Depth Chart Adjustments for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos push for a 2024 AFC playoff spot, depth chart adjustments have become a critical tool for head coach Sean Payton and his staff to maximize talent, address injuries, and exploit matchups against division rivals. A team’s depth chart isn’t just a list of starters and backups—it’s a reflection of its evolving strategy, with tweaks made weekly to account for player health, performance in practice, and opponent tendencies. For the Broncos, who entered Week 10 at 4-5, these adjustments have been especially urgent: from integrating star cornerback Pat Surtain II back into the secondary to shuffling the running back rotation to boost a stagnant ground game. Each change is designed to shore up weaknesses (like a struggling offensive line) and amplify strengths (such as a pass rush led by Randy Gregory). Depth Chart Adjustments for the Denver Broncos dives into the most impactful tweaks, why they were made, and how they’re shaping the team’s late-season trajectory.

Depth Chart Adjustments for the Denver Broncos begins with cornerback adjustments—centered on Pat Surtain II’s return from injury. Before Surtain’s Week 6 MCL sprain, he was firmly entrenched as the Broncos’ No. 1 cornerback, covering opponents’ top wide receivers on 80% of his snaps. During his absence, Damarri Mathis stepped into the No. 1 role, but he struggled: opposing quarterbacks targeted him 42 times, completing 28 passes for 356 yards and two touchdowns. With Surtain back in practice, the Broncos have adjusted the depth chart to restore him to the No. 1 spot, with Mathis shifting to No. 2 and rookie Ja’Quan McMillian retaining the No. 3 role (and primary nickel corner duties). The tweak isn’t just about talent—it’s about scheme: Surtain’s return allows defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to use Mathis in more favorable matchups (e.g., covering slot receivers instead of elite outside threats) and McMillian in blitz packages. “Putting Surtain back at No. 1 lets us play to everyone’s strengths,” Joseph said in a press conference. “Mathis is solid, but he’s better when he’s not facing the league’s top receivers every snap. This adjustment makes our entire secondary more consistent.” The change was evident in Week 10 practice, where Surtain lined up against Courtland Sutton (the Broncos’ top wide receiver) in 11-on-11 drills, while Mathis focused on covering second-year receiver Marvin Mims Jr.

Another key tweak in Depth Chart Adjustments for the Denver Broncos is the running back rotation—aimed at reviving a stagnant ground game. Through the first nine weeks, the Broncos ranked 22nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game (98.3), with starter Javonte Williams struggling to find consistency (3.8 yards per carry). To spark the run game, Payton has adjusted the depth chart to give more snaps to backup Samaje Perine, shifting Williams to a “shared starter” role. Perine, a veteran with strong pass-blocking and receiving skills, has proven effective in short-yardage situations: he’s converted 7 of 8 third-and-1 attempts this season, compared to Williams’ 4 of 7. The new rotation will see Williams start most games but split carries evenly with Perine, with Perine taking the lead in passing situations (e.g., third-and-long, two-minute drills). “Samaje brings a different element to our run game—he’s a downhill runner who can also catch out of the backfield,” Payton explained. “By splitting carries, we keep both backs fresh and make it harder for defenses to game-plan against us.” The adjustment was tested in Week 10 practice, where Perine took 12 carries (compared to Williams’ 10) and caught three passes out of the backfield—signaling the Broncos’ intent to use him more prominently moving forward.

A critical offensive line adjustment in Depth Chart Adjustments for the Denver Broncos is the right tackle position—addressing inconsistencies that have plagued pass protection. Through nine weeks, the Broncos’ right tackle spot (split between Cameron Fleming and Quinn Meinerz) has allowed 12 sacks—tied for the third-most among NFL right tackles. To fix this, Payton has moved Meinerz back to his natural position of right guard (where he allowed just one sack in 2023) and elevated rookie Alex Palczewski to the starting right tackle role. Palczewski, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois, impressed in practice with his strength (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times at his pro day) and footwork, earning him a promotion over Fleming. For the Denver Broncos, this adjustment is about playing players in their best positions: Meinerz’s physicality makes him a better fit for guard, while Palczewski’s length (6-foot-6) and quickness suit tackle. “We’ve been rotating guys at right tackle all season, and it’s hurt our consistency,” offensive line coach Butch Barry said. “Alex has earned this shot—he’s been dominant in practice, and we think he can stabilize that spot.” The change is expected to improve both pass protection for Russell Wilson and run blocking for the Williams-Perine rotation, as Meinerz’s return to guard will strengthen the interior of the line.

Another defensive adjustment in Depth Chart Adjustments for the Denver Broncos is the middle linebacker position—shuffling roles to improve run defense. The Broncos rank 18th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (112.6), with middle linebacker Josey Jewell struggling to shed blocks against larger offensive lines. To fix this, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has adjusted the depth chart to move Jewell to weakside linebacker (replacing Alex Singleton) and elevated rookie Drew Sanders to starting middle linebacker. Sanders, a third-round pick out of Arkansas, is a more physical run-stopper: he recorded 12 tackles for loss in college and has shown strong gap discipline in limited NFL snaps. Jewell, meanwhile, excels in coverage—he’s broken up four passes this season—making him a better fit for the weakside role, where he’ll drop into zone coverage more often. For the Denver Broncos, this adjustment balances run defense and pass coverage: Sanders will handle the “box” duties (stopping runs between the tackles), while Jewell uses his coverage skills to limit tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. “Drew has the size and strength to play middle linebacker in our scheme,” Joseph said. “Josey’s coverage ability was being wasted in the box—moving him to weakside lets us use both players where they’re most effective.” The tweak was on display in Week 10 practice, where Sanders lined up in the middle for 70% of defensive snaps, while Jewell focused on covering running backs in 7-on-7 drills.

Wrapping up Depth Chart Adjustments for the Denver Broncos is special teams adjustments—optimizing the return game to create more scoring opportunities. The Broncos rank 28th in the NFL in punt return average (6.2 yards) and 25th in kickoff return average (19.8 yards), a lack of explosiveness that’s cost them field position and scoring chances. To fix this, special teams coordinator Mike Mallory has adjusted the depth chart to promote rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. to primary punt returner (replacing Tremon Smith) and running back Samaje Perine to primary kickoff returner (replacing Javonte Williams). Mims, a second-round pick with 4.38 speed, returned two punts for touchdowns in college, while Perine has experience as a kickoff returner (he averaged 22.1 yards per return with the Bengals in 2022). For the Denver Broncos, these changes are about leveraging speed and playmaking ability in the return game: Mims’ quickness can turn short punts into long gains, while Perine’s power can break tackles and create longer kickoff returns. “Special teams is about field position, and right now we’re not winning that battle,” Mallory said. “Marvin and Samaje give us the ability to change that—they’re playmakers who can flip the field in an instant.” The adjustments will be tested in Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns, who rank 15th in punt coverage and 18th in kickoff coverage—providing the Broncos with a chance to jumpstart their return game. Together, these depth chart tweaks reflect the Broncos’ commitment to adapting and improving—a necessary mindset as they fight for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC.