The Denver Broncos are set to face the San Francisco 49ers in their preseason opener tonight (Aug. 9). Ahead of that matchup, the Broncos released their first depth chart of 2025 earlier this week.
NFL rules require the team to release a depth chart before its first preseason game. It has become clear over the last two years, though, that coach Sean Payton does not take the preseason depth chart very seriously, and he only releases it because the team is required to.
Denver calls it an “unofficial” depth chart, despite it coming straight from the team. This year, Payton has continued his trend of making rookies prove their worth by placing them below veterans across the depth chart.
So, while keeping in mind that it should be taken with a grain of salt, here’s a look at the Broncos’ “unofficial” depth chart going into Week 1 of NFL preseason.
Quarterback (3)
No surprises on the quarterback depth chart. Stidham will serve as the primary backup again this season, and Ehlinger might be bumped down to the practice squad when the 53-man roster is set at the end of preseason.
Running back (6)
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Broncos carry four running backs on the active roster. Don’t read into Harvey being listed as RB6 on the initial list — Payton’s initial depth charts are never kind to rookies.
Tight end/fullback (7)
Engram is the team’s top receiving threat at the position, and Trautman is safe as a blocking TE. Burton is back as the team’s fullback, and Adkins fills a hybrid role. Krull, Lohner and Prieskorn might be competing for one final spot.
Wide receiver (12)
If the Broncos plan to carry six receivers on the 53-man roster, the favorites are pretty easy to project. But everyone will get an opportunity to impress this summer.
Offensive line (16)
- LT: Garett Bolles, Matt Peart, Frank Crum, Marques Cox
- LG: Ben Powers, Calvin Throckmorton, Will Sherman
- C: Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth, Joe Michalski
- RG: Quinn Meinerz, Nick Gargiulo, Clay Webb
- RT: Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski, Xavier Truss
All five starting offensive linemen from last year are returning, so the competitions will be for the backup spots this summer. The interior backups will be asked to play both guard and center, and the backup tackles should be able to play on the left and right in a pinch.
Defensive line (10)
- DE: Zach Allen, Jordan Jackson, Matt Henningsen
- DT: D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, Jordan Miller
- DE: John Franklin-Myers, Eyioma Uwazurike, Sai’vion Jones, Kristian Williams
Third-round pick Sai’vion Jones improves the team’s depth, and Eyioma Uwazurike will look to have a breakthrough campaign in his second season back from a gambling suspension.
Outside linebacker (7)
Denver’s already-deep room got even deeper this spring when the team drafted Robinson, but his biggest contributions might come on special teams as a rookie.
Inside linebacker (9)
The inside linebacker competition will be fascinating to watch this summer. Singleton is coming back from a torn ACL, and he’ll turn 32 in December. Bailey has impressed early in camp, so he’ll be a key player to watch in preseason.
Cornerback (10)
Again, don’t read into Barron being buried as a rookie. He is likely set to serve as the team’s nickelback this season with McMillian providing depth.
Safety (8)
It’s hard to predict how the safety room will shake out, but there are several contenders to win a spot on the active roster based on their special teams contributions.
Special teams (3)
- K/KO: Wil Lutz
- P/H: Jeremy Crawshaw
- LS: Mitchell Fraboni
- KR: Marvin Mims, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, Courtney Jackson
- PR: Marvin Mims, Michael Bandy, Courtney Jackson
Jackson will be a UDFA to watch this summer as he’ll potentially get a good amount of reps both at receiver and on special tteams.
Denver will trim the roster down to 53 players by Aug. 26, then the club will build a 16- or 17-player practice squad. Last year, the team’s initial practice squad included Burton, Tillman, Bailey and Badie.
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