Since we last looked at the Denver Broncos depth chart before the draft, the Broncos have drafted 7 players and signed at least 13 undrafted free agents. This has changed the landscape of the Broncos roster a bit, and today, we will take a look at how the Denver Broncos depth chart may look coming out of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Note: I used the depth charts from Ourlads.com as a reference
Quarterback: The Broncos did not draft or sign a UDFA QB despite doing work on them throughout the process. So, barring a late-season add, the Broncos will move forward with Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Sam Ehlinger as their quarterbacks. Could we see a backup quarterback competition?
Running Back: Jonah Coleman changes the running back landscape on the Broncos roster a good bit. He might be their best short-yardage back, could push for instant playing time, and be their third-down specialist. Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and the rest of the Broncos’ reserve backs are officially on the hot seat
Tight End: We saw two tight ends get drafted (Joly and Bentley) which adds some much needed life and competition to the room. Joly will push for playing time right away, while Bentley will compete with Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull for a roster spot. Caleb Lohner remains a developmental project, and we’ll have to see how he looks this spring/summer, but the clock is ticking for him, too.
Wide Receiver: Despite some speculation, the Broncos did not trade away or draft a wide receiver. They added some UDFA guys to fill out the roster, and we’ll have to see if any of them are pushing for a roster or practice squad spot. Otherwise, that battle for WR3 between Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, and Pat Bryant will be a fun one to watch.
Offensive Line: Kage Casey was drafted in the 4th round, and he appears to be a guard/tackle player. His exact role is unknown right now, but he’ll be one of the Broncos key reserves this season. After that, they added UDFA’s Gavin Ortega and Tyler Miller. Both are intriguing developmental players, and hopefully, the Broncos can develop them into key pieces as they have done with Palczewski and Frank Crum. Veteran Matt Peart is the swing tackle for now, but we’ll see if Frank Crum or even rookie Kage Casey pushes for that role. Lots of intrigue and depth along the offensive line, which is great to see.
Defensive Line: The big addition was defensive linemen Tyler Onyedim in the third round. He’s viewed as a potential John Franklin-Myers replacement, but will have to compete with Malcolm Roach, Uwazurika, and likely Sai’vion Jones for that role. It should be a fun battle to watch throughout the summer, training camp, and the preseason. Otherwise, the Broncos are returning the same D-Line that they had last season.
Linebacker: We have some movement here, but probably not what we expected. With the final pick in the draft, Mr. Irrelevant, the Broncos selected Red Murdock. He’s a downhill thumper who specializes in forcing fumbles and figures to be a special teams monster. Then they signed the talented but undersized Taurean York as an undrafted free agent. He could push for a roster spot, too. The battle between Jordan Turner, Karene Reid, Levelle Bailey, and rookies Red Murdock and Taurean York for those final spots will be fun to watch. I wouldn’t rule out a veteran addition here as well.
Edge Rusher: Not a lot changed here. Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper are your starters. Jonah Elliss will see time at linebacker on third downs, but he appears to be an edge rusher still. Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman will be key reserves this year, but now, Drew Sanders returns as an edge rusher and will look to make the team. He’ll be battling undrafted rookie Dasan McCullough for a spot on the roster or practice squad.
Cornerback: No trades happened, and as of now, the Broncos’ corner room remains the same. Jahdae Barron will be competing with Moss and/or McMillian for a starting role this summer. They added some UDFA depth, and we’ll have to see if they push for a spot on the roster or practice squad.
Safety: The Broncos added safety Miles Scott in the 7th round to add some competition to the safety room. He’ll battle Devon Key, Tycen Anderson, JL Skinner, and undrafted rookie Parker Robertson for a roster spot/role at the safety position. If the room remains the same, this will be another position battle to watch this summer. The third safety role behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones is up for grabs.
Long Snapper: The only change here is the Broncos signing an undrafted rookie long snapper. Luke Basso will compete with Mitchell Fraboni for the Broncos long snapper role. We’ll see how long this battle lasts and if Fraboni will stick as the Broncos long snapper.