The Denver Broncos, alongside 29 other NFL teams, will begin the preseason this weekend, as for the first time all of camp, the Broncos will be allowed to compete with someone wearing different colorways.

Now is the time when players on the bubble separate themselves, where we see how young players are developing, and where we learn if the hype around new additions and rookies is valid. So before we get to Friday, let’s see how the depth chart might shake out, using our friend Grok.

Denver Broncos projected/simulated depth chart ahead of their 2026 preseason opener at the Atlanta Falcons (Friday, August 14, 2026, 7 p.m. ET)

Teams are not required to release an official depth chart until the week of their first preseason game (it could drop around Aug. 10–14). This is a composite simulation based on the current roster). It reflects training camp status, including Matt Henningsen (DE) on IR with a torn Achilles and notes on other situations.

View this post on Instagram

Offense

Quarterback

1. Bo Nix
2. Jarrett Stidham
3. Sam Ehlinger

Running Back

1. J.K. Dobbins
2. RJ Harvey
3. Jonah Coleman
4. Jaleel McLaughlin
5. Tyler Badie / Cody Schrader

Fullback

1. Adam Prentice

Wide Receiver

• LWR: Courtland Sutton, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Hakeem Butler, Joseph Manjack IV
• RWR: Jaylen Waddle, Marvin Mims Jr., Dane Key, Kolbe Katsis (Kyre Duplessis depth)
• SWR/Slot: Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, Michael Bandy, Cam Ross (Kyrese Rowan depth)

Tight End

1. Adam Trautman
2. Evan Engram
3. Justin Joly
4. Nate Adkins
5. Lucas Krull / Caleb Lohner / Dallen Bentley

Offensive Line

• LT: Garett Bolles, Matt Peart, Gavin Ortega
• LG: Ben Powers, Kage Casey, Nick Gargiulo (or Alex Palczewski in some projections)
• C: Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth, Michael Deiter
• RG: Quinn Meinerz, Alex Palczewski, Calvin Throckmorton
• RT: Mike McGlinchey, Frank Crum, Tyler Miller, Reid Holskey

Defense (Base 3-4)

Defensive Line

• LDE: Malcolm Roach, Tyler Onyedim, Jordan Jackson (Kristian Williams depth)
• NT: D.J. Jones, Eyioma Uwazurike, Jordan Miller
• RDE: Zach Allen, Sai’vion Jones (Matt Henningsen on IR)

Outside Linebacker / Edge

• LOLB: Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, Dasan McCullough
• ROLB: Nik Bonitto, Dondrea Tillman, Drew Sanders, Johnny Walker

Inside Linebacker

• LILB: Justin Strnad, Red Murdock, Levelle Bailey
• RILB: Alex Singleton, Karene Reid, Jordan Turner, Taurean York

Cornerback

• LCB: Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Brent Austin
• RCB: Pat Surtain II, Kris Abrams-Draine (Ricardo Hallman / others depth)
• Nickel: Ja’Quan McMillian, Sean Fresch Jr., Reese Taylor

Safety

• SS: Talanoa Hufanga, JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson, Parker Robertson
• FS: Brandon Jones, Devon Key, Miles Scott

Special Teams

• K: Wil Lutz
• P / H: Jeremy Crawshaw
• LS: Mitchell Fraboni, Luke Basso
• KR: Marvin Mims Jr., RJ Harvey, Sean Fresch Jr., Tyler Badie, Kolbe Katsis
• PR: Marvin Mims Jr., Michael Bandy, Riley Moss, Sean Fresch Jr.

Key notes for the preseason opener

• Starters are expected to play limited snaps (or sit entirely in some cases) as is typical early in preseason. Backups, rookies (Coleman, Joly, Onyedim, Barron, etc.), and bubble players will see heavy evaluation.
• Jonathon Cooper’s status has carried some off-field uncertainty into camp in projections.
• WR room is deep with Waddle’s addition; slot/WR3 battle (Franklin/Bryant/Mims) and OL depth are notable watch areas.
• Defense remains a strength with Surtain, Bonitto, Allen, Hufanga, etc.

This is a simulation/projection only and will shift with camp performances, any late roster moves, or the official team release.