Broncos release week 1 depth chart.

[BroncoWave]

Here it is...


OFFENSE:


QB: Manning, Osweiler, Dysert

RB: Hillman, Ball, Moreno, Hester/Anderson

WR1: Thomas, Caldwell

WR2: Decker, Holliday

WR3: Welker

TE: Thomas, Dressen, Tamme, Green

LT: Clady, Clark

LG: Beadles, Kuper

C: Ramirez, Vallos

RG: Vasquez, Moffitt

RT: Franklin, Clark


DEFENSE


LDE: Wolfe, Jackson

DT: Vickerson, Unrien

NT: Knighton, Williams

RDE: Ayers, Phillips

SLB: Irving, Phillips

MLB: Woodyard, Lenon

WLB: Trevathan, Johnson

LCB: Bailey, Harris, Jammer

RCB: DRC, Carter, Webster

SS: Ihenacho, Adams

FS: Moore, Bruton, Bolden

http://www.denverbroncos.com/team/depth-chart.html

[BroncoWave]

My reactions:

Still a little surprised Hillman is listed as the starter and Moreno at 3. I still expect the number of plays to be the inverse order of that in week 1. I could be wrong though.

Great to see Thomas starting at TE. Looks like he could finally be the weapon we have been hoping for for the last few years.

Nice to see Duke win the job at safety as well.

A little surprising to see Caldwell and Jammer make the roster.

[nevcraw]

Jammer is emergency in case Champ can't go week 1.

wonder if the they really think Robinson and King clear waivers. would be nice..

[WARHORSE]

Who will be roasted when Miller gets back?

I cant see keeping four TEs AND Hester.


We need to trade one of the TEs.

[BroncoWave]

Who will be roasted when Miller gets back?

I cant see keeping four TEs AND Hester.


We need to trade one of the TEs.

I would say Jammer is the most likely guy to lose his spot for Miller. Seems like he BARELY made the team at all. We really won't need him once Champ is healthy.

[broncofaninfla]

I see Adams or Bolden being expendable once Miller comes back.

[BroncoWave]

I see Adams or Bolden being expendable once Miller comes back.

I think it will definitely be someone from the secondary. Seems like the team likes Adams for his veteran leadership, but it would not shock me to see Bolden go.

[chazoe60]

I think I like Unrein and Williams combo better than Knighton and Vickerson, at least where pass rush is concerned.

[Army Bronco]

I see Adams or Bolden being expendable once Miller comes back.I think its Bolden. Even as a returner he is expendable. I feel Moreno should start and carry the load. He seems to be the bigger, stronger back now. Just hope he stays healthy. I wish Ben Garland would step it IP and make the team. I am biased cause he is an AF Academy grad and a fellow officer.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

There is always the chance that the Broncos could claim someone off waivers, and then release someone who thinks they made the team.

[BroncoWave]

Pretty cool note by Andrew Mason on Twitter:

"Fourteen of 22 offense/defense first-teamers have played for no NFL team but the Broncos. 10 were drafted since 2010."

Really cool to see us building this team through the draft the way that we are.

[Army Bronco]

There is always the chance that the Broncos could claim someone off waivers, and then release someone who thinks they made the team.Oh yeah..forgot about that. That sux for those who know they barely made it. I'm thinking Jammer, Boldin.

[Broncolingus]

Still a little surprised Hillman is listed as the starter

Agreed...I didn't necessarily think he'd be released/waived, but I am surprised he's #1 coming out of preseason.

...apparently his fumbleitis will be cured by week 1.

I also was surprised BOTH Jammer and Bolden made the team...neither impressed in preseason.

We'll see...

[Army Bronco]

It was obvious that the TE O'Connell wasn't gonna make the team but I was happy when I saw he didn't. That dude made 1 good play......for the other team with his fumble.

