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Published on 08/09/2009 at Sun Aug 09 09:20.
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SPEAK UP: Depth Chart Quandaries

Posted Sun Aug 9th by

Mike Rice‘s blog over at denverbroncos.com informs us that we can expect the team’s first depth chart to be released Monday (tomorrow). Every year, the unveiling of the team’s first depth chart is always an exciting event for fans as we get to take a glimpse into the coaches’ heads and see how they’re evaluating the players thus far in camp.

With that being said, what are your predictions for this first depth chart? What surprises do you believe are in store? Where will Brandon Marshall and Knowshon Moreno be slotted after missing nearly every training camp workout? Do you foresee any rookies jumping ahead and making a splash this early? We want to hear from you, so dish it out in the comments, and go Broncos!

  • Pete

    Regarding Marshall and Moreno… I think they will both be 2nd or 3rd string. I’m not saying that that is where the coaches personally feel they should be, or will end up, but I can totally see McDaniels putting out a depth chart that as of that moment in time, shows who will start a game if the game was played that day. Obviously Marshall would not start, cause he’s injured. Obviously Moreno won’t start because he missed all of camp so far. I also think that come september, Marshall will be #1 and Moreno will be #2, possibly #1.
    I’m WAY more interested in how the Defensive depth chart will be. Offense we know will have last year’s OL, Orton, Royal, Stokely, Graham, Hillis as either a FB or #1/#2 RB, and then probably Gaffney as the other WR. That’s already locked up, who cares? I want to know about Defense, and who has jumped to the head of the class, and who will be charged with transforming our pathetic D into something more respectable.

  • http://Broncotalk Ben

    by the end of the year…

    qb- kyle orton
    rb- knowshon moreno, correll buckhalter
    fb- peyton hillis
    wr- eddie royal, brandon marshall, jabar gaffney, brandon stokley
    te- tony scheffler
    lt- ryan clady
    lg- ben hamilton
    c- casey wiegman
    rg- chris kuper
    rt- ryan harris

    le- kenny peterson
    nt- ronald fields
    re- biggest question mark 4 me, probably… darrel reid(but he might even play lb, who knows)
    lolb- robert ayers
    ilb- d.j. williams
    ilb- andra davis
    rolb- elvis dumervil
    cb- champ bailey
    s- brian dawkins
    s- reynaldo hill
    cb- andre goodman

  • InRodWeTrust

    I would guess that only a couple of rookies will make starting positions by Monday: David Bruton or Darcel McBath might be listed as starter opposite of Dawk. Despite missing a lot of camp I could see Robert Ayers making an OLB starting roster spot. Kenny McKinley I think is talented enough to make special teams starting kick returner, and to fuel the flames of debate, make the #2 receiver spot behind Eddie Royal (more of a formality since WR is dynamic in McD’s offense). Yes bmarsh would be #4 behind Stokes in this scenario. For RB I could foresee Ryan Torain as starter followed by Hillis or Lamont Jordan.

  • http://broncomadness.com Garrett Barnes

    I think it would be very poorly advised if he put Brandon Marshall at number 2. We have enough problems with him already, we don’t need to throw him feeling unwanted on top of all of those.

    As for Moreno, he can work for his job. Marshall has shown he is a number 1 receiver. Moreno needs to prove he is a number 1 running back.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    Ben, I think you’re pretty close.

    I think Graham and Scheffler will end up as the starting TE’s. I know you titled your list ‘by the end of the year’ but as for this Monday’s depth chart, Moreno should be well back from first. And concerning RB’s, I won’t be surprised if Torain bumps Buckhalter back when we get into the preseason. I’d be happy with those LB’s, as we’ll have several options in the nickel packages for Woodyard to participate.

    Good job Ben! :)

    GO BRONCOS!
    Jonathan Douglas

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    Garrett, you’re right. I wasn’t thinking about Ben’s list as first and second because we have two WR’s normally listed as starters. So, yes, if it were in order (for whatever that’s worth) it should be Marshall, Royal, Gaffney and Stokley.

  • gobronx

    I’m not going to make predictions on where certain players will be slotted. It’s a difficult call right now, even for the coaches, especially when players are improving or blowing it day to day.

    But I am very excited to see a depth chart for a few reasons. WR is a quandry in my mind with at least 7 guys fighting for 6 spots. I figure you’ll see Marshall, Royal, Stokley, Lloyd, Gafney, and Chad Jackson. So where does that leave McKinley? I’m also curious to see what the plans for Royal will be. It’s a bit of a scary thought, but I could see a scenario where they put Royal in the slot (filling the roll of the Pats’ Welker) and move Lloyd or Gafney to the 2. So where does that leave Stokley – a true slot receiver? Potentially battling to Jackson and McKinely to make the team? Just a thought. With the camp he’s had, I’d think they’d have to find playing time for Stokes.

