First depth chart released

[Draft Crazy]

Broncos release first depth chart of season

 

[Draft Crazy]

CJ Smith is beating out Marcus Rios who played in a few games late last year. Cyrus is beating out Elijah Wilkinson for a depth OT spot. The team seemed to be high on Wikinson last year from what we heard. I like to see Cyrus make it here though. He was a good prospect coming out of Bama. Lindsay the #1 KR right now. Obviously this stuff is way up in the air. McKenzie obviously has to make the team as a PR and not a WR.
I said it after the draft but ill say it again.
Jorday Taylor is gonna end up on IR.
Carlos Henderson is pretty much done here, IMO. River Cracraft and Tim Patrick seem to be in the lead for a PS job. They also were on the PS a bit last year so maybe they are just opening up ahead of the others. Both are ahead of McKenzie on the WR depth chart. McKenzie better not slip up as a PR or Cracraft could take his job. I think McKenzie will make it though and improve as PR.

Obviously this is a way too early depth chat, but it sorta tells you whose job it is to lose.

 

[fightinredantz]

It is interesting. We will see if this inspires anyone to be better.

 

[Dr Cyanide 28]

Roster Building Thoughts:
Immediate concerns:
1. CB
Behind Roby/CHJ its a huge question. I like Yiadom but 3rd round rookies at CB don’t typically splash into the NFL. This team’s identity is defense. Pass rush and corners. We lack at corner right now. CHJ is getting older as well & some respected ppl I have spoken with have said he lost a step… but he’s back at 195 after playing 210 last year so that hopefully helps. Roby I think is emerging as a top 15 CB but his inconsistencies are a concern. Looking over Vikings CB depth in prep for game and the contrast between the two teams at CB in terms of overall talent is very obvious.
2. Oline
I think the unit is better than it has been in two years. Need Bolles to take next step and above all… health (bolles/leary/paradis/veldheer with injury risk/concerns). Unit I think will be league average though, which is good enough for me in 2018. This team wants to develop into a smash mouth offense with a fast mean defense. I love it. Finding a competent QB was step one… now its time for the OL to develop and solidify.
3. Off-Ball LB
Davis and Marshall were up and down last year and the depth behind them is all a question mark. Both have had injuries and both might not be for long on the roster given contracts. Hopefully Josey Jewell can be a dude and push to start by end of season.
4. QB
I think Case is gonna be fine, but most teams need to call on their backups eventually… Kelly vs Lynch is like southpark debate of a giant d-bag vs a turd sammich…
5. RB/TE
all potential but all question marks at this point. Wide receiver has playmakers but we will see about these other two skill positions. I don;t mind the youth and cheap contracts at the positions though. As excited to see growth and some guys emerge as I am worried about the position.
Long-term concers:
1. QB
its a question until it ain’t. I’m hopeful for Case though…chad and lynch… not at all. Case Keenum could emerge as a guy that plays for 5+ years in Denver… but for now he’s just on a 2 year deal. Too bad that the 2019 draft does not look promising at QB and kelly/lynch is not great.
2. CB
Again, this team’s idenity has been predicated on rushing the passer and covering with man corners. I like Yiadom a lot but the depth here isn’t what I would like. CB is the 5th most important position in the game and requires depth. Team lacks it atm.
3. OT
I am intrigued by Andreas Knappe and Cyrus Koujanjio but they are just names at this point. Need to see them in action but liked both in college. Veldheer isn’t a long-term option most likely.
4. DL
DL honestly might be this team’s strength this year, but many players are older… peko/wolfe/mcdonald all getting up there, Gotsis legal questions, and Shelby Harris might play too well to be retained ($$$). Behind QB and EDGE, 3 down DTs (that can rush the passer but hold their own in run game) are gold.
5. Off-Ball LB
Again… davis and marshall are getting older and have contracts easy to get out of. In today’s NFL, a 3 down LB is huge for any team. One that can be signal caller and stay on field in base, filling in and shedding blocks against run, chase down sideline to sideline outside the hash marks, and play in coverage against TEs/RBs. Ppl say Elway doesn’t value LB. Its not QB/EDGE/DT/CB/OT… but a 3 down LB is huge. Tried to move up for Shazier/Mosely and LOVED Reddick in 17 and Smith in 18.
Strengths!!!!
Wide Receiver
Wide Receiver is going to be fun this year. I am excited to see Sutton emerge. I still think the route running is going to be his limiting reagent as far as impact this year, but his work ethic, intelligence, and body control/lateral agility make me believe he will improve each week. He pry rings the end of DT’s tenure in Denver after this season if I had to bet… DT and Sanders are still good and as healthy as they have been in a while. DaeSean Hamilton is a fun savvy route runner who can find room in dark spaces over the middle
Edge Rusher
Miller is the best edge in the game atm (sorry mack) and either the best or 2nd best defender in football (aaron donald). He is so flipping good. Enjoy him fans, he is special and his peak is now. Chubb is going to be a unique fun player. Not super athlete like Von but strong, smart, driven, and technical. Going to be at least a pro bowl player, but potential for multi time all-pro. Shane Ray is receiving good hype for the first time in a while. Maybe last season in Denver but is going to be a valuable sub package pass rusher. He has 2nd best burst of any edge on the team. Barrett is valuable as a depth run stuffer. A guy that might be on trade block (along with Ray) if we are being honest. Holland has been impressing. Was told he has been 4th best edge in camp (ahead of barrett). Will make team, and his play will have impact on futures of Ray/Barrett.
Defensive Line
The deepest I have seen the unit in a while. Derek Wolfe is healthier and the emotional leader of the entire defense. Must stay on field. Due to injuries and contract may not be in Denver TOO much longer but enjoy his play and personality for now. Gotsis is a run stuffer who is entering year 3. Worst case he is great in base but praying for a step up in pass rush. The burst is there… McDonald has been doing well and is a welcomed addition. Walker has added weight and is back where he belongs. Won’t sniff base but should be fine as a pass rush specialist at 3 tech (still hate the value of his pick though). Shelby Harris is tied with Justin Simmons as most underrated player on the team. Dude can play and may play himself out of Denver money wise… and Kerr is a versatile backup DL that can play nose or 3 or 5 if need be. DEEP DL.
QB, OL, WR, and defensive front all should be better this year! RB and CB pry are areas with a step back. Overall feels like a 8-8 to 9-7 team but a lot will depend on Case proving himself in live action and VJ taking step forward.
First time since 2015 I am optimistic about this team, a lot has to do with how good this rookie class is stacking up so far. Could be a team changing draft class… now we just need to stack it with another few classes going forward… AND STAY HEALTHY.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Great post Nick.

