clubs, and boasts a 1-8 Quarterback Record… then the depth charts slot this guy above Brett Rypien… I don’t believe that Rypien gets passed over for him, I think he was brought in to be a training camp arm. I could see that Rypien’s lack of elite athleticism make having a backup quarterback with a completely different style a challenge, but I don’t think that Ryp is a worse QB than a journeyman who’s almost never played.
Running Back: 3 players
RB – Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon III, Mike Boone
Bringing Melvin Gordon back was a big off-season move that is under appreciated. Last season these guys pushed each other and pulled out one another’s inner competitor. I think this season Javonte Williams is without a doubt the starter, and I don’t believe they split the load 50/50 like they did last season. I think 60/40 or 65/35 could be the eventual split where Javonte garners the most touches with like 15-20, but Melvin takes 5-10 touches a game. Love him or hate him, Melvin Gordon knows how to run the football and how to score the football, and his teammates love him. Mike Boone is an excellent third option who does everything well and can fill in for injury or specialty/gadget plays.
Total: 23 Offensive Player
Part Two – Defense, Special Teams, and Practice Squad
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
Average Rating