[Rick]

Little surprising we are going with essentially 4 1/2 WRs

[Joel]

My reactions:

Still a little surprised Hillman is listed as the starter and Moreno at 3. I still expect the number of plays to be the inverse order of that in week 1. I could be wrong though.
Agreed, that's a head-scratcher; I expected Moreno and Ball to be 1 and 2 in some order with Hillman behind them. All the talk is always (rightly) "even the best runner can't start if he can't block," and Moreno's the only one of the three who consistently does so, in addition to being a good flat receiver, so he seemed like the obvious starter. Add in Hillman scoring TDs for the wrong team in back-to-back preseason games and it's hard to see how his receiving is sufficiently greater than Balls to justify the starting spot if Moreno doesn't get it; neither Hillman nor Ball are good blockers yet.


Great to see Thomas starting at TE. Looks like he could finally be the weapon we have been hoping for for the last few years.
Still like Dreesen best, and not just as another Joel from Houston; he's a great receiver AND blocker, and most TEs only do one or the other well, not both. Still, we run a lot of 2 TE sets, so he'll be on the field plenty, and Tamme's more of a pure receiver, so if Thomas can use his big body to block and catch, that adds a lot of vital versatility.


Nice to see Duke win the job at safety as well.
Definitely came on strong and earned it, but I'd rather it were him and Adams than him and Moore. Not because of the playoff, but that underscores the real reason: Adams is statistically better in coverage and Moore a better tackler. Sure, it's old fashioned, but I want at least one true ball-hawking centerfielder at safety; again, the Ravens game isn't the reason, but is the best illustration of the reason.


A little surprising to see Caldwell and Jammer make the roster.
As others have noted, keeping Jammer makes sense with Champ knicked and Cromartie coming off injury; the depth chart doesn't suggest we'll see him at safety, especially with Ihenacho playing so well.

Evidently the coaches disagree with the opinion of some that Kuper can't play LG, because he's listed as the backup there, but what really surprises me is Mannings old SB buddy Lilja isn't listed AT ALL. Are Vallos and Moffitt that good, or is Lilja just that out of shape? Wouldn't be surprised or disappointed if Bolden left after waivers; would be both if Adams did.

[Dapper Dan]

I can live with that depth chart.

[Magnificent Seven]

Wow. I am surprised about Duke Ihenacho got the job.

[Magnificent Seven]

Personally, I don't feel comfortable with Ayers. I think Shaun Phillips should be a starting defensive end.

[Dapper Dan]

Personally, I don't feel comfortable with Ayers. I think Shaun Phillips should be a starting defensive end.

I think Shaun Phillips will see time on passing downs. We'll have a lot of different packages. I think we won't see this exact defensive depth chart as much as we think.

[Magnificent Seven]

I think Shaun Phillips will see time on passing downs. We'll have a lot of different packages. I think we won't see this exact defensive depth chart as much as we think.

True.

[VonDoom]

I'm happy for Orange Julius and Duke - they impressed during the preseason and TC and earned their spots. I think Jammer is the most expendable once we need to make room for Miller, but a lot can change in six weeks. Also a little surprised we didn't keep another WR - I doubt Holiday sees much time there on offense. I guess they're happy with the TE depth, though, as Manning has a lot of weapons to work with.

[Joel]

Personally, I don't feel comfortable with Ayers. I think Shaun Phillips should be a starting defensive end.
Ayers is a good 4-3 LDE, just not an RDE. He doesn't get to the QB much, but that's not his primary job; he DOES shut down the run, which IS his primary job. It's not very useful on 3rd and 17, but like dbfan says, we'll probably see Phillips at LDE then for just that reason.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

I'm a little surprised we only kept 4 WR's. I guess we'll rely on depth at TE if a receiver goes down.

[Jsteve01]

they listed holliday as a WR. This is one thing that sucks about specialists and 3rd string qbs 2 quality players got cut. Oh well.

[Dapper Dan]

I don't think it's a big deal. Our TEs are receiving TEs. Our RBs are receiving RBs. We're going to have a lot of "Receivers" on the field at all times.

[Nick]

Nice! We keep CJ and Zac!

[Dreadnought]

I don't think it's a big deal. Our TEs are receiving TEs. Our RBs are receiving RBs. We're going to have a lot of "Receivers" on the field at all times.

