Broncos’ first depth chart has a few surprises, nothing stunning

Denver Broncos defensive linemen at practice (BroncoTalk.net photo)

The Denver Broncos‘ first depth chart of 2012 has been released. It’s more or less as expected based on our observations from camp, but here are a few items of note.

BROCK AT #3 QB

I wrote not an hour ago that I expected the backup quarterback order to be Caleb Hanie, Brock Osweiler, then Adam Weber. I was right about Hanie, wrong about Brock and Adam. Flip them around and you’ve got the Broncos’ current QB pecking order.

All behind Peyton Manning, of course.

MORENO BURIED

Running back Knowshon Moreno is listed as the fourth running back, behind Willis McGahee, Lance Ball, and Ronnie Hillman. Moreno’s been wearing a large knee brace while he recovers from his ACL injury, and Hillman’s missed a few practices with a hamstring, so anything is still possible.

HUNTER OFFICIALLY OUSTS AYERS

Jason Hunter‘s promotion to the first team wasn’t temporary. Sometimes coaches will try out different personnel packages from time to time, but that isn’t the case here. Hunter is listed ahead of Robert Ayers at defensive end.

TACKLE TYPO?

Tackle Chris Clark is listed as the #2 left tackle, while Ryan Harris is listed as the #2 right tackle. It’s been the opposite of that in every camp practice so far: Clark has been filling in for Orlando Franklin at right, while Harris has been the #2 left tackle. Weird to see that misrepresented on the depth chart. We’ll keep an eye on practice reports today.

D.J. BY DEFAULT

The starting Will linebacker position is still penciled-in as belonging to D.J. Williams, but his six-game suspension has put him in isolation during camp. He never participated in team drills, with Wesley Woodyard filling in for him.

SAFETY SHUFFLE

The most fluid position on the depth chart might be safety, where Quinton Carter is listed as a starter (currently injured), Rahim Moore is set to go opposite him (he hasn’t been stellar at camp), Mike Adams is a backup (veteran leader thought to be a starter), and Jim Leonhard is third-string (potential starter, if he can get healthy). These positions seem totally still up in the air.

This depth chart gives us an idea of what to expect during the Broncos’ first preseason game in Chicago this Thursday, but depth beyond that will be determined by players’ performances in the preseason games themselves. Stay tuned!