Denver Broncos Depth Chart 2023-2024 Season Outlook And Analysis

Sep 4, 2025 by Admin 65 views

Hey Broncos fans! Are you ready for the 2023-2024 NFL season? We're diving deep into the Denver Broncos depth chart to give you the inside scoop on who's starting, who's backing them up, and what to expect from each position group. This is your go-to guide for understanding the Broncos roster and how they stack up as they chase Super Bowl glory. Let's get started!

Quarterbacks: Russell Wilson and His Backups

The quarterback position is always the center of attention, and for the Broncos, it's no different. All eyes are on Russell Wilson as he enters his second season in Denver. Last year was a bumpy ride, to say the least, but with a new coaching staff led by Sean Payton, there's a renewed sense of optimism. Wilson needs to bounce back and show the form that made him a perennial Pro Bowler in Seattle. He's got the arm talent and the experience, but can he put it all together in this offense?

Behind Wilson, the Broncos have Jarrett Stidham as the primary backup. Stidham is a solid veteran who knows the system and can step in if needed. He's not a flashy player, but he's reliable and won't make many mistakes. The Broncos also have a couple of young quarterbacks vying for a roster spot, so the competition in training camp will be fierce. It's crucial for the Broncos to have a capable backup because, as we all know, anything can happen during the season. A strong backup quarterback can be the difference between a playoff run and an early vacation.

Key Questions for the Quarterbacks:

Can Russell Wilson return to his Pro Bowl form under Sean Payton's guidance?
How much will the offensive scheme change to better suit Wilson's strengths?
Is Jarrett Stidham a reliable backup option if Wilson goes down?
Will a young quarterback emerge as a potential future starter?

The answers to these questions will significantly impact the Broncos' season. If Wilson plays well, the Broncos have a shot at contending. If he struggles, it could be another long year for Broncos Country. The development of the backup quarterbacks is also something to watch, as it could influence the team's long-term plans at the position. Remember guys, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and the Broncos' success hinges on the play of their signal-callers.

Running Backs: Javonte Williams and the Backfield Committee

The running back situation in Denver is intriguing. Javonte Williams is the lead back, but he's coming off a serious knee injury. The Broncos are hoping he can return to his pre-injury form, where he showed glimpses of being a true star. Williams is a powerful runner with excellent vision and the ability to break tackles. He's also a capable receiver out of the backfield, making him a valuable asset in the passing game.

However, the Broncos won't be relying solely on Williams. They've assembled a committee of backs to share the load. Samaje Perine was brought in as a free agent and is expected to play a significant role. Perine is a reliable veteran who can handle both running and pass-catching duties. He's a good complement to Williams and will likely see plenty of snaps. The Broncos also have a few other backs on the roster who will compete for playing time, making this a deep and versatile group.

Key Questions for the Running Backs:

How quickly will Javonte Williams recover from his knee injury and return to form?
What role will Samaje Perine play in the offense, and how will he complement Williams?
Will any of the other running backs emerge as key contributors?
How will the Broncos balance the workload among the running backs?

The health and performance of Javonte Williams are paramount. If he can return to his old self, the Broncos' running game will be a major strength. Samaje Perine's role is also crucial, as he provides a steady presence and can take some of the pressure off Williams. The Broncos' ability to establish a consistent running game will be vital to their offensive success. It not only helps control the clock but also opens up the passing game, making the offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

Wide Receivers: Courtland Sutton and the Receiving Corps

The wide receiver group is another area of interest for the Broncos. Courtland Sutton is the top target, and he's looking to have a big season. Sutton has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a No. 1 receiver, and he's shown flashes of brilliance in the past. However, consistency has been an issue, and he needs to become a more reliable target for Russell Wilson. The Broncos also have some other talented receivers in Jerry Jeudy, who brings speed and playmaking ability, and Tim Patrick, a reliable veteran presence.

Beyond the top three, the Broncos have a mix of young players and veterans competing for roster spots. This competition will be fun to watch in training camp, as guys will be battling for their place on the team. The Broncos need their receivers to step up and make plays, as this will be crucial to the success of the passing game. A strong receiving corps not only makes life easier for the quarterback but also puts pressure on opposing defenses.

