Projecting Denver Broncos' Depth Chart After Peak of Free Agency

The Denver Broncos are not yet finished putting together the roster for 2015. The Broncos keep together nucleus of this team for the most part, but they did lose a few starters from last year’s roster.

To replace those starters, the Broncos will address those positions through free agency and the draft. Most of the activity in free agency is done at this time, and the Broncos have filled a few of the holes that opened up on the roster.

They still need to address a few more spots in the draft, but the Broncos have almost taken full shape for the 2015 season.

Here’s a look at the depth chart as it stands currently after the peak of free agency.

Quarterback

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Starter: Peyton Manning

Backups: Brock Osweiler, Zac Dysert

After a disappointing end to 2014, Peyton Manning has returned for his fourth season with the Broncos. He accepted a $4 million pay cut before his salary for the 2015 season became fully guaranteed. He can earn the $4 million back if the Broncos win the Super Bowl this year. Basically, Manning is putting it on himself to earn that money back with a season that ends with a championship.

Manning’s fit in the Gary Kubiak system will be an interesting one. Kubiak likes his quarterbacks under center, while Manning likes to work from the shotgun. Kubiak likes his quarterbacks to roll out on play-action passes, while Manning is not very fleet afoot. Regardless of the challenges presented this season, I have little doubt these two will craft an offensive system that is mutually beneficial.

Brock Osweiler only has one year left on his current contract with the Broncos. The team could extend him if it wants to see him as the starter next year or beyond. Ironically, you could argue Osweiler is a better fit for the Kubiak system than Manning is because of his athleticism and ability to throw on the run.

Zac Dysert was on the Broncos practice squad last year. He has a strong arm, but his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. If he doesn't show improvement, he could be on the outside looking in.

There’s a good chance that Denver selects a quarterback like Garrett Grayson (Colorado State) or Bryce Petty (Baylor) in the 2015 NFL draft.

Running Back

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Starter: C.J. Anderson

Backups: Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson, Jeremy Stewart

The Broncos are going to be using the zone-blocking system to create holes (and cutback lanes) for their ground game in 2015. C.J. Anderson emerged last year as the team’s starting back, and he should be a fantastic fit in the new offense.

Anderson is a powerful, decisive runner who can change direction smoothly and instantly. He has good vision between the tackles and the footwork to avoid most trash at the line of scrimmage. In addition to being a quality runner who could be among the NFL’s leading rushers, Anderson is also a capable receiver out of the backfield. So long as he’s healthy, there’s no need for him to come off the field for many downs.

Montee Ball should look better in this system, but he’s not going to be in for a large role if Anderson excels. Hillman is a bit of an odd fit in the new scheme as his dancing, bounce-it-outside style does not mesh in an offense where the backs are asked to make one cut and go.

Juwan Thompson could line up at fullback for the Broncos if need be. He’s tough, hard-nosed and a good lead blocker. Thompson can move the chains in short-yardage situations, and he’s a good receiver out of the backfield. Jeremy Stewart is going to be on the roster bubble, and he might have to compete with a rookie back (or two) in addition to practice squad back Kapri Bibbs.

Wide Receiver

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Starters: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders

Backups: Cody Latimer, Andre “Bubba” Caldwell, Kyle Williams, Nathan Palmer, Bennie Fowler, Jordan Norwood, Isaiah Burse, Jeremy Kelley, Kerry Taylor

Denver franchise-tagged Demaryius Thomas earlier this year, and at this time he has yet to sign his tender. The two sides have until July 15 to work out a new long-term contract, and Broncos fans should be optimistic about that happening. In this new offense that features more of a balanced attack, Thomas (and the entire passing game) should see production dip in 2015.

Emmanuel Sanders posted career-best numbers last season during his first year with the Broncos. Like Thomas, Sanders should see his production dip ever so slightly because this team will be more of a run-heavy offense than it was last season. Sanders’ speed will still come in handy when the team wants to stretch the defense vertically, and he proved how tough and effective he could be as a favorite target for Manning.

Cody Latimer is likely to move up the depth chart this season. As a rookie, he didn’t do much and was inactive for eight games in the regular season and the playoff game against the Colts. At 6'2", 215 pounds, Latimer has the size, leaping ability and wingspan to be a quality red-zone target for Manning. He’s a fantastic blocker, and that should help him see the field in this balanced offense. It’s not outlandish to think that he could catch 25-30 passes in his sophomore season.

