The Denver Broncos released their initial unofficial depth chart for 2025 ahead of their preseason opener in San Francisco this weekend.
In the past, head coach Sean Payton has said this first depth chart isn’t all that important, and last year the team buried Bo Nix at third-string on the first one before naming him the starter for the season just a few weeks later, so take this all with a grain of salt. Still, there are some things here worth pointing out, like all of the rookies being buried again. Though, this depth chart doesn’t seem the most reflective of what’s been happening in training camp.
Here’s what stands out on the Broncos’ initial depth chart:
Marvin Mims Jr. is the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, currently set to start opposite Courtland Sutton. Who wins this job is one of the biggest storylines of the preseason. Denver has a bunch of options, including rookie Pat Bryant, young players like Mims, Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele as well as veteran pickup Trent Sherfield Sr. Of note, Bryant is behind Sherfield, but every rookie is the low-man on the totem pole at their respective positions.
We don’t see a third receiver or a second tight end starting because this depth chart is using a classic I-style formation, which is unlikely to be Denver’s base offense.
At tight end, Evan Engram is in the top spot after signing this offseason in Denver. Adam Trautman is listed next, followed by Nate Adkins, then Lucas Krull. The last man could be in trouble come cut time, which isn’t often said about the leading pass-catching tight end from a season before.
Another spot a rookie was placed at the bottom is RJ Harvey at running back. In that role, Denver’s leader is veteran JK Dobbins. Also in that spot, Jaleel McLaughlin is No. 2, ahead of Audric Estime. Most expect Dobbins and Harvey to be a two-headed attack for Payton, with McLaughlin being a nice change of pace. Estime, who was drafted by the Broncos last year, may be on the outside looking in, and certainly that could be the case with Tyler Badie and Blake Watson.
On the other side of the ball, Drew Sanders has been dropped to fifth among inside linebackers. He suffered an injury earlier in camp, which will hold him out for a significant time. Then there’s JL Skinner all the way down at fifth among safeties, with Devon Key ahead of him
Mims, who is twice a Pro Bowler for returning, is still in that role on the depth chart despite having a bigger load on offense.