The first Denver Broncos depth chart of 2023 has been released. The depth chart signifies the lineup of players after the first preseason game of the year. It is subject to change, and head coach Sean Payton has stated that the depth chart was done “in pencil”, so prepare for shake-ups. Meanwhile, many surprises jump out immediately. The first depth chart tells so much about the team, and prepares fans for the season to begin.
2023 Denver Broncos Depth Chart – Initial Takeaways
Denver Broncos Depth Chart
Here is a link to the Denver Broncos depth chart. The Broncos made the depth chart official on August 9th. It will be updated frequently this summer, as each preseason game is played. With one in the books and another coming this weekend, look for another update soon.
Coach Payton has made it clear that pieces will be in motion, so anything and everything is subject to change. Since the release of the original depth chart, the Broncos have already made moves signing wide receiver J.J. Koski from the Los Angeles Rams and cutting linebacker Ray Wilborn.
Key Injuries
Wide receiver Tim Patrick and linebacker Jonas Griffith are on injured reserve and do not count against roster spots. Patrick was hurt again this training camp, and his loss will be a huge blow to Denver’s receiving corps. Griffith, although slated for a backup role, will be missed as well. Rookie linebackers Drew Sanders will look to fill his shoes.
Defensive tackle Mike Purcell and linebacker Baron Browning are on the active injured list and may return to the team. Wide receiver K.J. Hamler was released by the team with a medical condition but may re-sign later this season. The original timeline was “around a month”. Defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended by the league. The Broncos are not in charge of his punishment length.
Key Surprises
The biggest surprise of the 2023 Denver Broncos depth chart is at tight end. Adam Trautman is listed ahead of Greg Dulcich, and Albert Ogwuegbunam is listed as the fifth tight end. Trautman was brought over from the New Orleans Saints this season. It was assumed that Dulcich would have the starting job.
Payton made it clear that every tight end has a talent and a role, and that those talents and roles would be utilized how he and the offensive staff chose. Also surprising is how things settled at wide receiver after the injuries to Patrick and Hamler. Receiver Marvin Mims and Brandon Johnson grabbed the vacant spots at number three and number four receiver. Receivers Marquez Callaway and Kendall Hinton haven’t done enough yet to nab those coveted spots.
Key Battles
A kicker battle has begun between Elliott Fry and Brett Maher. During the Broncos first preseason game, Maher had one field goal miss and another blocked. Fry had one miss and made a 55-yarder. Fans view neither as the Broncos starting kicker going into 2023. What the coaching staff sees as the future of the position remains a mystery.
There is also a battle between Kareem Jackson and Caden Sterns over the strong safety position. Over the coming weeks, these battles will be ironed out as each player plays in the preseason. Head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos staff have their work cut out for them. The 2023 season is soon to begin.
Main Photo: Isaiah Downing – USA Today Sports
