OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
#1 QB- Mark Sanchez
Sanchez probably won’t hold this spot for long, but the Broncos will feel most comfortable putting him under center to start the year. He’s a veteran who is least likely to make costly mistakes, and he’s got just enough talent to give the Broncos a win. He's struggled a bit this preseason but it still looks like he could edge out Siemian for the starting spot.
#2 QB- Trevor Siemian
Siemian is only a 2nd year player, but he knows the Broncos playbook better than any other QB on the roster. He’s also more developed than Lynch, and could threaten to take Sanchez’s spot. He's outperformed Sanchez this preseason, but be hasn't been good enough to take his spot.
#3 QB- Paxton Lynch
Lynch is simply too raw to play week 1, but given time he should develop into the Broncos franchise QB. He won’t be #3 on the chart for too long, but week 1 he won’t be ready. His preseason performance has been stellar, but I still don't see him being the starter come week 1.
Running Backs
#1 HB- CJ Anderson
Anderson is going to have to prove himself at the start of the year, where he has struggled in the past. I don’t think it’s going to be a close competition to begin the season, as Ronnie Hillman struggled last year, and Devontae Booker’s going to have to wait his turn. Anderson deserves the spot to start the year, and can be one of the best runners in the game when given the chance.
#2 HB- Devontae Booker
Devontae Booker has been much better than Ronnie Hillman in preseason play, and is working ahead of him in training. I expect him to be the backup to Anderson as he's probably the best running back on the roster in terms of raw talent. Don’t be surprised if he’s the breakout played the Broncos are looking for on offense.
#3 HB- Ronnie Hillman
Hillman’s had the chance to prove himself as a starter in Denver but didn’t quite deliver. I don’t think he’s any threat to take Anderson’s spot, but it will be a tight competition between him and Booker to see who gets the #2 spot. Hillman will still be used more than most #3 runners, but he won’t be getting too many touches.
Fullback
#1 FB- Andy Janovich
The Broncos drafted Janovich in the 6th round of the draft this year, and I expect them to utilize him as much as they can as Denver shifts to a run-first offense.
Wide Receivers
#1 WR- Demaryius Thomas
No surprise here, as Thomas is a top 10 wide receive in the league and has proven himself to be a star. I expect Thomas to have a great year after being a bit quite last year.
#2 WR- Emmanuel Sanders
Again, this isn’t going to surprise anybody, as Sanders could arguably be put into the same top 10 category that Thomas is in. The tandem of Thomas and Sanders is a scary one for opposing teams, and that should continue come the new season.
#3 WR- Cody Latimer
One of the most intriguing battles going on in Denver is the one for the #3 WR spot, as the Broncos have options between Fowler, Norwood, and Latimer. I think Latimer gets this spot based on the fact that he’s more seasoned than Bennie Fowler, and is a better route runner than Fowler. This is certainly a competition to keep your eyes on, though. It also doesn't help that Bennie is currently out and is expected to miss a couple weeks with injury.
#4 WR- Bennie Fowler
Fowler is young and has potential, but his lack of experience will hurt him too much to get the #3 spot, but I think he’ll still see plenty of the ball. He’s proven himself more than Norwood has, but again, Jordan could push for any spot after the #2 one as well.
#5 WR- Jordan Norwood
I wouldn't be surprised if Jordan takes the 3 or 4 spot later in the year, but he's been the most quiet out of all 3 of these guys this offseason.
Tight Ends
#1 TE- Virgil Green
I’m not sure if Green will be able to hold onto this spot, but come week 1, I think he’ll have the starting spot. Green is trusted the most by Denver, and is a terrific blocker. He’s going to need to outplay Jeff Heuerman and Garrett Graham to keep this spot.