Agreed. Tamme is almost a tweener, and Julius Thomas has a pretty impressive size and speed combination

[broncohead]

11 DBs and 4 TEs seem like a little much. I wanted to see Robinson and King make it. And Holliday is a good returner but I'm sure theres someone else that could be reliable.

[TXBRONC]

Well I'm not surprised Hillman is still listed as the starter. When has the number 3 back gotten more carries than the guy who is listed as the starter? It hasn't happened in the first two years of Fox's tenure so isn't anything in his past to make that kind of a jump in logic.

[TXBRONC]

11 DBs and 4 TEs seem like a little much. I wanted to see Robinson and King make it. And Holliday is a good returner but I'm sure theres someone else that could be reliable.

I would rather stick with Holiday. No one else has shown themselves to be as explosive as he is.

[TXBRONC]

I don't think it's a big deal. Our TEs are receiving TEs. Our RBs are receiving RBs. We're going to have a lot of "Receivers" on the field at all times.

Dressen was brought in because he's a good receiver but also because he's a good blocker. He's still the best all around tight end we have on the roster.

[BroncoWave]

Dressen was brought in because he's a good receiver but also because he's a good blocker. He's still the best all around tight end we have on the roster.

Interesting. When anyone tries to say that Moreno is our best back, you gleefully point to the depth chart to show he isn't the starter. And now you say Dressen is our best TE. Why isn't he starting then?

[Joel]

Interesting. When anyone tries to say that Moreno is our best back, you gleefully point to the depth chart to show he isn't the starter. And now you say Dressen is our best TE. Why isn't he starting then?
Can't speak for TX or the coaches, but maybe the same reason Moreno isn't: The best overall isn't necessarily best at the most valued area(s.) If we think Hillman/Ball great runners they might be ahead of Moreno even though he's a better receiver and blocker, and okay runner. Likewise if we think Thomas a great receiver he might be ahead of Dreesen even though he's a better blocker and okay receiver. I don't share the logic (at back, IMHO, running's a wash, receiving's at LEAST a wash and Moreno's a much better blocker,) but understand.

[Simple Jaded]

I'd rather they keep a real WR over a returner going into his final year of contract.

[Rick]

I still want Holiday here and am fine with him listed as a WR but putting him as the 5th receiver seems to be asking a lot IMO, he should only enter the game on offense in gimmick situations.

We probably should have kept a true WR at #5 and put Holiday at 6.

[Broncolingus]

Nice! We keep CJ and Zac!

I think everyone saw a little bit of Mike Anderson in CJ in the (limited) touches he got...although, that was against 2nd, 3rd, 4th teams so who really knows?

I also think that Bronco's Inc. is less comfortable with Montee Ball as a (the) feature back now versus on draft day...

I am a little more perplexed by Dysert...

I personally didn't see the 'tremendous' growth that everyone blew about with Oz this preseason, but I kinda chalked that up to him also playing with (just) 2nd, 3rd, 4th team players...

...but it does make one wonder - if Oz is (was) so entrenched as the backup, is the heir-apparent to Manning, AND had improved so significantly, why keep Dysert?

Ahh...tis' the hand they're playing with and need to get a few games into the season to see where things 'really' stand anyway...

Go Broncos!

[BroncoWave]

I think everyone saw a little bit of Mike Anderson in CJ in the (limited) touches he got...although, that was against 2nd, 3rd, 4th teams so who really knows?

I also think that Bronco's Inc. is less comfortable with Montee Ball as a (the) feature back now versus on draft day...

I am a little more perplexed by Dysert...

I personally didn't see the 'tremendous' growth that everyone blew about with Oz this preseason, but I kinda chalked that up to him also playing with (just) 2nd, 3rd, 4th team players...

...but it does make one wonder - if Oz is (was) so entrenched as the backup, is the heir-apparent to Manning, AND had improved so significantly, why keep Dysert?

Ahh...tis' the hand they're playing with and need to get a few games into the season to see where things 'really' stand anyway...

Go Broncos!

Why not keep Dysert if we think he has potential? Gives you two good options to replace Manning instead of 1. Keeping Dysert doesn't necessarily mean the FO has lost any faith in Oz.

