Post 2016 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Depth Chart

The Denver Broncos Depth Chart was greatly impacted by losses during the free agency period. They lost high-impact players such as Peyton Manning, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan.

These losses to the Denver Broncos Depth Chart means that they are counting on new faces to step in and help them repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

Quarterback

Starter: Mark Sanchez
Backup: Paxton Lynch

The thought process is that Mark Sanchez will open the season as the starter mainly based on his experience in the league. However, he recently suffered a thumb injury that will give rookie Paxton Lynch an opportunity to steal the job.

Either way, this position is a weak point on the roster and one that could keep them out of the playoffs.

Running Back

Starter: CJ Anderson
Backups: Devontae Booker, Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson

Most were surprised when the Broncos match the Miami Dolphins offer sheet to CJ Anderson. This is mainly because he wasn’t the teams top option at the position with Ronnie Hillman getting over 50 more carries and 150 yards on the season.

Despite Anderson and Hillman back in the mix, don’t be surprised if rookie Devontae Booker ends the season as the team’s top option. His draft stock slipped a little because he missed most of last year with an injury.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders
No. 3: Jordan Norwood
Backups: Bennie Fowler, Cody Latimer and Taylor Jordan

Denver needs Demaryius Thomas to increase his production and earn his big-money contract. He really struggled last year which is something the Broncos can’t afford with the uncertainty at the quarterback position.

Cody Latimer is another player on notice as this is likely his last opportunity to establish himself on the roster moving forward.

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Tight End

Starter: Virgil Green and Jeff Heuerman
Backups: Garrett Graham and Henry Krieger-Coble

Jeff Heuerman is a highly talented player who has struggled with injuries throughout his football career. However, the Broncos are hoping he can stay on the field and reach his potential.

Left Tackle

Starter: Russell Okung
Backups: Michael Schofield and Ty Sambrailo

Denver replaced one injury-prone left tackle (Ryan Clady) with another in Russell Okung. Don’t be surprised if Ty Sambrailo ends the year as the team’s starting left tackle.

Left Guard:

Starter: Max Garcia
Backups: Connor McGovern and Michael Schofield

Max Garcia is penciled in as the starter heading into training camp, but don’t rule out the possiblity that either McGovern or Schofield grab the starting job.

Center

Starter: Matt Paradis
Backup: Connor McGovern

Paradis held his own last year and will have every opportunity to keep his job. However, Connor McGovern is a talented rookie who will push for playing time.

Right Guard

Starter: Ty Sambrailo
Backups: Connor McGovern and Michael Schofield

Sambrailo has been moved inside to guard in order to get the best 5 offensive linemen in the starting lineup. The best case scenario for the Broncos is that everyone stays healthy and Sambrailo can work to develop at his new position.

Right Tackle

Starter: Donald Stephenson
Backups: Michael Schofield, Ty Sambrailo and Connor McGovern

Donald Stephenson had a solid career in Kansas City which is why Denver was quick to sign him via free agency. The hope is that Stephenson anchors the right side of the line for the length of his contract.

3-4 Defensive End

Starters: Derek Wolfe and Jared Crick
Backups: Adam Gotsis and Vance Walker

Derek Wolfe will be counted on more this year thanks to the departure of Malik Jackson. The rest of the group is solid and the hope is Adam Gostis can make a major impact as a rookie.

Nose Tackle

Starter: Sylvester Williams
Backups: Phil Taylor and Darius Kilgo

Sylvester Williams is an underrated contributor on this defense. He’ll continue to provide steady production, but the at nose tackle is a concern. Phil Taylor has struggled with injuries throughout his career and Kilgo hasn’t see many snaps.

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Starters: Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware
Backups: Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray

This is one of the strengths of the team with all four players able to generate pressure on the quarterback.

Inside Linebacker

Starters: Brandon Marshall and Corey Nelson
Backups: Todd Davis, Dekoda Watson and Frank Shannon

Denver is going to have a tough time replacing Danny Trevathan who played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl win.

Cornerback

Starters: Aquib Talib, Chris Harris and Bradley Roby
Backups: Kayvon Webster, Taurean Nixon and Lorenzo Doss

This is arguably the best group of starting cornerbacks in the league. However, the depth behind the top-3 is a concern. An injury to one of the starters will impact how this defense operates.

Safety

Starters: TJ Ward and Darian Stewart
Backups: Justin Simmons, William Parks and Shiloh Keo

Ward and Stewart were a strong team last year and look to continue to improve. Rookie Justin Simmons will push for some playing time as a strong coverage option in the back-end of the defense.

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