#2 TE- Jeff Heuerman
I think Heuerman is going to end up taking the #1 spot, but I’m not so sure if he’ll get it week 1. Heuerman was drafted in the 3rd round, but missed all of his rookie season with a torn ACL. He’s a guy I’m really high on and it looks like the Broncos are going to trust him with a nice role in the offense. He’s going to be the best target that Sanchez will have out of the 3 options Denver has.
#3 TE- Garrett Graham
Graham is a guy who brings veteran leadership and experience to Denver, but not much else. It’s doubtful he gets a spot above this one.
Offensive Line (Only starters)
#1 LT- Russell Okung
Denver may have a shaky offensive line, but if there’s one guy they know they can trust it’s going to be Okung. He’s a solid tackle who can be relied on.
#1 LG- Max Garcia
Garcia started in 5 games his rookie year, and won’t have much completion behind him. He’s capable of playing either guard position, or center, which will be helpful to Denver.
#1 C- Matt Paradis
Paradis is actually one of the best guys the Broncos will have on the line, as the veteran will be the glue that holds the line together.
#1 RG- Ty Sambrailo
Sambrailo appears to have this spot, but it'll be interesting to see what the Broncos do with Connor McGovern.
#1 RT- Donald Stephenson
The Broncos added Stephenson to bolster their left tackle position, and he’s another average guy who will do his role to keep the O-line solid.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
#1 LDE- Derek Wolfe
Wolfe is someone the Broncos will have no problem relying on, as he has more than proven himself to be a strong defensive end in the league. Wolfe should be in for another good year.
#2 LDE- Henry Melton
This would've been Vance Walker's spot, but he was put on the IR after a knee injury. The Broncos signed Melton today and he should take the backup duties for Denver.
#1 NT- Sylvester Williams
Williams is a solid nose tackle that the Broncos had no problem playing last season. He’s not a big name guy, but he certainly does his job.
#2 NT- Darius Kilgo
Kilgo is another guy the Broncos won’t really expect to make a huge impact, but he provides nice depth at the position, and could be called upon if need be.
#1 RDE- Jared Crick
After losing Malik Jackson to Jacksonville, the Broncos went to Houston to get veteran defensive end Jared Crick. Crick won’t produce like Jackson did, but he’s going to be a solid guy for Denver to lean on. He probably won’t hold this spot for the whole year, as Adam Gotsis will likely take over.
#2 RDE- Adam Gotsis
Gotsis was the 2nd round pick for the Broncos this year, but he’s a little too raw, and is coming back from an injury, most likely forcing him into a backup role to start the year. Give him time, and he could be an extremely solid starter for the Broncos.
Linebackers
#1 SLB- Von Miller
There’s no chance that one of the best defensive players in football doesn’t start. Von Miller will continue to make life hell for opposing quarterbacks.
#2 SLB- Shaq Barrett
Barrett has proven himself to be an extremely capable player to lean on when needed. In my eyes, he’s the best backup the Broncos have at any position.
#1 ILB- Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall just signed a well deserved contract with the Broncos after quickly becoming one of the better inside linebackers in football. He’s a tackling machine and will continue to impress in 2016.
#1 ILB- Todd Davis
With the absence of Danny Trevathan, the Broncos have yet another battle that needs to be sorted out. Davis played in every game last year, and proved himself to be the guy to replace Danny. He certainly won’t be an upgrade, but the Broncos staff absolutely love this guy.
#2 ILB- Corey Nelson
Nelson could take Davis’s spot if he performs well enough, but it looks like he’ll start the season behind him on the roster. Nelson is another guy the Broncos like a lot, and he could be a solid fit.
Cornerbacks
#1/2 CB- Chris Harris Jr.
Chris Harris has become one of the leagues premier corners, and he will remain one of the most valued members of the No Fly Zone.
#1/2 CB- Aqib Talib
Talib is right next to Chris Harris as one of the best corners in the game, he’s not going anywhere.
#3 CB- Bradley Roby
Roby is one of the most unappreciated players that the Broncos have. He’s probably the best #3 cornerback in the league. Roby truly completes the No Fly Zone.
