Broncos Release Initial Depth Chart Of 2008

by John Bena on Aug 4, 2008 9:18 AM MDT in 2008 Game Previews Comment 53 comments

The Broncos released their initial Depth Chart of 2008, in preparations of their game against the Houston Texans on Saturday Night. See Below -

Broncos Offense

Pos.	First Team	Second Team	Third Team	Fourth Team

WR	Brandon Marshall	Eddie Royal	Glenn Martinez	Clifford Russell

LT	Ryan Clady	Erik Pears
LG	Ben Hamilton	Dylan Gandy	Kory Lichtensteiger
C	Tom Nalen	Casey Wiegmann	P.J. Alexander
RG	Chris Kuper	Montrae Holland	Mitch Erikson
RT	Ryan Harris	Tyler Polumbus
TE	Daniel Graham	Tony Scheffler	Nate Jackson	Brett Pierce

WR	Darrell Jackson	Brandon Stokley	Keary Colbert	Samie Parker

QB	Jay Cutler	Patrick Ramsey	Darrell Hackney
RB	Selvin Young	Andre Hall	Ryan Torain	Anthony Alridge
FB	Cecil Sapp	Peyton Hillis	Michael Pittman

Broncos Defense

Pos.	First Team	Second Team	Third Team	Fourth Team

LE	John Engelberger	Ebenezar Ekuban	Tim Crowder
LT	Dewayne Robertson	Alvin McKinley	Nic Clemons
RT	Marcus Thomas	Kenny Peterson	Josh Mallard	Steven Harris
RE	Elvis Dumervil	Jarvis Moss	Paul Carrington	Larry Birdine

WLB	D.J. Williams	Jamie Winborn	Wesley Woodyard
MLB	Nate Webster	Niko Koutouvides	Spencer Larsen	Manuel Padilla
SLB	Boss Bailey	Louis Green	Jordan Beck

LCB	Champ Bailey	Domonique Foxworth	Jack Williams
RCB	Dre Bly	Karl Paymeh	Christian Morton	Lamont Reid
SS	Hamza Abdullah	Roderick Rogers	Josh Barrett
FS	Marlon McCree	Marquand Manuel	Vickiel Vaughn

Broncos Specialists

Pos.	First Team	Second Team	Third Team	Fourth Team

P	Sam Paulescu	Brett Kern
K	Matt Prater	Sam Paulescu	Brett Kern
KO	Matt Prater	Sam Paulescu	Brett Kern

PR	Eddie Royal	Glenn Martinez	Marquay McDaniel	Samie Parker
KR	Eddie Royal	Andre Hall	Anthony Alridge	Clifford Russell

PLS	Mike Leach	Tony Scheffler	Josh Mallard
KLS	Mike Leach	Josh Mallard	Brett Pierce
H	Brett Kern	Sam Paulescu	Patrick Ramsey

There were a couple surprise in my opinion.

It does make me wonder just how effective a defensive line can be with John Engleberger as a starter at end, and what the hell has happened to Tim Crowder to be listed as the 3rd string LDE.

Another slight surprise is Michael Pittman who comes in listed as the 3rd string FB, while not being listed at all as a HB.

Not a surprise to me was the meteoric rise of Eddie Royal who sits behind Brandon Marshall at WR. If the reports we hear are true and Marshall is suspended, that would put Royal in line to start Week 1 in Oakland.

Also of little surprise is Nate Webster starting at MLB. It was obvious to me that Webster was the better player and deserved to get the nod over Niko Koutouvides.

Things are likely to change over the next month, but it sure is fun to talk about stuff on the field, isn't it?!?

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Colbert listed third behind Stokes...

I hope this is just to serve as a wake up call for some of the guys listed at third string. I mean Crowder?

by JR_G on Aug 4, 2008 9:47 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Player positions

I am hoping that Keary Colbert makes the team. Hopefully he will perfrom well enough to make it.

Patrick Ramsey may drop to 3rd if he doesn’t pick up his game.

