The Denver Broncos released their first depth chart of 2024 on Tuesday, as is mandated by the NFL ahead of the start of preseason this weekend. Here are ten quick takeaways from the depth chart that is sure to change in the coming weeks.
1. Jarrett Stidham is QB1: Stidham, who already has a year of experience in Sean Payton’s offense, is listed as the starting QB. That suggests he will start against the Indianapolis Colts in Denver’s preseason opener on Sunday.
2. Zach Wilson is QB2: Wilson being listed over Bo Nix is a surprise because that does not reflect the actual rotation at training camp. Fans shouldn’t read into Wilson being above Nix, though, because …
3. Payton’s making a point with the rookies: None of the rookies will be handed a starting job, not even Nix. That is evidenced by the fact that every rookie on the team is listed last in their position on the initial depth chart. By the time Week 1 arrives, the Broncos will undoubtedly have several rookies much higher at their respective positions, but they have to prove their worth in preseason first.
4. Samaje Perine is still the RB2: Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and fifth-round pick Audric Estime seem to be locks at RB. If the Broncos only carry four RBs, that would leave Perine, undrafted rookie Blake Watson and Tyler Badie competing for the final spot. Perine is the team’s best blocking and receiving back, but Watson might not make it to the practice squad if the Broncos waive him this summer. For now, Perine has the edge.
5. Jonas Griffith and Cody Barton are co-starters at ILB: Following the loss of Josey Jewell during free agency, the Broncos have Griffith and Barton competing to start next to Alex Singleton in 2024. If one of them currently has an edge, Payton’s not making it known on the depth chart.
6. CB Tremon Smith is the No. 2 returner: Smith might not get much playing time on defense, but he could be a big winner from the NFL’s switch to an XFL-style kickoff. Smith is listed as the second kickoff returner and the second punt returner behind WR Marvin Mims. With clubs featuring two returners on kickoffs this year, Smith should be in good position to make the team.
7. Damarri Mathis and Riley Moss are co-starters at CB2: The Broncos have an open competition for the No. 2 CB spot across from Pat Surtain and it’s clear that they want one of Mathis or Moss to step up and win the role. It will be interesting to see if one of them actually starts in Week 1 because veteran Levi Wallace was getting first-team reps before suffering a hamstring injury.
8. Luke Wattenberg leading the center competition: After losing Lloyd Cushenberry in free agency, Denver seems to giving Wattenberg first dibs to replace him. Interestingly, Alex Forsyth is listed as the No. 2 and Sam Mustipher (who has 42 career starts at center) is No. 3. The Broncos might be trying to sneak Mustipher down to the practice squad this summer.
9. Eyioma Uwazurike is back: After returning from his gambling suspension, Uwazurike is listed as a defensive end behind backup Elijah Garcia and starter John Franklin-Myers. The other DE starter is Zach Allen with Angelo Blackson and Jordan Jackson behind him. Uwazurike will now attempt to climb the depth chart before the cut down to 53 players.
10. This is just an initial depth chart: Payton only releases the depth chart because the NFL forces him to, and some of the listings — such as Wilson being QB2 — reflect how much effort the coach put into it. As former Broncos cornerback Chris Harris noted on Twitter/X, the depth chart is subject to change — and it will.
The Depth Chart changes all season long . I was the 10th corner until I made the team lol https://t.co/dBmE4Ykjuv
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) August 6, 2024
If you need a refresher, you can view the Broncos’ depth chart here. Expect plenty of changes in the coming weeks.