Key Questions for the Wide Receivers:

Can Courtland Sutton establish himself as a true No. 1 receiver?
How will Jerry Jeudy's speed and playmaking ability be utilized in the offense?
Will Tim Patrick return to form after his injury?
Can any of the young receivers emerge as reliable targets?

The performance of the wide receivers will be a major factor in the Broncos' offensive output. Courtland Sutton's ability to consistently make plays is critical, and Jerry Jeudy's speed adds a different dimension to the offense. The Broncos need their receivers to get open, make contested catches, and create yards after the catch. This will not only help Russell Wilson but also make the entire offense more explosive.

Tight Ends: Greg Dulcich and the Tight End Room

The tight end position is led by Greg Dulcich, who showed promise as a rookie. Dulcich is a versatile player who can both block and catch passes. He's a valuable weapon in the passing game, with the ability to stretch the field and make plays downfield. The Broncos are hoping he can take a step forward in his second season and become a consistent contributor.

Behind Dulcich, the Broncos have a few other tight ends who will compete for playing time. This is a group with a mix of experience and youth, and the coaching staff will be looking to find the right combinations to complement Dulcich's skills. The tight end position can be a crucial part of an offense, providing a safety valve for the quarterback and creating mismatches against opposing defenses.

Key Questions for the Tight Ends:

Can Greg Dulcich establish himself as a reliable receiving threat?
How will the other tight ends contribute to the offense?
Will the Broncos utilize multiple tight end sets?
How effective will the tight ends be in the blocking game?

Greg Dulcich's development is key to the Broncos' passing game. If he can become a consistent target, it will open up opportunities for the wide receivers and running backs. The Broncos' tight ends also need to be effective in the blocking game, as this will help the running game and provide protection for the quarterback. A strong tight end group can make an offense much more versatile and difficult to defend.

Offensive Line: Protecting Russell Wilson

The offensive line is arguably the most crucial unit on the team, as they're responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes. The Broncos have invested heavily in their offensive line in recent years, and they're hoping it will pay off this season. Garett Bolles, when healthy, is a cornerstone at left tackle, providing a steady presence and protecting Wilson's blind side.

The rest of the line has a mix of veterans and young players, all vying for starting roles. The Broncos need their offensive line to be consistent and play as a cohesive unit. A strong offensive line not only protects the quarterback but also allows the running game to flourish. It's the foundation of a successful offense, and the Broncos know they need their line to perform at a high level.

Key Questions for the Offensive Line:

How will the offensive line perform as a unit?
Can the line consistently protect Russell Wilson?
Will the running game benefit from the line's performance?
How will the new additions fit into the offensive line scheme?

A cohesive and effective offensive line is essential for the Broncos' success. Their ability to protect Russell Wilson and create running lanes will dictate the offense's potential. The performance of the offensive line is often overlooked, but it's the engine that drives the entire offense. If the Broncos' line can stay healthy and play well, it will go a long way in helping the team achieve its goals.

Defensive Line: Applying Pressure

On the defensive side, the defensive line is tasked with pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run. The Broncos have some talented players up front, including Zach Allen, who was brought in to bolster the pass rush. A strong defensive line can disrupt opposing offenses and make life easier for the linebackers and defensive backs.

The Broncos need their defensive line to be disruptive and create havoc in the backfield. This not only helps the pass rush but also forces opposing offenses to adjust their game plans. A dominant defensive line can be a game-changer, and the Broncos are hoping theirs will be a force to be reckoned with.

Key Questions for the Defensive Line:

How will the new additions impact the defensive line's performance?
Can the defensive line consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks?
How effective will the line be in stopping the run?
Will the defensive line create turnovers and disrupt plays?

The defensive line's performance is crucial to the Broncos' defensive success. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run will set the tone for the entire defense. A dominant defensive line can frustrate opposing offenses and create opportunities for the Broncos to take control of the game.