[TXBRONC]

I still want Holiday here and am fine with him listed as a WR but putting him as the 5th receiver seems to be asking a lot IMO, he should only enter the game on offense in gimmick situations.

We probably should have kept a true WR at #5 and put Holiday at 6.

As the fifth receiver I doubt he sees the field much as a receiver.

[TXBRONC]

Jammer is emergency in case Champ can't go week 1.

wonder if the they really think Robinson and King clear waivers. would be nice..

That would nice if they both cleared waivers but I won't be shocked if one of the two doesn't clear waivers.

[Davii]

Why not keep Dysert if we think he has potential? Gives you two good options to replace Manning instead of 1. Keeping Dysert doesn't necessarily mean the FO has lost any faith in Oz.

Also, chances are, Dysert wouldn't have cleared waivers.

[TXBRONC]

I think everyone saw a little bit of Mike Anderson in CJ in the (limited) touches he got...although, that was against 2nd, 3rd, 4th teams so who really knows?

I also think that Bronco's Inc. is less comfortable with Montee Ball as a (the) feature back now versus on draft day...

I am a little more perplexed by Dysert...

I personally didn't see the 'tremendous' growth that everyone blew about with Oz this preseason, but I kinda chalked that up to him also playing with (just) 2nd, 3rd, 4th team players...

...but it does make one wonder - if Oz is (was) so entrenched as the backup, is the heir-apparent to Manning, AND had improved so significantly, why keep Dysert?

Ahh...tis' the hand they're playing with and need to get a few games into the season to see where things 'really' stand anyway...

Go Broncos!

I don't think keeping Dysert had anything to do with how they feel about Osweiler.

[Jsteve01]

I think everyone saw a little bit of Mike Anderson in CJ in the (limited) touches he got...although, that was against 2nd, 3rd, 4th teams so who really knows?

I also think that Bronco's Inc. is less comfortable with Montee Ball as a (the) feature back now versus on draft day...

I am a little more perplexed by Dysert...

I personally didn't see the 'tremendous' growth that everyone blew about with Oz this preseason, but I kinda chalked that up to him also playing with (just) 2nd, 3rd, 4th team players...

...but it does make one wonder - if Oz is (was) so entrenched as the backup, is the heir-apparent to Manning, AND had improved so significantly, why keep Dysert?

Ahh...tis' the hand they're playing with and need to get a few games into the season to see where things 'really' stand anyway...

Go Broncos! It's the old Green Bay school of thought. You can never have too many qbs and those guys can net you draft picks if they end up being good. Or you could make a case based on the last game that given a season with the team and another TC, they might have a nice quandry with two young, athletic strong armed qbs as to who is the heir apparent.

[Stargazer]

11 DBs and 4 TEs seem like a little much. I wanted to see Robinson and King make it. And Holliday is a good returner but I'm sure theres someone else that could be reliable.


I'd rather they keep a real WR over a returner going into his final year of contract.

TWO TD's in his last game. The Broncos finally have someone special returnign kicks and you guys want to get rid of him for a nobody and a rookie?

:laugh:

[Jsteve01]

TWO TD's in his last game. The Broncos finally have someone special returnign kicks and you guys want to get rid of him for a nobody and a rookie?

:laugh:

I don't think anyone wants him gone, but we're essentially going into the season with 4 receivers. Tamme and Dreesen are both coming off injury so the old TE can fill that role doesn't really hold water. i'd rather have cut one of the 28 DB's that made the roster and think that may happen when Champ is deemed healthy.

[Simple Jaded]

TWO TD's in his last game. The Broncos finally have someone special returnign kicks and you guys want to get rid of him for a nobody and a rookie?

:laugh:

Special? Eddie Royal says Hi.

[MOtorboat]

I don't think anyone wants him gone, but we're essentially going into the season with 4 receivers. Tamme and Dreesen are both coming off injury so the old TE can fill that role doesn't really hold water. i'd rather have cut one of the 28 DB's that made the roster and think that may happen when Champ is deemed healthy.

They have eight receivers and one returner. Think about it in those terms, and it's not that bad.