Victor Frankl:

What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him.

by wyoeng on Aug 4, 2008 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chriss Simms

In a story about Tampa Bay it was reported that Chriss Simms is almost sure to be cut at the end of training camp, and that a possible landing spot could be the back up spot in Denver. A slight improvement perhaps.

by Jeeeeens on Aug 4, 2008 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

left-handed

not a big fan. I’ve seen a lot of his games, and a few seasons back he did a good job replacing Griese after Griese was injured. Simms doesn’t have Ramsey’s arm strength (which is the most overrated skill for a QB, IMHO), and looked pretty terrible last season—even pre-spleen injury.

Also, if I’m not mistaken, having a left-handed QB throws off your system a bit when he plays. His blind side changes to the right side (I’d feel safer behind Clady that Harris/whoever is at RT) and he’s facing the #2 WR coming out of the snap instead of the #1… which may not mean anything, I’ve never played actual football, only backyard style.

"I could never quite get the hang of Thursdays..."

by FlaBroncoFan on Aug 4, 2008 12:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could go into detail..

...or just end up doing a full post, but it turns out to be a wash in many coaches minds. There are a few who like it, and a few who oppose it, but it seems to me that most coaches believe there’s enough positives and negatives to balance the effect.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 4, 2008 2:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Next years draft!

We absolutely need to draft a stud MLB. I’m so excited about Royal. I think i’m gonna get my son his jersey.

"I am he, as you are he, as you are me, and we are all together." - The Beatles

by Denver_Native on Aug 4, 2008 9:57 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

So lets just say

this is the 80 guys we take into the season and we can argue about this and that after this question, What is the game day roster is it still 45? if so my debate question is which 45 suit up?

Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Aug 4, 2008 10:00 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

By the end of Pre-Season...

it has to be narrowed to 53 Total. Then, there are 45 active on game day. Come September 4th, 27 of the names above will be no longer with the Denver Broncos.

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by John Bena on Aug 4, 2008 10:06 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting stuff

I really like the potential at the tackle positions and it’s hard not to like the weapons provided to Cutler. I have to agree i am suprised to see Crowder on 3rd string I think he has a bright future, and i also think the MLB spot is cause for some concern. All that said it is very early.

by Denverjhawk on Aug 4, 2008 10:13 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

CU Pride

I am impressed that Polumbus has is already listed as a second string RT. Does that mean he’s more likely to make the team, or does he still project as a practice squad player this year?

by NFL Junky on Aug 4, 2008 10:22 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly

I think he makes the 53-man squad, because of the importance of the position, as long as he doesn’t slip on the depth chart before then. He will not, however be a priority activation on game day. I expect that Denver will only activate one or two extra linemen for games, which is another reason for the versatility they insist on. By the chart above, I would expect the activations to be Weigmann and Pears.

Hard to predict this far out, but its fun to try.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 4, 2008 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will guess

that we try to slip him by other teams and put him on the practice squad.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Aug 4, 2008 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem is..

..as I understand it, that the practice squad doesn’t protect a player from being taken by another team. I may be wrong.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 5, 2008 2:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any time a team

tries to sign a player off your practice squad you get the equivalent of “right of first refusal.” If you can’t find a place on your 53 man roster then the other team can claim them.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 5, 2008 3:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Polumbus

I have my doubts about whether they’ll carry more than one backup at OT, and Kuper is still in the mix at RT and would count as one backup—but we’ll count him as an OG for now. The question would seem to be whether Polumbus is better than Kuper, Harris & Peers (ignoring the possibility of his overtaking Clady). I doubt he can climb above any of them. My guess is that (and that’s all it is) Kuper will provide depth for both OG and OT. Peers will be available to provide depth at R-OT, and he’s started on that side. Having the option of moving Kuper over in an emergency allows them to keep one more player without much of the risk.

Another problem is the situation at OG. Lichtensteiger is struggling to learn the playbook so he may not see much time earlier in the season (I regard this as normal, and I don’t think they’ll cut him). One player they may like to keep, however, is Gandy. Keeping him could take us up to 10 OLs, which is ‘pushing’ it. My prediction is they’ll keep 9 OLs, and that’s high. Health and inexperience concerns make it necessary to keep more than usual—is my guess. .

Polumbus is eligible for the practice squad, unlike some others ( though I’ve yet to see the new “looser” eligibility rules for PSs). The bottom-line question seems to be who stands the best chance of sticking around if cut? And also, who has the best potential? Everyone I’ve mentioned is young, so that means they all have the “potential” to get better. A final consideration may be whether P.J. Alexander will be available after being cut—I think he would be.

by Colinski on Aug 4, 2008 7:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

More on Polumbus

I like Polumbus, too, but one thing to recognize is that there are only ONLY 4 OTs on the roster, if one considers Kuper an OG. Being fourth out of a four man group isn’t hard, but I have heard some very good things about Polumbus’ performance so far.

by Colinski on Aug 5, 2008 2:43 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

MHR

It’s threads like this that make me love MHR. Whether we are able to keep Polumbus on the 53 man roster or put him on the practice squad, it’s always great to see a Buffalo in the NFL. Now if we can only get Daniel Graham to show the receiving skills that he had in college…

by NFL Junky on Aug 5, 2008 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Surprises:

Some of our most recent acquisitions are not doing all that well. Colbert, Torain, Pittman, Crowder and Barrett are unexpectedly on the third team behind mostly questionable talent. The sad thing is that, looking at this depth chart, it seems as though we’ll enter the 2009 draft with largely the same areas of need as the last one; I’d say we’d need a FS, MLB, DT and perhaps even a DE. If the defense improves, it looks like it will be because of the change in system, since the personel in unexpectedly unchanged.

Please check out my blog at http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/ , now redesigned and recommited!

by ejruiz on Aug 4, 2008 10:18 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

This depth chart

shouldn’t be taken as a measure of performance to date in most cases. Obviously it applies to Royal, but some of the guys you mention above have been having some good days in camp. I suspect that third stringers will get the longest look in the upcoming games, so it is good to see some of those names getting put under the spotlight.

Each successive depth chart will have more and more weight riding on it. When I see a name on the third string in the above chart, I think to myself that the coaches just want to see more of them, and from them. Think of this as the “kick in the ass” depth chart of the year.

I agree with your needs in the draft. A true FS is always a need but I don’t see Denver prioritizing it if Hamza is healthy and successful this year. MLB or SLB would both be good, but again, won’t be prioritized if the starters we have now are successful. DT would be a good idea to prioritize, though the best ones will once again be gone early (I am assuming we pick at 18 or later) and given the time it takes to develop Dlinemen, I would guess that if our 08 guys can’t get it done then we will be prioritizing a free agent instead of a draft pick. A runstopping DE would be nice, and an elite one could be a good possibility with a midround pick, since the pass rushers are the most sought after. I could also see us making first day priorities out of G/C. But, man, that is a looooooong ways away… :)

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 4, 2008 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Styg.

Also, read Shanahan’s take on early depth charts. He doesn’t believe in them, and just throws them out (I’m sure a tiny bit of thought goes into them, but not much). The later charts will be more important. Also remember that some positions (like DE) will have more that one or two people playing the position. I think there will be some rotation involved.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 4, 2008 2:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

RIGHT ON STYG

by metalman5050 on Aug 4, 2008 5:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

motivation

Also, Shanahan has been known to use a little psychology when composing his depth charts. Some players are rewarded for their performance while some are given a message to work harder. Both approaches have merit and their success depends on the player and his psychological makeup. A Jerry Kramer type doesn’t need motivation and can be adversely affected by criticism whereas a Paul Hornung type needs to be taken to the woodshed. The current depth chart should not be confused with the final one because of this. Hard work is being rewarded at this point. The final roster decision and starting lineup are based more on ability and the coaching staff’s projection of who will play better, which is a somewhat different criterion.

by Colinski on Aug 4, 2008 7:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depth Chart Surprises

It is interesting to also see Ekuban back at DE, after we were all told he was now a DT, and after having seen him in camp at only DT. I think his versatility and of course experience is one reason they like him. He really can play anywhere on the D-line in this system. There is probably not too much to read into it. I think he will still be an interior lineman on pass packages, but he could play DE if run support is needed (If Moss does not step up).

I am also excited about seeing the Eddie “The Royal Flush” start in Marshall’s place. With his speed, he would really surprise teams, and it would take a few weeks for teams to learn how to defend him.

by The Gun Young on Aug 4, 2008 10:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I am the only one.

I never saw EE as anything other than a DE. There are some situations (maybe third and long) where we may want to use him in the middle, but I think his position has been End all along. His versatility and experience are assets.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Aug 4, 2008 11:24 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you FirstFan.

Perhaps the coaches read my comment on another post and decided that leaving him at DE was best. Hey, I can dream!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 4, 2008 2:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

At this point, I won't worry about it yet.

some of the second string may be the ones to worry. many of these guys are older vets and cost more right now. I don’t see Crowder cut from the roster, but this does look like a kick in the butt for him. A lot of questions will be answered over the next 3 weeks for everyone.

fader nation is a conquered nation

The creator of the following names:

conquered fader nation
Phyllis and his merry men

by mdierk on Aug 4, 2008 10:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good point...

The guys on second string seem to be the ones the coaches are probably most interested in. They know what they have in a lot of the third strongers…

by JR_G on Aug 4, 2008 10:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

*stringers

by JR_G on Aug 4, 2008 10:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

1st string, 2nd string, 3rd...

Hey, it’s early August. This depth chart means nothing, other than the coaches want to see how player x works next to player y. As to signing FS Vaughn, with Lynch gone we only have 5 safeties. If injuries happen in October/November/December, it’s good to have a guy like Vaughn out there who has been in camp.

by bradley on Aug 4, 2008 10:49 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

That makes perfect sense.

I wonder why I didn’t see that. duh!

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Aug 4, 2008 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

good point, Bradley

It’s getting hard to field a whole unit with the 80 man roster. If I were a coach, I wouldn’t want to be using starters just to see how ‘player X’ works out on kick off coverage, for instance.

by Colinski on Aug 4, 2008 8:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think this means much

Especially for the first preseson game. Now maybe if this was before the opening week. But there is a lot of training camp/pre-season left. I would not read too much into the 2nd 3rd and 4th strings at the moment

by broncfanstuckinsd on Aug 4, 2008 11:29 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a good point...

I reviewed the 1st Depth Chart of last season – Brandon Marshall wasn’t even listed and Elvis Dumervil was listed as a 3rd string defensive end….Things change quickly…

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by John Bena on Aug 4, 2008 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

But at least it gives us Bronoholics something to talk about. Withou this depth chart we would probably still be talking about BM :)

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Aug 4, 2008 5:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice pun!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 5, 2008 2:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even at TC...

...when they call 1st team offense or 1st team defense it is constantly changing. I think there are very few conclusions that can be accurately drawn from this.

by UnarmingMermaid on Aug 4, 2008 12:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't get too worked up about depth chart

This is the 1st chart, I am sure many of the positions will change, I am guessing you will see Barrett, Lichtensteiger, Torain and Hillis move up throughout training camp, their talent level is too much, right now it’s a learning curve for them. Crowder maybe is a motivation, I really don’t see them keeping Engleberger and Eukaban.

Broncoman

by Broncoman on Aug 4, 2008 12:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

You and Guru

Questioning the ‘Berger!

I personally wouldn’t bet against him. He isn’t a star, and he isn’t a sackmaster, but he is reliable, tough and he executes properly 99% of the time. Shanahan asks him to do one thing and he does it, even when he is hurt. I seriously doubt he leaves before he is seriously injured or retires….

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 4, 2008 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Engleberger a lock

Engleberger will definitely make the team. At this point he is their best DE against the run. That is why he is first string, and paired with Dumervil (their best pass rusher) – to balance the D-line strengths with each rotating unit. He rarely makes stand out plays, but he always executes as they prefer. Although, I think he will actually be more noticeable on the field this year. When you hear about how bad his shoulder was last year, yet he just played through, like a Zimmerman. That is the tough minded, hard nosed mentality they need more of their D-lineman to have.

by The Gun Young on Aug 4, 2008 1:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Not taking from Eng...