#4 CB- Kayvon Webster
Webster is a beast when it comes to special teams, and is an extremely solid backup corner for Denver to have. He’s been on the team for his whole career, and is trusted to do his job.
#5 CB- Lorenzo Doss
Doss won’t see much of the field, but he’s a 2nd year player that could play if need be.
Safeties
#1 SS- TJ Ward
Many call Ward the leader of the No Fly Zone, as the hard hitting safety has some of the most energy on the field. Ward is an exciting player to watch, and is easily a top 10 safety in football.
#2 SS- Will Parks
The Broncos drafted a pair of safeties as backups in this years draft. One of them is Will Parks, a 6th round pick who could prove to be a viable backup to TJ Ward. He should beat out Keo for this spot.
#1 FS- Darian Stewart
Stewart is another guy who quietly was a stud for Denver. He’s proven himself to be an extremely solid safety for Denver, and his spot is secured.
#2 FS- Justin Simmons
Simmons is the other guy the Broncos drafted to be a backup at the safety position. Simmons was a 3rd round pick who has an extremely high ceiling.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K- Brandon McManus
McManus was a great kicker for Denver last year, especially in the post season. He won’t have any competition behind him.
P- Riley Dixon
Colquitt played well in the playoffs, but he struggled in the regular season this year. I think he didn’t do enough to keep his starting spot, as the Broncos drafted Riley Dixon out of Syracuse in the 7th round. Dixon had a tremendous career, and could be the new punter in Denver.
LS- Casey Kreiter
The former Cowboy will fill the void that was created when Brewer left.
KR- Jordan Norwood
This is a spot the Broncos could play around with, but I expect Norwood to get the spot to start the season. He had the longer punt return in Super Bowl history last year, and has good speed and vision.
PR- Emmanuel Sanders
Sanders has terrific speed and good cuts, he also doesn’t fumble a ton. It’s his job to lose at this point, but there could be more experimentation with this spot.
Quarterbacks
#1 QB- Mark Sanchez
Sanchez probably won’t hold this spot for long, but the Broncos will feel most comfortable putting him under center to start the year. He’s a veteran who is least likely to make costly mistakes, and he’s got just enough talent to give the Broncos a win. He's struggled a bit this preseason but it still looks like he could edge out Siemian for the starting spot.
#2 QB- Trevor Siemian
Siemian is only a 2nd year player, but he knows the Broncos playbook better than any other QB on the roster. He’s also more developed than Lynch, and could threaten to take Sanchez’s spot. He's outperformed Sanchez this preseason, but be hasn't been good enough to take his spot.
#3 QB- Paxton Lynch
Lynch is simply too raw to play week 1, but given time he should develop into the Broncos franchise QB. He won’t be #3 on the chart for too long, but week 1 he won’t be ready. His preseason performance has been stellar, but I still don't see him being the starter come week 1.
Running Backs
#1 HB- CJ Anderson
Anderson is going to have to prove himself at the start of the year, where he has struggled in the past. I don’t think it’s going to be a close competition to begin the season, as Ronnie Hillman struggled last year, and Devontae Booker’s going to have to wait his turn. Anderson deserves the spot to start the year, and can be one of the best runners in the game when given the chance.
#2 HB- Devontae Booker
Devontae Booker has been much better than Ronnie Hillman in preseason play, and is working ahead of him in training. I expect him to be the backup to Anderson as he's probably the best running back on the roster in terms of raw talent. Don’t be surprised if he’s the breakout played the Broncos are looking for on offense.
#3 HB- Ronnie Hillman
Hillman’s had the chance to prove himself as a starter in Denver but didn’t quite deliver. I don’t think he’s any threat to take Anderson’s spot, but it will be a tight competition between him and Booker to see who gets the #2 spot. Hillman will still be used more than most #3 runners, but he won’t be getting too many touches.