 

[fightinredantz]

Yes, very nice post. I am a little higher a couple players here and there,but I understand your viewpoints.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Yes, very nice post. I am a little higher a couple players here and there,but I understand your viewpoints.

Right, few good things I would disagree with but I wasn't going to point those out. Overall, a nice lil rundown of where we sit at each position.

 

[fightinredantz]

The question for me is if Case looks really good this year do you extend him before that last year or do you make him prove it two years in a row. My guess is we make him play out the contract and then try to sign him prior to free agency in 2020.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Really depends on just how "good" he looks to me.

BTW, for those in a panic about the CB position lets remember Tramaine Brock is there, and will be healthy soon. He has been a pretty dependable CB in the NFL as a starter and reserve throughout his career minus one down year after a big contract.

 

[Dr Cyanide 28]

tell me what you disagree with! lol lets facilitate discussion! haha

 

[Draft Crazy]

You know CB is a more important position then 5th. You're talking to a DB whore.

BTW, Don't sleep on Denver acquiring Mike Glennon after PS over. Cardinals paid all the money for Bradford and drafted Josh Rosen. Denver was interested in Glennon before he signed with Arizona.

 

[fightinredantz]

tell me what you disagree with! lol lets facilitate discussion! haha

I am ok with the CB position and Webster is out there and could be signed if needed in a pinch.

The RB and TE groups are young and unproven, but I am very excited about this group. Freeman and Lindsay. Booker will be there to steady the position. I think Butt and Fumagalli could be a dynamic duo that could be the best in Broncos history.

I am probably just seeing things through the homer glasses. Maybe reality will set in after a good night sleep.

 

[WalkerBoh]

A potent and fast pass rush will make most DB's much more effective.

 

[SpringStein]

I am ok with the CB position and Webster is out there and could be signed if needed in a pinch.

The RB and TE groups are young and unproven, but I am very excited about this group. Freeman and Lindsay. Booker will be there to steady the position. I think Butt and Fumagalli could be a dynamic duo that could be the best in Broncos history.

I am probably just seeing things through the homer glasses. Maybe reality will set in after a good night sleep.

To me CB is probably the biggest Q, and my #1 concern. We’ve been spoiled and I think we are in for a let down. It’s along way until April, but CB has to be up there as a priority for the 2019 draft.

 

[fightinredantz]

To me CB is probably the biggest Q, and my #1 concern. We’ve been spoiled and I think we are in for a let down. It’s along way until April, but CB has to be up there as a priority for the 2019 draft.