Andre “Bubba” Caldwell is fast in a straight line, but he struggles to impress as a receiver or return man. Isaiah Burse is dangerous in the open field, and he could be counted on as the primary return man for the Broncos this year. Jordan Norwood had the inside track to a roster spot last year with his standout play in training camp, but a knee injury forced him to miss the 2014 season. If healthy, he’ll be in the mix as a reserve receiver and return man.

Kyle Williams is a veteran receiver with plenty of experience as a returner. Bennie Fowler flashed as a rookie in camp last year. His speed and run-after-the-catch ability could help him make the final roster this season.

Jeremy Kelley is a huge target (6’6” 230 lbs), and his future with the Broncos could be at tight end. Nathan Palmer and Kerry Taylor will have a tough time making the team without near flawless performances each day this offseason.

Tight End

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Starters: Owen Daniels, Virgil Green

Backups: Dominique Jones, Joe Don Duncan

The new offense will feature two-tight end sets as the base formation.

Owen Daniels was arguably the team’s biggest free-agent addition earlier this year. He has rarely played a down in his pro career without Gary Kubiak on the sidelines as his head coach or offensive coordinator. He knows this system like the back of his hand, and Daniels can help the other players learn the intricacies of the offense.

Denver re-signed Virgil Green this offseason, and he’s an important part of what this team wants to do at the tight end position. An underrated receiver, he could catch 30-40 passes this season. Green is the best blocking tight end on the team, and he could even line up at fullback from time to time.

Dominique Jones is mainly a blocking tight end who will offer little as a receiver. Joe Don Duncan was productive in college at Dixie State but failed to latch on with a team as an undrafted free agent last year. The Broncos worked him out as a fullback and signed him earlier this year. Duncan is athletic and is the type of deep sleeper that fans love to cheer for.

Don’t be surprised if the Broncos select a tight end at some point in the 2015 NFL draft. This is not a strong tight end class, but there are a couple of high-quality prospects in addition to a few players who have great developmental upside.

Offensive Line

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Starters: Ryan Clady (LT), Shelley Smith (LG), Gino Gradkowski (C), Louis Vasquez (RG), Michael Schofield (RT)

Backups: Chris Clark, Manny Ramirez, Matt Paradis, Ben Garland, Paul Cornick, Jon Halapio

At this time, three of the five starters on the offensive line are pretty much set.

In a zone-blocking system, left tackle Ryan Clady should perform at an All-Pro level. His footwork makes him an effective blocker on the move, in addition to the high-quality pass protection he provides for Peyton Manning.

In free agency earlier this year, the Broncos added left guard Shelley Smith. Originally a draft pick for Kubiak when he was with the Houston Texans, Smith can step in and start at left guard. He’s a perfect fit for the zone-blocking system and should be a quality starter for Denver so long as he stays healthy.

The center position is up in the air right now. Second-year pro Matt Paradis could be the starter at the beginning of the regular season after spending last year on the practice squad. Paradis is athletic and can be a “sticky blocker” at the second level of the defense.

On Tuesday it was announced the Broncos had traded a fourth-round pick in 2016 to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for center Gino Gradkowski and a fifth-round pick in 2016. Gradkowski was a backup last year for the Ravens, but Gary Kubiak (and Rick Dennison) got to know him well. A 16-game starter in 2013, Gradkowski struggled to impress but he is arguably the frontrunner for the starting center job with Denver.

Like Clady, right guard Louis Vasquez is a stud who can be an All-Pro selection in 2015. Last season, he was bumped outside to right tackle and was average. Moving back inside to guard is the right move, and he should respond with outstanding play.

The right tackle position might be the biggest question mark on either side of the ball. Like Paradis, second-year pro Michael Schofield has to be penciled in as the starter at this moment. He was not active for a single game last year, but the Broncos believe in their 2014 third-round pick. He’ll get an opportunity to prove he can be a starter this offseason.

The Broncos are likely to select a right tackle with their first pick (28th overall) in the 2015 NFL draft. T.J. Clemmings (Pitt) or Ereck Flowers (Miami) could be an option for Denver as it looks to shore up the starters on the offensive line.

Chris Clark struggled at right tackle last year and was replaced. He’s a valuable swing tackle who is a better fit for the zone-blocking system. Clark should be considered a dark horse to win the starting right tackle job in 2015.