Fullback
#1 FB- Andy Janovich
The Broncos drafted Janovich in the 6th round of the draft this year, and I expect them to utilize him as much as they can as Denver shifts to a run-first offense.
Wide Receivers
#1 WR- Demaryius Thomas
No surprise here, as Thomas is a top 10 wide receive in the league and has proven himself to be a star. I expect Thomas to have a great year after being a bit quite last year.
#2 WR- Emmanuel Sanders
Again, this isn’t going to surprise anybody, as Sanders could arguably be put into the same top 10 category that Thomas is in. The tandem of Thomas and Sanders is a scary one for opposing teams, and that should continue come the new season.
#3 WR- Cody Latimer
One of the most intriguing battles going on in Denver is the one for the #3 WR spot, as the Broncos have options between Fowler, Norwood, and Latimer. I think Latimer gets this spot based on the fact that he’s more seasoned than Bennie Fowler, and is a better route runner than Fowler. This is certainly a competition to keep your eyes on, though. It also doesn't help that Bennie is currently out and is expected to miss a couple weeks with injury.
#4 WR- Bennie Fowler
Fowler is young and has potential, but his lack of experience will hurt him too much to get the #3 spot, but I think he’ll still see plenty of the ball. He’s proven himself more than Norwood has, but again, Jordan could push for any spot after the #2 one as well.
#5 WR- Jordan Norwood
I wouldn't be surprised if Jordan takes the 3 or 4 spot later in the year, but he's been the most quiet out of all 3 of these guys this offseason.
Tight Ends
#1 TE- Virgil Green
I’m not sure if Green will be able to hold onto this spot, but come week 1, I think he’ll have the starting spot. Green is trusted the most by Denver, and is a terrific blocker. He’s going to need to outplay Jeff Heuerman and Garrett Graham to keep this spot.
#2 TE- Jeff Heuerman
I think Heuerman is going to end up taking the #1 spot, but I’m not so sure if he’ll get it week 1. Heuerman was drafted in the 3rd round, but missed all of his rookie season with a torn ACL. He’s a guy I’m really high on and it looks like the Broncos are going to trust him with a nice role in the offense. He’s going to be the best target that Sanchez will have out of the 3 options Denver has.
#3 TE- Garrett Graham
Graham is a guy who brings veteran leadership and experience to Denver, but not much else. It’s doubtful he gets a spot above this one.
Offensive Line (Only starters)
#1 LT- Russell Okung
Denver may have a shaky offensive line, but if there’s one guy they know they can trust it’s going to be Okung. He’s a solid tackle who can be relied on.
#1 LG- Max Garcia
Garcia started in 5 games his rookie year, and won’t have much completion behind him. He’s capable of playing either guard position, or center, which will be helpful to Denver.
#1 C- Matt Paradis
Paradis is actually one of the best guys the Broncos will have on the line, as the veteran will be the glue that holds the line together.
#1 RG- Ty Sambrailo
Sambrailo appears to have this spot, but it'll be interesting to see what the Broncos do with Connor McGovern.
#1 RT- Donald Stephenson
The Broncos added Stephenson to bolster their left tackle position, and he’s another average guy who will do his role to keep the O-line solid.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
#1 LDE- Derek Wolfe
Wolfe is someone the Broncos will have no problem relying on, as he has more than proven himself to be a strong defensive end in the league. Wolfe should be in for another good year.
#2 LDE- Henry Melton
This would've been Vance Walker's spot, but he was put on the IR after a knee injury. The Broncos signed Melton today and he should take the backup duties for Denver.
#1 NT- Sylvester Williams
Williams is a solid nose tackle that the Broncos had no problem playing last season. He’s not a big name guy, but he certainly does his job.
#2 NT- Darius Kilgo
Kilgo is another guy the Broncos won’t really expect to make a huge impact, but he provides nice depth at the position, and could be called upon if need be.