  • gobronx

    Another interesting battle I’ve been watching at camp is the nickel cornerback. From what I’ve seen, the CBs are much improved from prior years (didn’t take much, we could have replaced Bly with Prater to make that improvement). Goodman looks like a stud with ball hawking and tackling skills. It seems like Jack Williams has been playing the nickel package more than Fonz. But both of those guys have looked very promising at times during camp. Either way, I think we’re set at CB for now.

    With Dawkins out, it’s clear that the coaches think highly of David Bruton. I can see why, the dude is big and seems like he’s in on most every play. So I think he’s clearly leaped past McBath and Josh Barrett. I see Vernon Fox as more of a FS backing up Renaldo Hill. But I think Fox is burried in this battle. Hard to get rid of McBath this early and Barrett continues to show quickness and hard hitting ability. In fact, I can envision a future with Barrett playing the Atwater role while Bruton steps into a Dennis Smith role. So safety is going to be an interesting battle as well.

  • gobronx

    Beyond the WR and DB positions, I’m curious to see how the 4-3 DE’s make the transition to OLB. I talked to Dumervil and Crowder the other night about it. They both said they’re loving it. Dumervil said he’s running his ass off compared to the 4-3 and is losing some weight, but said “it’s fun as hell.” I think those guys both seem to be making the transition well. Obviously Moss has struggled with it (though since being back, he’s been in there for a couple of virtual sacks). Ayers is completely lost right now, but he’ll move up the depth chart quickly as he learns his responsibilities. Reid seems to be more of a 3-4 DE but he’s definitely a tweener.

    Finally, can we please cut a WR or DL that we know won’t make this team and RUN out to sign Shaun Smith, recently cut by the Browns?!?!

  • BH

    I agree with Ben, except:

    RB-CBuck, Jordan, Moreno for now
    WR1-Marshall for now, but his injury worries me
    TE-Graham
    RDT-Ryan McBean
    LOLB-Reid, Ayers for now

    I could see Ayers and Moreno bumping up to #1, but I think it will be 4-6 games into the season. Bruton may start the season at SS, but only because of BDawk’s injury. I haven’t heard anything that makes me think that McBath will supplant Hill, but I could have missed it. I haven’t heard much about McBath period.

  • gobronx

    Agree BH. I haven’t heard squat about McBath. And in the 5 practices I’ve been to, he hasn’t done anything to stand out. Bruton is bigger, stronger, faster (based on combine numbers). All that said, I don’t see what made him a 2nd rounder and Bruton a 4th rounder. I guess Bruton is more in the SS mold while McBath is more of a FS? He may be headed for the practice squad.

  • Mile High in TO

    Gobronx, I was thinking the same thing, Shaun Smith can play both end and tackle so thats depth at 2 positions. However, he has rubbed some people the wrong way with his mouth, but when his heads on straight he is a decent player….

  • InRodWeTrust

    @ Garrett and Jonathan: I think it would be a mistake to cater the depth chart to any player. Putting bmarsh at the top just because the old organization had him there, or because your worried about ruffling his feathers, would potentially undermine all the players confidence in the coach. To me favoritism is one of the main reasons shanahanigans got shown the door.

  • http://broncomadness.com Garrett Barnes

    InRodWeTrust, I am not saying we should cater to him but there is no doubt that Marshall has in his career out done Eddie Royal. (Not to say Eddie Royal hasn’t been fantastic) Let’s not take away his job just because he was injured.

    It not only would be bad because we are undervaluing a great player but if we want to keep him, it would hurt the relationship beyond repair, while at the same time losing any trade value he had before.

  • robtink242

    QB – Orton, ???, ???
    RB- Moreno, Torain
    WR- Marshall, Royal, mickinley(dark horse)
    TE – Sheffler
    the o-line doesnt need to change

    RE Peterson, Crowder
    NT Feilds, Baker
    LE Reid, Davis
    ROLB Ayers, Moss
    ILB Williams, Woodyard
    ILB Davis, Larsen
    LOLB Dumevile, ????
    RCB Champ, Williams
    LCB Goodman, Smith(dark horse)
    SS Dawkins, Burton
    FS HIll, i assume the kid we drafted

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    QB: Orton, Simms, Brandstater

    RB: Buckhaulter, Jordan, Torian, Moreno

    FB/H-Back: Hillis
    FB: Larsen

    O-line: Too easy.

    WR: Marshall, Royal, Gaffney, Stokley, Jackson, McKinely, Swift, Shelton

    TE: Graham, Scheffler, Quinn

    (Hardest part)
    LE: Peterson, Jones
    NT: Fields, Thomas, Powell, Baker
    RE:McBean, Thomas, Clemons

    LOLB: Dumervil, Crowder

    ILB: Davis, Woodyard

    ILB: D.J. Williams, Larsen

    ROLB: Reid, Ayers

    LCB: Bailey, J. Williams

    RCB: Goodman, Smith

    FS: Hill, Fox, McBath

    SS: Dawkins, Bruton, Barrett

    P: Kern, Colquitt

    K: Prater, Prater & Prater (Could be a great lawfirm)

    Gotta love blackberries while at the airport.

