Broncos' updated depth chart projection after 2 roster moves

USA Today

8 hours ago

The Denver Broncos swapped out defensive backs on their 90-man* offseason roster last week.
The Broncos signed UFL cornerback Mario Goodrich and waived safety Tanner McCalister to make room for him. The club has now entered a summer lull leading up to training camp.
With spring workouts now behind us, we've put together an updated depth chart projection for the Broncos. Keep in mind that his depth chart is a projection, not an official depth chart from the team. Denver is not required to release an official depth chart before preseason.
*Note that the Broncos technically have 91 players on the roster, but rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw does not count against the offseason roster limit as part of the NFL's international player program.
Denver Broncos Depth Chart
Quarterback (3)
No surprises on the quarterback depth chart. Stidham will serve as the primary backup again this season, and Ehlinger might be bumped down to the practice squad when the 53-man roster is set.
Running back (6)
It wouldn't be shocking to see the Broncos carry four running backs on the active roster. Whoever doesn't make the 53-man squad will be top candidates for the practice squad. Either one of Badie or Watson could emerge as a sleeper for the active roster with a good summer.
Tight end/fullback (7)
Engram is the team's top receiving threat at the position, and Trautman is probably safe as a blocking TE. Burton is back as the team's fullback, and Adkins fills a hybrid role. Krull, Lohner and Prieskorn might be competing for one final spot.
Wide receiver (12)
If the Broncos plan to carry six receivers on the 53-man roster, the favorites are pretty easy to project. But everyone will get an opportunity to impress this summer.
Offensive line (16)
All five starting offensive linemen from last year are returning, so the competitions will be for the backup spots. The interior backups will be asked to play both guard and center, and the backup tackles should be able to play on the left and right in a pinch.
Defensive line (10)
The top six spots seem to be essentially locked in, but again, players will get opportunities to win spots this summer. Sai'vion Jones improves the team's depth, and Eyioma Uwazurike will look to have a breakthrough campaign in his second season back from a gambling suspension.
Outside linebacker (7)
Denver's already-deep room got even deeper this spring when the team drafted Robinson, but his biggest contributions might come on special teams as a rookie. Walker will be a sleeper to watch this summer.
Inside linebacker (8)
The inside linebacker competition will be fascinating to watch this summer. Singleton is coming back from a torn ACL, and he'll turn 32 in December. Sanders is healthy and entering the summer with positional clarity. Bailey impressed last summer, and the team added a few intriguing undrafted free agents this spring. Let's see how it shakes out.
Cornerback (11)
Barron can line up inside and outside, and it remains to be seen where spot ends up being his primary position. If Barron plays outside more often than inside, Moss could be moved to the slot. If Barron primarily plays inside, though, Moss figures to continue starting across from PS2. McMillian is great depth inside, and Abrams-Draine impressed when called upon last season. Goodrich will aim to win a spot on special teams.
Safety (8)
The Broncos would save $4.19 million if they cut Locke, so he could be a trade candidate or cap casualty this summer. Franklin figures to make the squad for his special teams contributions.
Special teams (3)
The three specialist spots appear to be set.
Denver will trim the roster down to 53 players by Aug. 26, then they will build a 16- or 17-player practice squad. Last year, the team's initial practice squad included Burton, Tillman, Bailey and Badie.
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