#1 RDE- Jared Crick
After losing Malik Jackson to Jacksonville, the Broncos went to Houston to get veteran defensive end Jared Crick. Crick won’t produce like Jackson did, but he’s going to be a solid guy for Denver to lean on. He probably won’t hold this spot for the whole year, as Adam Gotsis will likely take over.
#2 RDE- Adam Gotsis
Gotsis was the 2nd round pick for the Broncos this year, but he’s a little too raw, and is coming back from an injury, most likely forcing him into a backup role to start the year. Give him time, and he could be an extremely solid starter for the Broncos.
Linebackers
#1 SLB- Von Miller
There’s no chance that one of the best defensive players in football doesn’t start. Von Miller will continue to make life hell for opposing quarterbacks.
#2 SLB- Shaq Barrett
Barrett has proven himself to be an extremely capable player to lean on when needed. In my eyes, he’s the best backup the Broncos have at any position.
#1 ILB- Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall just signed a well deserved contract with the Broncos after quickly becoming one of the better inside linebackers in football. He’s a tackling machine and will continue to impress in 2016.
#1 ILB- Todd Davis
With the absence of Danny Trevathan, the Broncos have yet another battle that needs to be sorted out. Davis played in every game last year, and proved himself to be the guy to replace Danny. He certainly won’t be an upgrade, but the Broncos staff absolutely love this guy.
#2 ILB- Corey Nelson
Nelson could take Davis’s spot if he performs well enough, but it looks like he’ll start the season behind him on the roster. Nelson is another guy the Broncos like a lot, and he could be a solid fit.
Cornerbacks
#1/2 CB- Chris Harris Jr.
Chris Harris has become one of the leagues premier corners, and he will remain one of the most valued members of the No Fly Zone.
#1/2 CB- Aqib Talib
Talib is right next to Chris Harris as one of the best corners in the game, he’s not going anywhere.
#3 CB- Bradley Roby
Roby is one of the most unappreciated players that the Broncos have. He’s probably the best #3 cornerback in the league. Roby truly completes the No Fly Zone.
#4 CB- Kayvon Webster
Webster is a beast when it comes to special teams, and is an extremely solid backup corner for Denver to have. He’s been on the team for his whole career, and is trusted to do his job.
#5 CB- Lorenzo Doss
Doss won’t see much of the field, but he’s a 2nd year player that could play if need be.
Safeties
#1 SS- TJ Ward
Many call Ward the leader of the No Fly Zone, as the hard hitting safety has some of the most energy on the field. Ward is an exciting player to watch, and is easily a top 10 safety in football.
#2 SS- Will Parks
The Broncos drafted a pair of safeties as backups in this years draft. One of them is Will Parks, a 6th round pick who could prove to be a viable backup to TJ Ward. He should beat out Keo for this spot.
#1 FS- Darian Stewart
Stewart is another guy who quietly was a stud for Denver. He’s proven himself to be an extremely solid safety for Denver, and his spot is secured.
#2 FS- Justin Simmons
Simmons is the other guy the Broncos drafted to be a backup at the safety position. Simmons was a 3rd round pick who has an extremely high ceiling.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K- Brandon McManus
McManus was a great kicker for Denver last year, especially in the post season. He won’t have any competition behind him.
P- Riley Dixon
Colquitt played well in the playoffs, but he struggled in the regular season this year. I think he didn’t do enough to keep his starting spot, as the Broncos drafted Riley Dixon out of Syracuse in the 7th round. Dixon had a tremendous career, and could be the new punter in Denver.
LS- Casey Kreiter
The former Cowboy will fill the void that was created when Brewer left.
KR- Jordan Norwood
This is a spot the Broncos could play around with, but I expect Norwood to get the spot to start the season. He had the longer punt return in Super Bowl history last year, and has good speed and vision.
PR- Emmanuel Sanders
Sanders has terrific speed and good cuts, he also doesn’t fumble a ton. It’s his job to lose at this point, but there could be more experimentation with this spot.