Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, where injuries, fatigue, and tough divisional schedules test even the most talented teams, roster depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. For the Denver Broncos, the 2025 season has highlighted a quietly impressive strength: a deep, versatile roster that can weather setbacks and keep competing even when key players are sidelined. Unlike recent years, where the Broncos struggled to replace injured starters (leading to inconsistent play and missed playoffs), this year’s team boasts capable backups at nearly every position—from the offensive line to the secondary. This depth isn’t an accident; it’s the result of intentional front-office moves: signing reliable veterans in free agency, drafting for upside in later rounds, and developing undrafted players into contributors. For the Broncos, depth has translated to resilience: when wide receiver Marvin Mims missed six games with a hamstring strain, backup Brandon Johnson stepped in and recorded 32 catches for 410 yards. When defensive tackle Malcolm Roach was sidelined for two weeks, second-year player Elijah Garcia filled the gap with 15 tackles and a sack. Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos isn’t just about having extra players—it’s about having players who can step up and perform at a high level when the team needs them most.

Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos gains its first layer of depth by examining the offensive line—a unit where depth is often overlooked but critical to a team’s success. The Broncos’ starting line (left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Ben Powers, center Lloyd Cushenberry III, right guard Quinn Meinerz, right tackle Mike McGlinchey) is one of the NFL’s most consistent, but it’s the backups that truly showcase the team’s depth. Reserve tackle Calvin Anderson, a fifth-year veteran, has started four games this season (filling in for Bolles and McGlinchey) and allowed just one sack in 220 offensive snaps—an impressive stat for a player who rotates in regularly. Rookie guard Alex Forsyth, a seventh-round pick, has also seen significant action in short-yardage situations, using his strength to open holes for running backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. Even the center position has depth: backup Luke Wattenberg, who spent last season on the practice squad, has played 80 snaps in relief of Cushenberry and hasn’t committed a single penalty. This depth has let the Broncos avoid the offensive line collapses that plagued them in 2023 and 2024; they’ve allowed just 18 sacks this season (tied for 10th in the NFL), even with three different starters missing time. For the Broncos, a deep offensive line means consistency for quarterback Jarrett Stidham—more time in the pocket to make reads, and a more reliable running game that keeps defenses off balance.

A second critical area of Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos is the running back room—where the Broncos have turned a position of need into a strength through depth. Starter Javonte Williams is having a career year (890 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns), but the backups have been equally impactful. Samaje Perine, a veteran signing in 2024, has emerged as a dual-threat weapon: he’s rushed for 310 yards (averaging 4.2 yards per carry) and caught 28 passes for 225 yards, providing a change of pace from Williams’ physical style. Even third-string running back Jaleel McLaughlin, an undrafted player in 2023, has made his mark: he’s averaged 5.8 yards per carry on 45 attempts and has become a fan favorite for his ability to break tackles and turn short gains into long runs. The Broncos’ running back depth isn’t just about carrying the ball—it’s about versatility. Perine is a trusted pass-blocker, often staying in to protect Stidham on third downs. McLaughlin excels in the screen game, using his speed to turn short passes into 20+ yard gains. This flexibility has let offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi design creative game plans: in a Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos rotated all three running backs, keeping the Raiders’ defense guessing and leading to 215 total rushing yards. For the Broncos, running back depth means they can keep the offense fresh throughout the game—and avoid overworking Williams, who missed most of 2022 with a knee injury.

Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos is particularly notable on the defensive line—where the Broncos have built a rotation that keeps players fresh and maintains pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The starting line (defensive ends Randy Gregory and Baron Browning, defensive tackles Malcolm Roach and Mike Purcell) is talented, but the backups have been instrumental in keeping the unit’s performance high. Second-year defensive end Nik Bonitto, a 2024 second-round pick, has 4.5 sacks in a reserve role—using his speed to rush the passer on passing downs. Defensive tackle Elijah Garcia, an undrafted free agent in 2024, has 23 tackles and 2 sacks this season, stepping in for Roach and Purcell when they’ve been injured. Even veteran defensive end Zach Allen, who was signed as a depth piece in 2025, has contributed: he’s recorded 18 tackles and a forced fumble, often playing 20–25 snaps per game to keep Gregory and Browning rested. The Denver Broncos’ defensive line depth has paid off in key ways: they rank 12th in the NFL in sacks (24) and 10th in run defense (allowing 106.2 rushing yards per game). This depth also lets defensive coordinator Vance Joseph be aggressive: he can send extra pass rushers without worrying about leaving the run defense vulnerable, knowing that backups can step in and hold their own. For the Denver Broncos, a deep defensive line isn’t just about stats—it’s about controlling the line of scrimmage and setting the tone for the entire defense.

Another vital dimension of Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos is the secondary—a unit that has overcome injuries to remain one of the team’s most reliable. The Broncos’ starting secondary (cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II and Damarri Mathis, safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson) is elite, but injuries have tested their depth this season. Mathis missed three games with a shoulder injury, but backup cornerback Art Green—an undrafted player in 2024—stepped in and recorded 12 tackles and an interception. When Jackson was sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring strain, reserve safety Caden Sterns filled the gap, making 18 tackles and breaking up three passes. Even the nickel cornerback position has depth: veteran K’Waun Williams, who was signed in 2025, has played 300+ snaps in the slot and has 25 tackles and a sack. The Denver Broncos’ secondary depth has been crucial in a pass-heavy AFC West, where they face quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a season. Green’s interception in a Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers helped seal the victory, while Sterns’ tackle on fourth down in Week 10 prevented a Raiders touchdown. For the Denver Broncos, secondary depth means they don’t have to compromise on coverage when starters are injured—they can still shut down opposing receivers and force turnovers, keeping the defense competitive.

Finally, Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos has broader implications for the team’s playoff aspirations and long-term success. In the NFL, teams that make deep playoff runs almost always have strong depth—able to handle the physical toll of a 17-game regular season and the intensity of the postseason. The Broncos’ depth has already helped them win close games: their 5–5 record includes three wins by one score, with backups like Brandon Johnson and Art Green making key plays. Looking ahead to the stretch run, the Broncos will face tough matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills—games where depth could be the difference between winning and losing. Beyond this season, the Broncos’ depth strategy is sustainable: they’ve avoided overpaying for backups, instead developing young players and signing veterans to reasonable contracts. This lets them retain key starters (like McGlinchey and Roach) while still having room to add depth pieces. For the Denver Broncos, impressive roster depth isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s a long-term strategy to build a consistent winner. Impressive Roster Depth for the Denver Broncos wraps up with a simple truth: in the NFL, talent wins games, but depth wins seasons. The Broncos have built a roster that can handle adversity, compete with the best teams in the league, and give fans hope for a return to playoff football—and that’s all thanks to the depth that has become one of their greatest strengths.