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Broncos release first depth chart of 2014

The Denver Broncos released their first depth chart of 2014, in advance of their 2014 preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Here it is in its entirety, as well as initial reactions and analysis.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
OFFENSE
POS FIRST SECOND THIRD OTHER
WR Demaryius Thomas Andre Caldwell Greg Wilson Bennie Fowler
LT Ryan Clady Winston Justice Paul Cornick
LG Orlando Franklin Ben Garland
C Manny Ramirez Will Montgomery Matt Paradis
RG Louis Vasquez Vinston Painter Ryan Miler
RT Chris Clark Michael Schofield
TE Julius Thomas Virgil Green Jacob Tamme Jameson Konz
Gerell Robinson
Cameron Morrah
WR Emmanuel Sanders Cody Latimer Nathan Palmer Greg Hardin
WR Wes Welker Jordan Norwood Isaiah Burse
QB Peyton Manning Brock Osweiler Zac Dysert Bryn Renner
RB Montee Ball Ronnie Hillman C.J. Anderson Juwan Thompson
Kapri Bibbs
Brennan Clay
Jerodis Williams
DEFENSE
POS FIRST SECOND THIRD OTHER
LDE Derek Wolfe Malik Jackson Will Pericak Greg Latta
DT Sylvester Williams Kevin Vickerson Mitch Unrein Cody Larsen
NT Terrance Knighton Marvin Austin Sione Fua
RDE DeMarcus Ware Quanterus Smith Kenny Anunike Hall Davis
Chase Vaughn
SLB Von Miller Lerentee McCray Shaquil Barrett Jerrell Harris
MLB Nate Irving Lamin Barrow Steven Johnson L.J. Fort
WLB Danny Trevathan Brandon Marshall Jamar Chaney Corey Nelson
LCB Aqib Talib Bradley Roby Tony Carter Louis Young
RCB Chris Harris Jr. Kayvon Webster Omar Bolden Jerome Murphy
Jordan Sullen
SS T.J. Ward Duke Ihenacho John Boyett
FS Rahim Moore Quinton Carter David Bruton Charles Mitchell
SPECIAL TEAMS
POS FIRST SECOND THIRD OTHER
K Matt Prater Mitch Ewald
P Britton Colquitt
LS Aaron Brewer
PR Wes Welker Jordan Norwood Isaiah Burse
KR Andre Caldwell Omar Bolden

Few surprises among starters. Last year, the initial depth chart was full of surprises. Ronnie Hillman was listead as the No. 1 RB; Duke Ihenacho and Julius Thomas were each buried on the depth chart, despite both clearly getting starter reps in camp. This year, there are no such surprises, with everyone you would think being a starter finding themselves in that spot.

Some surprises among backups. Linebacker Lamin Barrow ahead of Steven Johnson? Don't tell Big Pete... At safety, Quinton Carter ahead of David Bruton speaks to Carter's potential after two seasons on Injured Reserve... At tight end, Virgil Green is at #2 ahead of Jacob Tamme (not a huge surprise, but it could have gone either way). More surprising is Jameson Konz ahead of Gerell Robinson.... At two positions on the depth chart, Jordan Norwood is ahead of Isaiah Burse, both as a wide receiver and punt returner... Linebacker Corey Nelson is buried pretty deep for a draft pick...

John Elway, Broncos are drafting well. Just look at these starters. Derek Wolfe. Sylvester Williams. Montee Ball. Danny Trevathan.  Kayvon Webster (at nickelback). Members of the 2012 and 2013 draft classes will be huge contributors to Denver's 2014 campaign - as they should be.

Running back competition remains fierce. Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson are maintaining their edge, while Kapri Bibbs has usurped Brennan Clay in the dredge of the running back slots.

Isaiah Burse on the outside looking in. It's no surprise to see Burse listed effectively ninth on the wide receiver depth chart; it is surprising to see him listed third as Punt Returner. Right now Jordan Norwood is ahead of him. Our odds-on favorite undrafted rookie to make the team heading into camp has to do more to impress in preseason.

What's your take on the Broncos' first 2014 depth chart?