I was surprised they let go of King, and Robinson had a one nice preseason game, but it doesn't worry me at all.

[Dapper Dan]

They have eight receivers and one returner. Think about it in those terms, and it's not that bad.

I was surprised they let go of King, and Robinson had a one nice preseason game, but it doesn't worry me at all.

But Mo. Upside. They just cut Rod Smith.

[Simple Jaded]

But Mo. Upside. They just cut Rod Smith.

But they kept Rick Upchurch.

[MOtorboat]

Special? Eddie Royal says Hi.

The fifth receiver, Andre Caldwell, had one reception last year. Holliday had more touchdowns.

[MOtorboat]

But they kept Rick Upchurch.

Then why do you have a problem with it?

[Simple Jaded]

Then why do you have a problem with it?

I don't, really.

That was sarcasm, btw, Upchurch he's not.

[Jsteve01]

I get what you're saying Mo, but look at it this way. We've got 6 corners, 5 safeties and 4, count em 4 wideouts. i totally get that the move TE can fill that receiver role, but that would sound a hell of a lot better if Tamme hadn't missed most of the preseason with a hammy and Dreesen weren't coming off a knee. Also you have to factor in Thomas and Decker's injury history. It's not really like either of them are up for the iron man award at this point. They were healthy last year but injury has been a concern for both of them.

[Simple Jaded]

Between King, Robinson and Lamaar Thomas you'd think at least one of them will get passed waivers. But 4 WR's is thin for any team.

[Dapper Dan]

If there's an injury and we need another WR, we will pull one from the practice squad.

[Simple Jaded]

If there's an injury and we need another WR, we will pull one from the practice squad.

Agreed, and that means they might even keep two WR's on the PS, considering they might normally keep 6 combined on both rosters.

[Jsteve01]

If there's an injury and we need another WR, we will pull one from the practice squad.

That's hoping that Robinson and King make it. I'm not sure that they will. If Arians weren't new to the Cards I'd be very skeptical that he'd make it through especially after his showing on Thursday. I also know that King was drafted a little lower than most of the grades I saw for him so someone else might see it as an opportunity to snag him and the thing with the PS is you're always hoping someone else doesn't have an injury before you do or your guy might get nabbed.

[Dapper Dan]

That's hoping that Robinson and King make it. I'm not sure that they will. If Arians weren't new to the Cards I'd be very skeptical that he'd make it through especially after his showing on Thursday. I also know that King was drafted a little lower than most of the grades I saw for him so someone else might see it as an opportunity to snag him and the thing with the PS is you're always hoping someone else doesn't have an injury before you do or your guy might get nabbed.

That's not hoping anything. Odds are, we'll have at least 1 WR on the practice squad. It may be Robinson or King. It may be someone else.

If I'm worried about any group, it's not the Receivers. Manning can throw to Mitch Unrein if he needs to.

[Stargazer]

Special? Eddie Royal says Hi.

Royal has had 4 returns for TD's in one season? I didn't think so. But, lets keep that rookie WR who will not play over a KR/PR who can score TD's.:coffee:

[Simple Jaded]

Royal has had 4 returns for TD's in one season? I didn't think so. But, lets keep that rookie WR who will not play over a KR/PR who can score TD's.:coffee:

Never said Royal did, just that neither Royal nor Holliday are special.

[Stargazer]

I don't think anyone wants him gone, but we're essentially going into the season with 4 receivers. Tamme and Dreesen are both coming off injury so the old TE can fill that role doesn't really hold water. i'd rather have cut one of the 28 DB's that made the roster and think that may happen when Champ is deemed healthy.

The TE's will have to step up if there's injuries to WR. Bubba will have to fill in and earn his check. If there's serious injuries to WR, Terrell Owens is always a phone call away.:D Also as you mentioned, there's a plethora of DB's on the roster. We'll see as the season shapes out. As of now not surprised there's a bunch of DB's on the roster.

[Stargazer]

Never said Royal did, just that neither Royal nor Holliday are special.

Maybe it's me, but it's freaking exciting seeing a return man who can take it to the house for Denver. Even plays where he takes it 30 yards on a punt return. It's a weapon, and that's special.