SpringsStein, we have way more experience at CB then we have at RB or TE. We should have a really good idea what we will get out of the CBs we have. Roby has played a on, Brock has plenty of experience as well. You have to get to 4th and 5th on the depth chart before questions about ability at the next level.

How many games has our TE and RB room played? Maybe a season between all of them in each group. I don't have time to look right now but I might later.

 

[SpringStein]

SpringsStein, we have way more experience at CB then we have at RB or TE. We should have a really good idea what we will get out of the CBs we have. Roby has played a on, Brock has plenty of experience as well. You have to get to 4th and 5th on the depth chart before questions about ability at the next level.

How many games has our TE and RB room played? Maybe a season between all of them in each group. I don't have time to look right now but I might later.

That might work if all positions are created equally. They ain't.

There are three starters at CB, two at most at TE and one at RB.

HUGE difference in being the #2 and #3 CB - and that's the transition Roby is taking. Chris Harris vs tall #1 WRs is a problem. Brock? OK, but depending on a guy who missed much of last year and all this PS with injuries doesn't seem reasonable to me. And then what is the depth? Langley who has stunk so far? (hey, but he's a long athlete!) Yiadom is a rookie.

I'm just not buying it on the CBs we have.

 

[Mingo]

That might work if all positions are created equally. They ain't.

There are three starters at CB, two at most at TE and one at RB.

HUGE difference in being the #2 and #3 CB - and that's the transition Roby is taking. Chris Harris vs tall #1 WRs is a problem. Brock? OK, but depending on a guy who missed much of last year and all this PS with injuries doesn't seem reasonable to me. And then what is the depth? Langley who has stunk so far? (hey, but he's a long athlete!) Yiadom is a rookie.

I'm just not buying it on the CBs we have.

As I pointed out in a thread no one has responded to - Justin Simmons is taking reps at CB. I suspect the Broncos will carry an extra safety this year and Simmons will play plenty CB.

 

[SpringStein]

So playing a S at CB is supposed to make me feel better?

No slam on Simmons, note my avatar....

 

[Dr Cyanide 28]

As I pointed out in a thread no one has responded to - Justin Simmons is taking reps at CB. I suspect the Broncos will carry an extra safety this year and Simmons will play plenty CB.

The versatility helps but preferably Simmons is on the backend playing cover 1 or 2 rather than playing slot (where he has been hit or miss. See any game where he is lined up against Kelce when flanked out). I love simmons too. And i think the improvements on offense and the DL will help shield the CBs, but as Bailey showed most obviously, any QB worth their salt will find the one weakness and target them. From Dre Bly and Lenny Walls in the mid 2000s to Will Parks last year. The 3rd corner is more of a starter for the Broncos than the 2nd LB (based on snaps) so having the major struggles of Brock from last year (who is better than slot, meaning you keep Harris out from where he is best... in slot) and the uncertainty of Yiadom and the struggles in camp of Langley... CB3/4 are a major area of concern for me.

 

[Mingo]

The versatility helps but preferably Simmons is on the backend playing cover 1 or 2 rather than playing slot (where he has been hit or miss. See any game where he is lined up against Kelce when flanked out). I love simmons too. And i think the improvements on offense and the DL will help shield the CBs, but as Bailey showed most obviously, any QB worth their salt will find the one weakness and target them. From Dre Bly and Lenny Walls in the mid 2000s to Will Parks last year. The 3rd corner is more of a starter for the Broncos than the 2nd LB (based on snaps) so having the major struggles of Brock from last year (who is better than slot, meaning you keep Harris out from where he is best... in slot) and the uncertainty of Yiadom and the struggles in camp of Langley... CB3/4 are a major area of concern for me.

All good points amigo.

I'm just saying -the Broncos have major depth at S - Simmons = Steward - Cravens - Parks - Dymonte Thomas and Jamal Carter. It's all about matchups - obviously - and Simmons is talented enough and smart enough to take what the opposing offense gives them in terms of threat. The upshot point - I'm making is the Broncos are more likely to keep 1 extra Safety than 1 extra CB on the 53 man roster. You can call the coverages any way you want to, but we are headed for more Safety snaps on defense and less CB snaps on defense - overall.

What it also sets us are stunts for rushing the passer with the front 7 - with more safeties on the field to clean up if the ball carrier breaks through the blitz. In this case the defense is betting that it disrupts the play more often than the play succeeding and shortening the time to the QB shortens the amount of time in coverage for a Safety.

I deduce the Broncos are gearing up for an attacking defense - which will give up a few plays a game if the other team can make a play in the middle of the field.