Denver Broncos Projected 2011 Depth Chart

by troycdunn on May 1, 2011 4:01 PM MDT

This is the most difficult time of year for football fans but thankfully, we just had a very exciting draft weekend. Now, it's way too early to know who will actually be starting for our Denver Broncos but with the lockout back on and no real football news on the way, it's time to speculate.

I've included all of our recent draft picks, which isn't likely to happen, and four free agent pickups -- two of which I've heard others talking about.

First, if I was Kyle Orton, I wouldn't be happy with this draft. A new starting left tackle and two tight ends tells me one thing; Tim Tebow will be the starting QB. However, many teams carry three QB and if you've got a mobile one, that's a good idea. That's why I think one of the first free agent signings will be Tavaris Jackson of the Minnesota Vikings.

Jackson is a solid backup and like Tebow, likes to run around. If your Offense is built with the assumption that your QB may take off running at any time, having a backup with a similar skill set would be a wise move.

Second, it's well known that John Fox likes to run the ball and he likes to do it with two featured backs. This is the no-brainer free agent pick up, DeAngelo Williams from the Carolina Panthers.

Third, Denver needs a solid defensive tackle. With Ronald Fields, Marcus Thomas, and Justin Bannan out the door, someone's got to come in and plug the run. I think Denver has to bring back Bannan. I don't know how likely that is, but I've put him in the line up.

What I do think is likely, is that our new Defensive Coordinator, Dennis Allen, will bring over nose tackle free agent, Remi Ayodele from the New Orleans Saints, since the two have worked together. WalterFootball.com lists him with less talent than Bannan and only lists him as stopping the run "somewhat" well. Not high praise but with rotations from Bannan and support from our linebackers and defensive ends, he should be able to hold the line and let others make plays.

It's unfortunate that the Broncos couldn't find a solid defensive tackle in this draft, or any in the last decade really, but we'll just have to address that next year...or not.

Without further ado:

via broncosnews.com

via www.broncosnews.com

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Rather have Marcus Thomas resigned

I also would not be against resigning Bannon . It will be interesting once free agencygets under way .

by ultraclassic04 on May 1, 2011 4:44 PM MDT reply actions

I Could See That Also

Thomas is still young and has a lot to offer and I’m guessing that the front office wouldn’t have to pay as much for him as they would Bannan or Ayodele.

http://www.BroncosNews.com

by troycdunn on May 1, 2011 4:51 PM MDT up reply actions

It should be noted

Most teams don’t really focus on the RT as the blindside for lefty QB’s. Walsh said he’d treat the offensive line the same way if Steve Young was starting instead of Montana, and after Walsh left, that mentality continued when Young did start. Same applied for Vick with both the Falcons and the Eagles. Stabler, at least with the Raiders, also didn’t have any RT special focus. While some did play behind good to great RT’s, from my research, no team that had a lefty QB ever put the effort into drafting or getting a great RT that they would to get a LT.

Another misconception, the idea that a TE is a young QB’s best friend has been busted, so that should be taken into account as well.

Other then that, I like the depth chart, I think you have a few issues in terms of how Fox’s defense is run, but at this point, it’s still a bit fuzzy how Allen will play into it, but I think there will be more competition for those safety spots then people think by just giving them to the rookies. Good depth chart overall.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on May 1, 2011 4:47 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Thanks For the Feedback!

Walsh is a great source to quote on this and I wouldn’t make the suggestion that Ryan Clady switch sides or anything like that, but I do think it makes sense to have a good tackle covering your QB’s backside. And I think the Broncos agree with me.

When building this chart I checked out the 2010 Panthers Offensive and Defense charts, as well as, the Saints Defense. I’m sure a missed on several names here, but it a place to start.

Thanks again for the feedback.

http://www.BroncosNews.com

by troycdunn on May 1, 2011 4:59 PM MDT up reply actions

You might want to change Moreno's first initial to a K

I’d also have Quinn as second string, but I think I have more faith in him then most others. I have to say I like this roster though.

None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal

by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on May 1, 2011 4:56 PM MDT reply actions

Good Catch

Fixed. Thanks!

http://www.BroncosNews.com

by troycdunn on May 1, 2011 5:01 PM MDT up reply actions

I have zero faith in Quinn

He had one catch, ONE catch last year for 9 yards!
Two rookies TE can’t do much worst then him, and I heard that Thomas is a good not great blocker.

by Automatik41 on May 1, 2011 5:27 PM MDT up reply actions

My bad, I forgot there were more than 1 Quinn on the team

I was referring to Brady Quinn. I love the new tight ends we drafted.

But, if you feel the same way about BQ, I really couldn’t argue with someone who had zero confidence in him. It’s just a gut feeling that he’s much better than he’s shown so far during his time in the NFL. Luckily I have faith that our staff will put the QBs through the proper tests and the proper order will sort itself out.

None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal

by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on May 1, 2011 6:06 PM MDT up reply actions

Brady Quinn

I actually have more confidence in Brady then Orton, I doubt Brady would crap his pants in the 4th as much as Orton does.

by Automatik41 on May 1, 2011 6:14 PM MDT up reply actions

I just don't see.......

Orton beint traded this year. With the CBA being delayed for a while, the veteran is going to have the better preparation to deal with the newer schemes. I do understand that they will use a scheme similar to last year, but that is the entire point. I believe Fox and Co. (not the Faux and Company show) will be more inclined to go with the vet until sufficient evidence exists that Orton is second best.

TT mania is cute and al, and I am glad he sells shirts and undies. But the new regime needs to try and win first and train all the other players at the same time. So, I beg to differ regarding your ranking of the QB position…..

by Gulbrand on May 1, 2011 7:37 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

According to John Fox

Every player on the Broncos has the play book, Tebow’s already working out with Lloyd and Gaffney, and I get the feeling that the stay on the lockout isn’t going to stick the entire off season.

Also, if teams felt like now wasn’t a safe time to install a new QB, why was there a run on first round QB’s this draft? Tim’s got an entire year in the NFL under his belt now.

My wife is a big Orton fan and agrees with you that he gives the Broncos a better chance to win. I just don’t hold that opinion. I think Tebow can be a highly accurate passing QB in this league, as he was in college. He had three great starts in 2010. If you compare his rookie stats with the best QB’s ever, he did awesome. This guy is driven to be the best where ever he goes and he’s a winner.

Nothing cute about it.

http://www.BroncosNews.com

by troycdunn on May 1, 2011 8:04 PM MDT up reply actions

It's a start, I'm sure there will be adjustments through TC...

by bfree2bronc on May 1, 2011 9:09 PM MDT reply actions

you’re done with wesley woodyard, eh?

by tunesmith on May 2, 2011 1:42 AM MDT reply actions

As a minor, Vaughn must be our KR

With his speed he proved he can be deadly. TD deadly. He is not much of CB, so if he keeps his roster spot, it would be for ST and he is valuable as returned, not just as gunner.

by si_ice on May 2, 2011 8:53 AM MDT reply actions