Denver Broncos Depth Chart Part 2
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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 Depth Chart
Defensive Line: 6 players
Defensive End – Dre’mont jones, Deshawn Williams
Defensive Tackle – Mike Purcell, McTelvin Agim,
Defensive End – D.J. Jones, Eyioma Uwazurike
I think the starters are pretty set in stone and could very well be one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. The defensive end Jones pairing is going to prove to be insane, and Mike Purcell is a man eater in the middle. Deshawn Williams and McTelvin Agim are both depth and rotational guys who have been on the team and look to not lose their spots. Eyioma Uwazurike is a 2022 draft selection that could hang around and eventually earn some playing time and cover for depth.
Outside Linebackers: 6 players
Strong Side OLB – Bradley Chubb, Nik Bonito, Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper
Weak Side OLB – Randy Gregory, Malik Reed
I think most teams only carry five outside linebackers, but Baron Browning also counts as inside linebacker depth and he looked amazing as an inside linebacker in coverage last season, his movement to pass rusher is a bit of a head scratcher with the depth at this position and the depth loss at ILB. This will be one of the best pass-rushing units in the NFL. Bradley Chubb is looking to redefine his Denver Broncos legacy and stay healthy. Nik Bonito was one of the elite NCAA pass rushers from a year ago and the Broncos first draft selection in this past NFL draft. Jonathan Cooper was our best pass rusher last season, in his rookie year. Malik Reed brings heart and soul to the defense and can be a problem for opposing offenses, especially as a change of pace energy rusher.
This unit brings back memories of the 2015 pass rusher squad with Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, Shaq Barrett, and Shane Ray. The similarities are INSANE. Von Miller and Bradley Chubb both HIGH draft picks by the Denver Broncos. Demarcus Ware and Randy Gregory both started their career with the Dallas Cowboys and came to Denver in Free Agency. Shane Ray and Nik Bonito are both the Broncos first draft picks of the previous draft, playing in their rookie seasons. Malik Reed and Shaq Barrett are both undrafted Rockstar players who make their name with big plays and consistency.
Inside Linebackers: 4 (new) players
ILB – Josey Jewell, Alex Singleton
ILB – Jonas Griffith, Justin Strnad, Baron Browning
Bringing back Josey Jewell and Jonas Griffith were both good moves. Losing Alexander Johnson, Kenny Young both bummed me out. I really liked the combination of Jewell and AJ Johnson, and Kenny Young come to Denver and brought a toughness that the defense needed inside. Jonas Griffith filled in amazingly when his number was called however, and he made some big time plays behind the line of scrimmage. I feel like I have heard Strnad’s name for the last few years and whenever he is on the field it is underwhelming, and he gets injured too often… I hope he stays healthy and shows what he is capable of when given the chance. Finally, the Broncos signed the Eagles free agent Alex Singleton, who led their team in tackles last season.
And mentioned above, Baron Browning might end up back at ILB if the depth in front of him doesn’t show any serious weakness. Griffith and Jewell have injury issues, same with Justin Strnad. If this season is anything like last year where the Broncos started 8 inside linebackers, the depth could be tested.
Cornerbacks: 6 players
Left CB – Patrick Surtain II, Michael Ojemudia
Right CB – Ronal Darby, Essang Bassey
Slot CB – K’waun Williams, Demarri Mathis
Our cornerback starters are going to be extremely talented and staying healthy is going to be the biggest factor in their success. PS2 is going to be a top 5 corner in the NFL for the next decade, and if Darby can stay healthy and holds up well, being the weakside corner, we could see a ton of success in the passing game. Williams comes over in free agency from the 49ers and will be the starting slot corner, if he’s healthy, he is one of the best in the league. Then Ojemudia gets his chance to be the backup corner and show why the Broncos valued him as a third-round selection a few years back. Bassey, in my opinion, is extremely underrated. I think he has a chance to compete this off-season, and, in the preseason, they will not be able to let him go. Mathis is a draft pick and a developmental player that we could see get a few reps here and there and play on special teams.
Safeties: 4 players
Free Safety – Justin Simmons, Caden Sterns
Strong Safety – Kareem Jackson, Delarrin Turner-Yell, Jamar Johnson
Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson are again holding down the fort as the Broncos starting safety tandem, they are one of the best duos in the league and that is recognized by the entire NFL. There is a reason that KJax has come back to Denver the last two free agency periods, and it’s because we want him, and he enjoys the success with his All-Pro teammate. The Broncos drafted Turner-Yell this past draft who was teammates with other Broncos draft pick Nik Bonito, he will get depth and special teams reps. Jamar Johnson, this dude fly around on special teams and I couldn’t take my eyes off him on kickoff and punt coverage a year ago in the few games I was lucky enough to attend in person.
Defense – 26 players
Special Teams: 3 players
Punter – Sam Martin
Kicker – Brandon McManus
Long Snapper – Jacob Bobenmoyer
Practice Squad:
Matt Henningsen (DT/DE) – 2022 Draft Pick
Faion Hicks (CB) – 2022 Draft Pick
Seth Williams (WR) – 2021 draft pick
Luke Wattenburg (C/G) – 2022 Draft Pick
Other teams or some pre-season standouts for the last 6 slots.
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