Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth

A team’s depth chart is more than just a list of names—it’s a blueprint for success, outlining who will take the field on Sundays, who will step in if injuries strike, and how a franchise balances star power with reliable backups. Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth dives into the Broncos’ 2026 depth chart, a document that reflects the team’s strengths (a dominant defensive line, a steady running game) and areas of careful planning (wide receiver depth, offensive line reserves). For the Broncos, who are chasing an AFC West title and a Super Bowl berth, their depth chart isn’t static; it’s a living tool that head coach Sean Payton and his staff adjust weekly to maximize matchups and protect key players. Understanding this depth chart reveals not just who starts, but why the Broncos have emerged as one of the NFL’s most consistent teams through the first half of the season.

Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth begins with the offensive side of the ball, where stability at key positions has laid the groundwork for consistent production. At quarterback, Bo Nix is the undisputed starter, entering his second NFL season with 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 62% completion rate through 10 games. His backup is veteran Case Keenum, a 10-year NFL veteran who joined the Broncos in free agency to provide experience and mentorship—critical for a young QB like Nix. The running back room is led by Javonte Williams (850 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns), with backup Samaje Perine adding power in short-yardage situations and rookie Devin Williams contributing on special teams. The offensive line, a unit that has allowed just 22 sacks, features starters Garett Bolles (left tackle), Dalton Risner (left guard), Luke Wattenberg (center), Quinn Meinerz (right guard), and Mike McGlinchey (right tackle). backups include Cameron Fleming (tackle/guard) and rookie Beau Taylor (center), who was drafted in the fourth round to develop behind Wattenberg. At wide receiver, Courtland Sutton (720 yards, 4 touchdowns) and Marvin Mims Jr. (320 yards, 2 touchdowns) start on the outside, with Odell Beckham Jr. in the slot—though depth here remains thin, with Tyrie Cleveland and Michael Bandy as backups. Tight end Greg Dulcich (350 yards, 5 touchdowns) starts, with Albert Okwuegbunam providing a red-zone threat off the bench.

A critical section of Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth is the defensive depth chart, which highlights why the Broncos rank 4th in total yards allowed and 2nd in sacks. The defensive line is the team’s crown jewel: Jonah Elliss (14 sacks, 5 forced fumbles) and Randy Gregory start at defensive end, with Sai’Vion Jones (the undrafted standout) and Jonathan Harris as backups. At defensive tackle, D.J. Jones (4 sacks, 25 tackles) and Mike Purcell (out for the season with a knee injury) were the initial starters, with Tim Smith (a third-round draft pick) and rookies Jaquelin Roy now splitting reps in Purcell’s absence. The linebacker corps features Bradley Chubb (8 sacks, 40 tackles) and Josey Jewell (142 tackles) as starters, with Alex Singleton (special teams ace) and rookie Drew Sanders (third-round pick) providing depth. The secondary is equally impressive: Patrick Surtain II (Pro Bowl cornerback, 2 interceptions) and Damarri Mathis start at corner, with Art Green and Essang Bassey as backups. At safety, Justin Simmons (4 interceptions, 50 tackles) and Kareem Jackson (veteran leader) start, with Caden Sterns and Jamar Johnson waiting in the wings. This depth ensures the Broncos can rotate players to stay fresh, even during long drives—a key advantage in the physically demanding NFL.

Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth also shines a light on special teams, a often-overlooked unit that has played a pivotal role in the Broncos’ 7-2 start. Kicker Wil Lutz is perfect on field goals inside 40 yards (28/29) and has made 8 of 10 from 50+ yards, with backup kicker Parker White (signed to the practice squad) available if needed. Punter Riley Dixon averages 45.2 yards per punt, with 42% of his kicks landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line—no backup punter is currently on the active roster, though the Broncos have a practice squad call-up ready. The return game is handled by Marvin Mims Jr. (kickoff returns, 25 yards per return) and Tyrie Cleveland (punt returns, 8 yards per return), with Samaje Perine as the emergency backup. Long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer starts, a role he’s held since 2020, with no backup on the active roster—standard for most NFL teams, as long snappers are rarely injured. For the Denver Broncos, special teams depth is about reliability: Lutz and Dixon have been consistent, and the returners have avoided costly fumbles, ensuring the team doesn’t give away field position—a small but critical detail in close games.

Another key aspect of Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth is how injuries have forced adjustments, testing the team’s depth and revealing its strengths. The loss of defensive tackle Mike Purcell in Week 10 could have derailed the run defense, but Tim Smith and Jaquelin Roy have stepped up, limiting opponents to 89 rushing yards per game (3rd in the NFL) since Purcell’s injury. Similarly, when wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. entered concussion protocol in Week 13, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyrie Cleveland increased their snap counts, with Beckham Jr. recording 100 yards in a win over the Raiders. Even on the offensive line, when Dalton Risner missed two games with a shoulder injury, Cameron Fleming filled in at left guard without a drop-off in pass protection—allowing just 1 sack in those two contests. “Injuries are inevitable, so your depth chart has to be built to withstand them,” said general manager George Paton. “We’ve invested in players who can step in and perform, not just fill a spot. That’s why we’re still winning despite losing key guys.” For the Denver Broncos, these adjustments aren’t just about surviving injuries—they’re about thriving in spite of them, a testament to the team’s scouting and roster-building philosophy.

Looking ahead, Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth will continue to evolve as the season progresses, with the Broncos likely to sign free agents or promote practice squad players to address remaining gaps (like wide receiver depth) before the playoffs. Coaches will also use the final weeks of the regular season to give backups more snaps, ensuring they’re ready if called upon in high-stakes games. For example, rookie quarterback Ashton Daniels (fifth-round pick) may get reps in the season’s final game if the Broncos have already clinched a playoff spot, allowing Nix to rest. Similarly, Sai’Vion Jones could see more defensive snaps to develop his pass-rushing skills, preparing him for a larger role in the playoffs. “Our depth chart isn’t just for today—it’s for January,” said head coach Sean Payton. “We need every player, starter or backup, to be ready to contribute when the stakes are highest.” For the Denver Broncos, a well-constructed depth chart isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for winning a Super Bowl. Full Details on Starters in the Denver Broncos Depth isn’t just about who starts now; it’s about who will help the team win later, when every play matters and every player’s talent is put to the test.