Diving Deep into the Denver Broncos' 2023 Depth Chart
Hello, Broncos Country! We're just weeks away from the start of the NFL season, and we all know what that means – it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty of our favorite team's depth chart. So, grab your orange and blue, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and broncos depth chart.
Quarterbacks: A Tale of Two signal-callers
Kicking off our journey through the Broncos' 2023 depth chart, we find ourselves at the most scrutinized position in football – quarterback. At the helm, we have Russell Wilson, the nine-time Pro Bowler who joined the Broncos via a blockbuster trade this offseason. Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a Super Bowl ring to Denver, and Broncos fans are eager to see him lead the team back to the playoffs.
Backing up Wilson is Jimmy Garoppolo, another experienced signal-caller who joined the Broncos in free agency. Garoppolo provides valuable insurance and competition at the quarterback position, and his familiarity with head coach Nathaniel Hackett's offense should help with the transition.
Running Backs: A Crowded Backfield
Moving on to the ground game, the Broncos have a crowded backfield with plenty of talent and versatility. Leading the way is Javonte Williams, the second-year pro who burst onto the scene in 2021 with over 1,200 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Williams is a bruising runner with elite contact balance, and he'll continue to be the bell cow in the Broncos' backfield.
Behind Williams, the Broncos have a trio of talented backs vying for snaps. Melvin Gordon III is a veteran with eight seasons of experience and over 7,000 career rushing yards. Gordon provides a change-of-pace option and can still contribute as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Mike Boone is a versatile back who can spell Williams and Gordon and also contribute on special teams. Finally, Damarea Crockett is an undrafted free agent with a chance to make the roster and provide depth at the position.
Wide Receivers: A New-look Group
The Broncos' wide receiver corps looks quite different in 2023, with several new faces joining the team this offseason. At the top of the depth chart, we find Courtland Sutton, the team's top wideout and a consistent playmaker. Sutton has battled injuries in recent seasons, but when healthy, he's a matchup nightmare with his size and strength.
Joining Sutton in the starting lineup is Jerry Jeudy, the former first-round pick who is looking to take a leap in his third season. Jeudy has shown flashes of brilliance, and with a full offseason to work with Wilson, he could be primed for a breakout campaign. KJ Hamler is another young receiver looking to build on his promising start to his career, and he'll look to provide speed and big-play ability to the Broncos' offense.
Behind the starters, the Broncos have a group of receivers fighting for roster spots. Tim Patrick is a veteran who has carved out a role as a reliable slot receiver, while Tyrie Cleveland and Montrell Washington are both speedsters who can stretch the field. Drew Cole and Brandon Johnson are undrafted free agents looking to make an impression and earn a roster spot.
Tight Ends: A Familiar Face and a Newcomer
At tight end, the Broncos have a familiar face in Noah Fant, who enters his fourth season with the team. Fant is a dynamic athlete with the speed and athleticism to create mismatches in the passing game. He'll look to build on his 68 receptions and six touchdowns from a season ago.
Joining Fant in the tight end room is Greg Dulcich, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Dulcich is a versatile tight end who can block and catch, and he'll look to contribute as a rookie in the Broncos' offense.
Offensive Line: A Youth Movement
The Broncos' offensive line is undergoing a youth movement, with several young players set to take on starting roles in 2023. At left tackle, Garett Bolles will look to build on his Pro Bowl season in 2021, while Billy Turner and Joe Thuney will man the guard spots. Turner is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and tackle, while Thuney is a four-time Pro Bowler who joined the Broncos in free agency.
At center, Liam Ryan is the early favorite to start, although Luke Wattenberg and Tommy Kraemer will push him for the job. Ryan is a former sixth-round pick who has shown promise in limited action, and he'll look to solidify the center position in 2023.
Defensive Line: A Mix of Youth and Experience
The Broncos' defensive line is a mix of youth and experience, with several young players looking to build on promising starts to their careers. At defensive end, Derek Wolfe and DeShawn Williams will provide veteran leadership, while Mike Purcell and Shelby Harris will man the nose tackle position. Purcell is a powerful run stuffer who has been a key cog in the Broncos' defense, while Harris is a versatile lineman who can play both inside and outside.
Behind the starters, the Broncos have a group of young players looking to make an impact. Eyioma Uwazurike and Matt Henningsen are both former fifth-round picks who have shown promise in limited action, while Rick Leonard and McTelvin Agim are both versatile linemen who can provide depth at multiple positions.
Linebackers: A New-look Group
The Broncos' linebacker corps looks quite different in 2023, with several new faces joining the team this offseason. At middle linebacker, Riley is the early favorite to start, although Josey Jewell and Drew Sanders will push him for the job. Riley is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside, while Jewell is a former fourth-round pick who has been a key contributor in the Broncos' defense.
At outside linebacker, Alex Singleton and Jonathon Cooper are both veteran linebackers who can provide depth and competition at the position. Singleton is a former undrafted free agent who has carved out a role as a reliable special teams player and rotational linebacker, while Cooper is a former fifth-round pick who is looking to build on a promising start to his career.
Secondary: A Talented and Experienced Group
The Broncos' secondary is a talented and experienced group, with several playmakers returning in 2023. At cornerback, Patrick Surtain II and Kareem Jackson will man the starting spots, while Damontae Kazee and Caden Sterns will provide depth and competition. Surtain is a former first-round pick who has quickly become one of the league's top cornerbacks, while Jackson is a veteran who provides leadership and experience in the secondary.
At safety, Justin Simmons is one of the league's top safeties and will look to build on his 2021 campaign, in which he recorded 97 tackles and three interceptions. Behind Simmons, P.J. Locke III and Delonte Hood will provide depth and competition at the position.
Special Teams: A Familiar Face and a Newcomer
Rounding out the Broncos' depth chart, we find ourselves at the special teams positions. At kicker, Brandon McManus will look to build on his successful 2021 campaign, in which he connected on 26 of 30 field goal attempts and was perfect on extra points. McManus is one of the league's top kickers and will look to continue his strong play in 2023.
At punter, Corliss Waitman is a newcomer to the Broncos, joining the team after spending the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Waitman is a former undrafted free agent who has carved out a role as a reliable punter in the league.
And there you have it, Broncos Country – a comprehensive look at the Broncos' 2023 depth chart. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Broncos are poised to make a run at the playoffs in 2023. So, buckle up, folks – it's going to be an exciting ride!