Manny Ramirez can play center or guard for the Broncos, but his power-blocking style is an odd fit in the zone-blocking system. Ben Garland has worked hard to prove himself as an offensive lineman after starting his pro career as a defensive tackle. Paul Cornick and Jon Halapio are reserve players who will compete for a spot on the final roster.

Defensive Line

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Starters: Derek Wolfe (LDE), Sylvester Williams (NT), Vance Walker (RDE)

Backups: Malik Jackson, Marvin Austin, Kenny Anunike, Chase Vaughn, Quanterus Smith, Gerald Rivers

The defensive line is a group that has a great unknown in the middle. The fulcrum of the new 3-4 defense is the nose tackle, and the Broncos are entering this year with a player who has zero experience at that position.

Sylvester Williams was the team’s first-round pick in 2013. After a rookie season where he started for half the year (and flashed some ability), Williams had a disappointing second campaign where he failed to make much of an impact. At nose tackle, he will be asked to control one gap and stay strong at the point of attack. We’ll see if he’s up to the task in 2015, but the team seems confident in his ability to make the transition.

Derek Wolfe can set the edge as a run defender. He’s not a tremendous pass-rusher, but he can create some pressure from the outside because of his nonstop motor.

Denver added Vance Walker in free agency to potentially start. The veteran does a good job of controlling his man on the outside while he diagnoses where the play is going. Like Wolfe, he’s not going to create a ton of pressure on the quarterback, but he is a good hustle player.

Malik Jackson plays with a ton of fire and energy. He’ll be an asset off the bench for a more aggressive defense. Marvin Austin might win the nose tackle job in camp if Williams struggles. He’s stout in the middle and can get some interior push on opposing quarterbacks.

Quanterus Smith is in a make-or-break season in 2015. The 2013 fifth-round pick has struggled to stay healthy and impress after racking up 12 sacks during his final season at Western Kentucky. He’s an odd fit as a 3-4 defensive end, but he might not be able to transition to an outside linebacker.

Kenny Anunike, Chase Vaughn and Gerald Rivers will all be battling for a roster spot. They are long shots to make the final roster, but Anunike is the one to watch here. He has the length and closing burst to be a disruptive player from the edge.

Linebacker

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Starters: Von Miller (LOLB), DeMarcus Ware (ROLB), Brandon Marshall (Sam), Danny Trevathan (Bow)

Backups: Steven Johnson, Lerentee McCray, Lamin Barrow, Corey Nelson, Reggie Walker, Danny Mason, Todd Davis, Shaquill Barrett

The strength of the defense is at the linebacker and cornerback positions. The Broncos should be able to wreak havoc against opposing quarterbacks with a more aggressive scheme on the defensive side of the ball.

Von Miller may have the best season of his pro career in 2015. As an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, he might compile 15-20 sacks this season. He’s playing on a fifth-year option and could hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent in 2016. Of course, if Miller performs like many expect, the team will likely franchise-tag him to keep his talent on the roster.

DeMarcus Ware had a good season last year, but he seemed to wear down as the season went on. He’ll do more pass rushing and less run defending in this defense, and that might keep him fresher toward the end of the season. Having worked under Phillips during their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, Ware should thrive in the new defense.

The Broncos found a solid starter in Brandon Marshall. He’ll be the strong-side (Sam) inside linebacker for the team this year. He is a sound tackler with a good nose for the ball. He arrives at the ball-carrier with natural violence and can intimidate opponents from the middle of the defense.

Danny Trevathan had an injury-riddled 2014. He’s looking to bounce back as the weak-side (Bow) inside linebacker in 2015. Taking on ball-carriers could wear Trevathan down, but the Broncos have good depth behind him in case the injury bug bites again.

Steven Johnson looks like he’s shot out of a cannon as a run defender. He flies to the football quickly and does not shy away from collisions. Lerentee McCray has the athleticism to cover as an outside linebacker, and he has the burst from the edge to get after the quarterback.

Lamin Barrow is almost a coverage specialist as a linebacker. He could be the answer for the Broncos at Bow linebacker if Trevathan goes down again with injury. Corey Nelson is a hardworking player who got some playing time last year as a rookie. We’ll see if he can build off that experience this season.

Reggie Walker is a two-down thumper and special teams player the Broncos plucked from the free-agent pool this offseason. Danny Mason, Todd Davis and Shaquil Barrett will compete for a spot on the roster and are long shots to make the team. Barrett is the player to watch from that group. He is known as a relentless pass-rusher and knows had to force fumbles at opportune times.