    PRESEASON TONIGHT! FINALLY SOME FOOTBALL!

    Speaking of preseason, who is going to the opener in San Fran? Let me know cause I’ll be there.

  • anthony33

    Too early to speculate on the depth chart, but a few random thoughts.

    On Moreno: Hoping this kid lives up to his billing. Very impressive career to date.

    On Royal: Total class act. Period. Steal of the “08 draft.

    On Orton: Not as hopeful as I was three weeks ago. He is a one to two year stop gap.

    On J Moss: McD needs to take a page from the film “Water Boy” and find something that trips this guys nasty trigger. Seems like he has all the power tools, but no electricity.

    On Stokely: One of the top 3 free agent aquisitions of all time for the Broncos.

    On Ayers: He will end up being the steal of the ‘09 draft.

    On B Marshall: Depending on what happens in Atlanta this week with his trial will probably determine if the Bronx get serious about offering him a contract extension. Also, the hip may keep him out most of the year.

    On the O-Line: Hate to say this, but the jury is still out on this group. Yes they had a great year in 2008, and I absolutely hate to say this even more, but a big reason for the low sack total was Cutler’s quick release and athleticism. Hoping they are up to the task.

    On the defense: They will move to the middle of the pack or better for total defense.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Anthony33,

    I agree with you on a few points.

    My depth chart projection is a prediction for tomorrow’s.

    Not only was Royal a steal so was Hillis in the 7th. Barrett was also a great gamble late in the draft.

    Stokley is definitely top 3 in FA for Denver, but number one in my mind is Neil Smith. That man was the missing link to a championship.

    According to Mike Mayock, “Robert Ayers will be the best defensive player of this draft in three years.” Let’s hope Mayock is right yet again.

    I agree about the o-line. They have the talent and chemistry but it’s hard to repeat a year like that with a less mobile QB.

    I do think the defense will be better than last year. Shanahan made some mistakes by bringing in shmucks to fill a lot spots (Manuel, McCree, Lowry, Robertson, A.McKinley, Webster, Winborn, etc).

  • anthony33

    Mr East,
    Agree with you on Hillis. I just hope he picks up where he left off. Not sure about Barret yet, tough to tell with that mess of a defense last year. Absolutely no doubt about Royal.

    I terms of free agency, yes on Smith. You also have to put McCaffery in there too, although I can’t remember if he was a FA or if he was aquired by trade. Sam with Craig Morton. Plummer wasn’t too bad either.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Barrett was a good selection due to value. The guy was projected as a 3rd rounder. Check out his combine stats too, they’re amazing.

    Rod Smith is one of the best too (He was a UDFA). Wade’s best move while in Denver.

  • MikeY55

    i think its wrong to conisder someone taken in the second round in a draft a steal…. not trashing royal at all but most people expect 2nd rounders to produce… if we got royal in the 3rd or 4th then he would be considered a steal. Peyton hillis was a definatly a steal. you could say the way larsen and woodyard played on ST and in the starting roles were steals

  • bw53

    Hillis was the true steal of the draft. Royal was just a magnificent pick!

  • Michael

    I’m just happy there will be no Dre Bly on this years depth chart.

  • http://BroncoTalk Ken

    After the scrimmage at Mile High, has the Denver Bronco Management and or the Coaching Staff thought about meeting with Michael Vick to discuss joining our beloved Denver Bronco family??? He has expressed sorrow for what he did off the field, and he paid a heavy price both with prison time and lost wages. Now that he has paid his debt to society, why not give him a chance to start, yes start, for the Broncos??? His is better than what we currently have on the roster. Don’t you agree??? If not, then he would make an excellent second stringer to learn the system, and play his way back to a starting position.

  • Jerry Brown

    Isn’t there another Manning Denver can get? Doesn’t everyone have one?

  • Cindy Syme

    Ken,
    I disagree with Ken on Vick. As I agree he has paid his debt to society, I don’t feel he has paid his debt to humanity. Any person capable of doing what he did is not the kind of person that deserves the money, fame, or hero worship that comes with being in the NFL. I think a lot of people would do as I would if he came here as a starter, give up my club level tickets and never partake in the being a fan of the Broncos again. I know I am harsh on this subject, but this is a very disturbed man, and he needs to not be put up for any high profile job or position. People do not change just because they spend time in jail, his nature is still the same. He got caught and that is the only thing he is sorry about. He only apologized after he was arrested.

    I would rather give the 2 quarterbacks that are in training camp today a chance to succeed than to bring in a man of questionable character.
    Cindy

  • anthony33

    Cindy
    You bring up very good and well thought out points on Michael Vick.

    It has caused me to rethink my position and opinion on the matter and I am now leaning toward your POV.

    For what it’s worth.