...because I think Eng should make the team too, but I give the edge to Ekuban in being a run stopping DE. In fact, Eng’s been nicknamed “Ekuban Light”.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 4, 2008 2:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crowder

Does anyone have any info on how Crowder is doing in camp? I hear a lot about Doom being great, J-Moss being mediocre and that’s about it.

I miss Al

by birkheac on Aug 4, 2008 1:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't know about Crowder...

...but two reports (one from Guru) say Moss improved enough to overshadow early doubts. He’s also doing well against the run.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 4, 2008 2:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

practicing without pads

One of the problems with the Broncos’ approach to training camp this year is that it’s nearly impossible to produce a meaningful depth chart without seeing players perform in full-contact conditions. We’ll know more after saturday, I suppose, but I predict a shakeup at RB and DE especially based on performances in preseason games. My guess is Torain will impress, Alridge, Young, and Moss will not.

by tdh on Aug 4, 2008 3:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Read every one of my reports!

I say the exact same thing. It is hard to get a real feel for the line play on either side because the guys are going at around 75%. Saturday Night will be the first real test and I can’t wait to watch….

-TSG

www.milehighreport.com

by John Bena on Aug 4, 2008 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you have a valid point

Young however hasnt dropped his production and still has a viable spot as the starter At the end of pre-season I see our RB tandem looking like this:

RB Young Torain Hall Aldridge
FB Pittman Hillis

I think Sapp goes packing and I know I was the one who said we just resigned him but Sapp needs to show he is THE starter. If sapp shows that to me in pre season then I think Hall or Aldridge get the axe!

Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Aug 4, 2008 4:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Sapp is safe

Sapp is too versitle and plays special teams, I think Hillis will be the starter and Sapp back-up, but probably won’t be until week 4 or 5 when Hillis shows he can protect and knows the playbook. Pittman I doubt will make the roster.

Broncoman

by Broncoman on Aug 4, 2008 4:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sapp

I’m not advocating for or against Sapp since I can see both reasons on both sides of the argument, but many of the draft choices look to be wonderful ST players, so the need for Sapp is less in this area this year. I wish I could say I knew something about ST responsibilities, though.

Just a little factoid—Mallard has edge over his DT competition because he’s a LS. Doesn’t hurt.

by Colinski on Aug 4, 2008 9:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

The LS thing is handled

we know how leach earns his money but it would be nice to have someone else to free that roster spot or to have leach become a usable TE

Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on Aug 4, 2008 9:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree except

I think Alrdige and Crwoder are going to show up, everyone raves about Alridge being the fastest guy on the Broncos, I think if they can get him in space, he could be a Santana Moss type long term

Broncoman

by Broncoman on Aug 4, 2008 4:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with the sentiment

but disagree with labeling it a “problem”, though that may not have been what you meant.

By reducing the wear and tear on players Shanahan has developed a reputation as being good for a players career, both in production and longevity. I have mixed feelings about its effectiveness in preparing the team for Sundays, but maybe there is an old coach on here who knows better what kind of effect it has….

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 4, 2008 5:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two schools of thought, and both are valid.

At the HS level I was all about injury prevention. Gettting kids hurt isn’t worth it.

At the pro level, there has to be a balance between prepping for the season versus losing players before the season even starts. I don’t claim to be wise enough to know where to draw the line.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Aug 5, 2008 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

"THATS JUST MIKE!"

Keep in mind that this is still training camp, and a really great way to motivate a player(or crush them{ if they don’t have the confidence that they need}), is to list them a notch below where “that player” thinks that “He should be!”

Well, if that player is not “motivated” by that, well, then we don’t need the cry baby that they will turn into. I could give you so many cases to the point, but you all have seen it too.

This list is a requirement and thats all. The coaching staff knows that all of the players are waiting to see who is who and what is what! So. What better time to make an in house statement!

“Buck up, and show your stuff!”

Letz git buzzzzy!!!

by metalman5050 on Aug 4, 2008 5:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs