Broncos' Jaleel McLaughlin on the outside looking in with unofficial depth chart
The Denver Broncos released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of their upcoming preseason contest against the Arizona Cardinals. Sean Payton spent this past offseason bringing in healthy competition across the board to push everyone on the roster. The team is starting to come together from quarterbacks to offensive linemen, wide receivers, and undrafted rookies. […]
The Denver Broncos released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of their upcoming preseason contest against the Arizona Cardinals.
Sean Payton spent this past offseason bringing in healthy competition across the board to push everyone on the roster. The team is starting to come together from quarterbacks to offensive linemen, wide receivers, and undrafted rookies.
AtoZ Sports wrote about undrafted rookie and NCAA legend Jaleel Mclaughlin and how he has history on his side to make the roster. In fact, in 18 out of the past 19 seasons, the Broncos have started an undrafted rookie in Week 1.
Outside of the usual suspects, there are a few big takeaways that we have from looking at the roster. McLaughlin, obviously, and the tight end position along with a potential answer for Tim Patrick's absence.
Jaleel McLaughlin deserves a spot on the roster
McLaughlin had the cards stacked against him from day one. While the team has had unprecedented success with undrafted rookies, they are still undrafted rookies. McLaughlin would need to put out all the stops to make noise and fight his way onto the roster.
That's exactly what he's been doing at camp. McLaughlin has big play ability nearly every time he touches the football and it's been widely reported that he's been balling out since nearly day one.
However, based on their unofficial depth chart, McLaughlin is last in the pecking order after Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Tyler Badie, Tony Jones Jr., and then McLaughlin. Again, this is unofficial and most of these depth charts will look vastly different in a few weeks.
Surprisingly, McLaughlin even showed up in the KR position falling behind Broncos rookie Marvin Mims Jr. and Montrell Washington, highlighting another aspect of the swiss army knife's game.
If Denver decides to move on past McLaughlin, don't be surprised if another team swoops up to take him.
Controversy at the TE position
Again, this is all unofficial and things will look vastly different before they gear up for their Week 1 contest. However, social media was set ablaze with the TE position battle and what the unofficial depth chart had showcased.
On draft night, Payton made a trade to acquire former Saints TE Adam Trautman. While many thought this was purely a depth move, Truatman was listed as the TE1 on the unofficial depth chart.
2nd-year stud Greg Dulcich made a name for himself last season. Despite the offensive woes, the team found themselves in, Dulcich was a standout with sky-high expectations coming into year two.
Even reporters highlighted Trautman falling in TE1 over Dulcich.
An answer for Tim Patrick
The last big takeaway we had from looking at the unofficial depth chart was that of Tim Patrick's replacement. Patrick, fighting tooth and nail to rehab and make it back for the season, suffered a torn achilles and will miss the entire season.
With that, the Broncos need to fill that position, and quickly. Mims Jr. and Brandon Johnson. Mims has the upper hand here as Johnson went down last practice with an injury. While his injury isn't serious, it'll allow Mims Jr time to shine on the offense alongside Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton.
Once Johnson gets back, it'll be an interesting battle to watch out for. Johnson, in his second season, has only six catches for 42 yards and a touchdown in his career. He's hoping pairing up with Russell Wilson will help elevate his game to a new level and really allow him to shine.
Mims Jr has higher expectations, though, as the team spent valuable draft capital to bring him in and compete. Not only that but Mims is listed as the team's main KR/PR on the unofficial depth chart, giving him a slight boost as he will play a crucial role in the special teams unit.
Whoever wants it, go and take it, the WR3 battle is up in the air right now.
Payton has built a strong roster and is doing everything in his power to turn things around. From no sunglasses and playing starters in the preseason, to some major changes to Wilson's freedom within the organization, things are about to get a whole lot more interesting.
We can't wait for the season to start.
Broncos: Jaleel McLaughlin fighting for a roster spot
Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have been on a roll this offseason. With sky-high expectations and what seems like the entire world watching, it’ll be interesting to see how this move pans out.
Featured image via YouTube @broncos
