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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jon Heath

Broncos’ projected depth chart after NFL free agency

Four weeks into NFL free agency, the Denver Broncos have signed six outside free agents and re-signed nine in-house players (view all of the team’s roster moves here). Following those moves, attention has now turned to the upcoming 2024 NFL draft (April 25-27).

Before the draft arrives, we’re taking a quick look at the state of Denver’s roster with an updated depth chart projection. Keep in mind that this is Broncos Wire’s projection, not an official depth chart from the team. Denver won’t release an official depth chart until preseason begins this summer.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the Broncos’ depth chart as of early April.

Quarterback

The most important position on the roster is still unesolved. The Broncos will undoubtedly draft a quarterback in April, it’s just a question of when. Will they trade up to land a top prospect? Will they settle for who’s left at pick No. 12? Trade down to select one later? Denver coach Sean Payton has said Jarrett Stidham will compete for the starting job, now we wait to see who the competition will be.

QB1 QB2
Jarrett Stidham Ben DiNucci

Running back

With Javonte Williams scheduled to become a free agent in 2025, the Broncos might draft a running back in April, but it’s not a top need.

RB1 RB2 RB3 RB4
Javonte Williams Samaje Perine Jaleel McLaughlin Tyler Badie

Offensive line

The Broncos shored up their guard and tackle depth by adding Matt Peart and Calvin Throckmorton during free agency. Denver then brought in veteran center Sam Mustipher. Given that he has 42 career starts, Mustipher is probable the favorite to start over Alex Forsyth and Luke Wattenberg.

LT Garett Bolles Will Sherman Alex Palczewski
LG Ben Powers Calvin Throckmorton
C Sam Mustipher Alex Forsyth Luke Wattenberg
RG Quinn Meinerz Quinn Bailey
RT Mike McGlinchey Matt Peart Demontrey Jacobs

Tight end

Denver will hope Greg Dulcich can finally stay healthy in his third season, but Adam Trautman will be the TE1 regardless of Dulcich’s status.

TE1 TE2 TE3 FB TE4/FB
Adam Trautman Greg Dulcich Lucas Krull Mike Burton Nate Adkins

Wide receiver

After trading away Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos signed Josh Reynolds. The immediate depth for 2024 is solid, but Denver will probably consider adding another long-term WR in the draft after picking up Marvin Mims last year.

WR1 Courtland Sutton Brandon Johnson
WR2 Tim Patrick Lil’Jordan Humphrey
WR3 Marvin Mims Phillip Dorsett David Sills
WR4 Josh Reynolds Jalen Virgil Michael Bandy

Defensive line

Malcolm Roach was a smart signing in free agency, but the Broncos need more help on the defensive line. Eyioma Uwazurike can apply for reinstatement this summer, but Denver will need more depth rotation even if Uwazurike returns.

DE NT DE
Zach Allen D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
Elijah Garcia Rashard Lawrence Matt Henningsen
Jordan Jackson

Outside linebacker

The Broncos have a pair of quality rotational pass rushers in Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto and a promising starter in Baron Browning, but Vance Joseph’s defense could use an elite edge defender. Denver might consider picking a pass rusher at No. 12 in the draft.

OLB1 OLB2
Baron Browning Jonathon Cooper
Ronnie Perkins Nik Bonitto
Thomas Incoom Durell Nchami

Inside linebacker

Newly-signed veteran Cody Barton is expected to compete with Jonas Griffith for a starting job this summer next to Alex Singleton. It’s unclear if Drew Sanders will end up playing primarily as an inside linebacker or outside linebacker in 2024.

ILB1 ILB2
Alex Singleton Cody Barton
Jonas Griffith Drew Sanders
Justin Strnad

Cornerback

Pat Surtain is one of the best CBs in the league and Ja’Quan McMillian is a quality slot defender, but unless Riley Moss takes a big step forward in Year 2, the Broncos will need another starting-caliber outside cornerback.

CB1 Pat Surtain Tremon Smith Reese Taylor
Slot Ja’Quan McMillian Art Green
CB2 Riley Moss Damarri Mathis Keidron Smith

Safety

After cutting Justin Simmons, the Broncos signed Brandon Jones. They now have a promising safety trio of Jones, P.J. Locke and Caden Sterns.

FS SS
P.J. Locke Brandon Jones
Caden Sterns J.L. Skinner
Delarrin Turner-Yell Devon Key
Tanner McCalister  

Special teams

Right now, there’s no competition for any of the specialist positions, but that might change this summer.

K Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
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