Denver Broncos Depth Chart
- AFC West
- Stadium
- Empower Field at Mile High
- Head Coach
- Sean Payton
- Offensive Coordinator
- Joe Lombardi
- Defensive Coordinator
- Vance Joseph
- Special Teams Coach
- Ben Kotwica
- Defensive Scheme
- 3-4
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton said the team "won't know that for a while" when asked if running back Javonte Williams (knee) will be ready for the start of the 2023 season. However, Paton also said Williams is making "great strides" in his recovery from a serious knee injury in 2022. The 22-year-old tore his ACL and MCL in Week 4 of last year and isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 this fall. If he's not ready to go, Samaje Perine could operate as Denver's lead back, so he'll be a popular handcuff in fall drafts. Many folks believed Williams was on the cusp of breaking out as a high-end RB1 in just his second NFL season in 2022, but his injury wiped out what could have been a promising season. Williams' 2023 ADP will depend on whether he'll miss any time early on.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton thinks quarterback Jarrett Stidham was an "important signing" and believes he could one day become a starting QB in the NFL. The Broncos signed him to a two-year, $10 million deal in free agency to back up Russell Wilson in 2023. Wilson struggled mightily in his first year with Denver in 2022, but the team did not bring Stidham in to put pressure on him for the starting job. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2019 has played in 13 games (two starts) in his three NFL seasons, throwing for 926 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions. In five games (two starts) with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, Stidham threw for 656 yards, four TDs and three interceptions.
Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine could serve as the team's starting running back if Javonte Williams (knee) isn't ready to go for the start of the 2023 season. "Samaje (Perine), he can be a starter. He's good on first, second down. He's good on third down. He has really good hands. He's solid in protection. And we like Latavius Murray. We'll see where that goes," general manager George Paton said. Denver added Perine on a two-year, $7.5 million deal in free agency to add more depth to the position behind Williams, but Williams is coming off a serious knee injury in 2022 and might have to be eased in early on. Murray remains a free agent, and even if he were to re-sign, Perine could be ahead of him on the depth chart. The 27-year-old will be a handcuff option for those that draft Williams, and he could be an RB3/flex option in Week 1 if he's the starter.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been a name in the news during the offseason. Many clubs have apparently expressed interest. However, at the Annual League Meeting, Sean Payton reiterated that the wideout isn't on the market. The 27-year-old had 1,112 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2019 while earning a trip to the Pro Bowl. Yet, he suffered a knee injury the following year and hasn't been as productive over the last two seasons. With Denver reportedly looking for picks ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, Payton's stance may change if the team receives an attractive offer. It's also worth noting Payton indicated he Jerry Jeudy won't be moved, either. But there's a recent story from ESPN's Jeff Legwold linking Jeudy to New England, so stay tuned.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy remains in the news. Despite months of trade speculation, head coach Sean Payton reaffirmed that the 23-year-old isn't on the market, a comment he made to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero during the Annual League Meeting. However, ESPN's Jeff Legwold reported the opposite while adding that the Patriots may be the favorite to acquire the wideout. Per Legwold, New England could be willing to move some picks, something Denver has reportedly been looking for in return. Jeudy had the best year of his career in 2022, finishing with 67 catches for 972 yards and six touchdowns. He was also teammates with Mac Jones at Alabama, which has provided more traction to this story. The Broncos have until May 1 to pick up Jeudy's fifth-year option, although there should be more updates and rumors moving ahead.