[Stargazer]

I'm excited to see Orange Julius take that starting roll and run with it.

[chanesaw]

This is just what we are starting with. Once Kuper shows he is ready to play we will cut a lineman, most likely to make room for Von.

[gregbroncs]

This is just what we are starting with. Once Kuper shows he is ready to play we will cut a lineman, most likely to make room for Von.

I seriously doubt that. They have too many DB's and TE/FB's, and are short OLinemen. Not seeing O-lineman being the position cut for Von.

[hamrob]

I don't think we will need to cut anyone when Von comes back...more than likely we will have someone who goes to IR. Unfortunately....but, this is the NFL.

[MOtorboat]

Are we sure Miller doesn't take up a spot when he's suspended?

[hamrob]

With the Broncos stashing away McCray and Smith on IR and them keeping Dysert on the 53 man roster....they should have one heck of a PS.

King, Robinson, Painter, Hester, Youboty, Beal, Rasner, Baker....there's 8. Now, it probably won't be those exact 8....but, that's a pretty good list.

[Dapper Dan]

Are we sure Miller doesn't take up a spot when he's suspended?

He's on the "suspended list". I assumed it doesn't take up a roster spot.

[BroncoWave]

Are we sure Miller doesn't take up a spot when he's suspended?

Yes. My source, I just counted the players listed on our roster (not including Miller) and it came out to 53. We are past the deadline to have it to 53, so I would say that confirms that Von doesn't take up a spot.

[Simple Jaded]

Maybe it's me, but it's freaking exciting seeing a return man who can take it to the house for Denver. Even plays where he takes it 30 yards on a punt return. It's a weapon, and that's special.

Royal could take it to the house, he is not special. Ted Ginn is on his 3rd team, is he special?

Devin Hester was special, maybe we should make Holliday do it more than once in three seasons before we brand him untouchable.

[Dapper Dan]

Royal could take it to the house, he is not special. Ted Ginn is on his 3rd team, is he special?

Devin Hester was special, maybe we should make Holliday do it more than once in three seasons before we brand him untouchable.

Who said he was "untouchable"?

[Simple Jaded]

Who said he was "untouchable"?

I think his name is Stargazer.

[BroncoWave]

We just released Hester. Wonder who takes his spot. Practice squad as tweeted by Cecil Lamney:

"Jacob Hester released by #Broncos 7 players added to PS Edwin Baker, PCornick, VPainter, BGarland, JYouboty, Gerell Robinson, Tavarres King"

[BroncoWave]

And here it is, per Lindsay Jones:

"This is why Hester released RT @caplannfl: Former Steelers/Eagles OLB Adrian Robinson claimed off waivers by the Broncos."

[TXBRONC]

I'm excited to see Orange Julius take that starting roll and run with it.

Me too.

[Magnificent Seven]

Me too.

Same! :beer:

[Dapper Dan]

Same! :beer:

Me as well!

[OrangeHoof]

Little surprising we are going with essentially 4 1/2 WRs

And 11 (by my count) DBs.

[Dapper Dan]

According to http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2012.htm here's our WRs from last season:

D. Thomas 94 rec 1434 yds

E. Decker 85 rec 1064 yds

B. Stokley 45 rec 544 yrds

M. Willis 10 rec 90 yds

A. Caldwell 1 rec 18 yds

T. Holliday 2 rec 17 yds

Outside of our top 3 WRs, we have 13 receptions for 125 yards.

[TXBRONC]

According to http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2012.htm here's our WRs from last season:

D. Thomas 94 rec 1434 yds

E. Decker 85 rec 1064 yds

B. Stokley 45 rec 544 yrds

M. Willis 10 rec 90 yds

A. Caldwell 1 rec 18 yds

T. Holliday 2 rec 17 yds

Outside of our top 3 WRs, we have 13 receptions for 125 yards.

The top two tight endes in the offense accounted for 93 receptions for 911 yards.

Tamme 52 receptions for 555 yards.

Dressen 41 receptions for 356 yards.

Manning loves working the tight end into the passing game.