Linebackers: The Heart of the Defense

The linebackers are the heart and soul of the defense, responsible for both stopping the run and covering passes. The Broncos have a solid group of linebackers, including Josey Jewell, who is a tackling machine and a leader on the field. A strong linebacker corps can make a huge difference in a team's defensive performance.

The Broncos need their linebackers to be physical, fast, and smart. They need to be able to make tackles in the open field, cover tight ends and running backs, and blitz the quarterback. The linebackers are the glue that holds the defense together, and the Broncos are counting on them to play at a high level.

Key Questions for the Linebackers:

How will the linebackers perform against the run and the pass?
Can the linebackers create turnovers and make game-changing plays?
How will the new additions fit into the linebacker corps?
Will the linebackers provide leadership and stability to the defense?

The linebackers' performance will be a key factor in the Broncos' defensive success. Their ability to make tackles, cover passes, and pressure the quarterback will dictate the defense's effectiveness. A strong linebacker group not only makes the defense better but also sets the tone for the entire team.

Cornerbacks: Pat Surtain II and the Secondary

The cornerbacks, led by the exceptional Pat Surtain II, are a crucial part of the Broncos' defense. Surtain is one of the top young corners in the league and a shutdown defender. A strong cornerback group can shut down opposing passing attacks and create turnovers.

The Broncos need their cornerbacks to be physical, fast, and smart. They need to be able to cover the league's best receivers and make plays on the ball. The cornerbacks are the last line of defense in the passing game, and the Broncos are counting on them to be lockdown defenders.

Key Questions for the Cornerbacks:

How will Pat Surtain II perform against the league's top receivers?
Can the other cornerbacks step up and make plays?
Will the cornerbacks create turnovers and disrupt passes?
How will the cornerback group work together as a unit?

The performance of the cornerbacks will be a major factor in the Broncos' defensive success. Pat Surtain II's ability to shut down opposing receivers is critical, and the other corners need to be able to hold their own. A strong cornerback group can make it very difficult for opposing offenses to move the ball through the air.

Safeties: The Last Line of Defense

The safeties are the last line of defense and play a crucial role in both pass coverage and run support. The Broncos have a talented group of safeties who are known for their athleticism and playmaking ability. A strong safety group can provide stability to the defense and make big plays.

The Broncos need their safeties to be smart, fast, and physical. They need to be able to cover deep passes, make tackles in the open field, and support the run defense. The safeties are the quarterbacks of the secondary, and the Broncos are counting on them to make the right reads and put themselves in position to make plays.

Key Questions for the Safeties:

How will the safeties perform in coverage and run support?
Can the safeties create turnovers and make game-changing plays?
How will the safeties communicate and work together as a unit?
Will the safeties provide leadership and stability to the defense?

The safeties' performance will be a key factor in the Broncos' defensive success. Their ability to cover passes, make tackles, and support the run defense will dictate the defense's overall effectiveness. A strong safety group not only makes the defense better but also gives the team confidence that they can stop any offense.

Special Teams: The Unsung Heroes

Special teams often go unnoticed, but they can be a critical factor in winning and losing games. The Broncos need their specialists to be consistent and reliable. A strong special teams unit can give a team an edge in field position and scoring opportunities.

The Broncos need their kicker to make field goals, their punter to flip the field, and their returners to make big plays. Special teams can be a game-changer, and the Broncos are hoping their unit will be a strength this season.

Key Questions for Special Teams:

How consistent will the kicker be on field goals and extra points?
Can the punter consistently flip the field and pin opponents deep?
Will the returners make big plays and create scoring opportunities?
How effective will the special teams coverage units be?

Special teams can make or break a team's season. The Broncos need their specialists to be reliable and their coverage units to be sound. A strong special teams unit can give a team a significant advantage in close games and help them win the field position battle.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the Broncos depth chart for the 2023-2024 season. There are a lot of questions to be answered, and the competition in training camp will be fierce. The Broncos have the talent to be a contender, but they need everyone to step up and play their best. It's going to be an exciting season, and we can't wait to see what this team can accomplish. Go Broncos!