Cornerback

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Starters: Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr.

Backups: Bradley Roby, Kayvon Webster, Tony Carter, Omar Bolden, Tevrin Brandon, Curtis Marsh, Josh Bush

The Broncos have arguably the best starting cornerback duo in the entire league. Aqib Talib was a star free-agent addition for the Broncos last year who teamed up with former college teammate Chris Harris Jr. in 2014.

Talib can stand strong against the league’s biggest receivers. In addition to guarding big wideouts, he can also go toe-to-toe with some of the best tight ends in the NFL. Talib’s big-play ability was on display more than once last year, and he helped the Broncos defense play with more swagger.

Harris might be the best corner in the league. Coming off a partially torn ACL he suffered in the 2013 playoff game against the San Diego Chargers, Harris was eased back into the lineup during training camp last year. He was somewhat limited at the beginning of the season, but you couldn’t tell from his play on the field.

He is one of the smartest and hardest-working players on the team. Harris can shut down the opposition's best receiver, and he can slide over to play slot corner if needed. In addition to quality coverage, Harris is not afraid to come up and tackle as a run defender.

The Broncos found a potential shutdown corner in 2014 first-round pick Bradley Roby. He was tested early and often last year—and came through with game-changing plays. Roby has the speed, click-and-close ability and nose for the ball to develop into one of the best corners in the league. His upside is out of this world, and Roby will be more than ready if/when the team needs him to start on the outside.

Kayvon Webster has been a bit of a disappointment so far during his pro career. The 2013 third-round pick has good size (5'11", 198 lbs) and loves to make big hits. The problem with him is coverage ability. Webster is fast in a straight line but struggles to turn his hips and pursue. A spot at free safety might be in his future.

Like Webster, Omar Bolden has been somewhat disappointing as a pro. Also like Webster, moving Bolden to free safety is an option. He’s athletic and has anticipation skills, so Bolden will likely find a way to make the final roster.

Tony Carter is fast and does not back down from a challenge. He likes to take chances in coverage—sometimes leading to big plays and sometimes leading to getting burned.

Tevrin Brandon, Curtis Marsh and Josh Bush have to be considered long shots to make the final roster.

Safety

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Starters: T.J. Ward (SS), Darian Stewart (FS)

Backups: David Bruton, Ross Madison

Last year, Denver added one of the best strong safeties in the league when it signed T.J. Ward in free agency. Ward was everything he was advertised to be in 2014, and he gave the Broncos a swagger they lacked the previous year.

Ward is known as an intimidating force who can play close to the line of scrimmage and stuff the run. Under Wade Phillips, we should see Ward be used much more creatively than he was under former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Ward should be asked to blitz more than he did last season, and that could lead to more big plays for the defense.

With Rahim Moore moving on to the Houston Texans in free agency, the Broncos will have a new sidekick for Ward in the defensive backfield.

Darian Stewart is an ascending talent who proved that he could play at a high level last year for the Baltimore Ravens. After struggling with injuries earlier in his career, Stewart stayed healthy for the Ravens and provided them with a quality starter in a secondary full of suspect play. With a star-studded secondary in Denver, he won’t have to do much heavy lifting. Instead, he’ll be able to take advantage of quarterbacks trying to avoid the players around him.

David Bruton is a special teams ace who can start in a pinch at either free safety or strong safety. The Broncos might use cornerback Bradley Roby at free safety in certain packages. Other corners like Kayvon Webster and Omar Bolden are also options for the team. Ross Madison is a camp body who is unlikely to make the final roster.

Special Teams

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Starters: Connor Barth (K), Britton Colquitt (P), Aaron Brewer (LS)

Backups: Brandon McManus

The special teams for the Broncos could look different between now and the start of the regular season.

Britton Colquitt is the highest-paid punter in the league, but his production does not match his price tag. In 2015, Colquitt has a cap hit of $3.75 million, and the team would save $2.25 million by cutting him. That is certainly an option for the cap-strapped Broncos.

Denver added Connor Barth last year after Brandon McManus struggled to impress on field goals. McManus is a kickoff specialist for the Broncos, but the team might decide he’s expendable and let him go even though it gave the New York Giants a 2015 seventh-round pick to get him.

Karl Schmitz might make McManus and Colquitt expendable if he impresses in camp. He has a rocket leg and can punt, kick off and even boot 70-yard field goals in practice.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions. Draft grades provided by NFLDraftScout.com.