The team has just officially released the 2008 depth chart. Though things may change over the course of the next few weeks, it provides a glimpse of who will be taking the field on Sundays.
Of note, Ryan Harris starts at right tackle. Not too much of a surprise since he took most of the reps thus far in training camp.
Darrell Jackson holds the number two WR spot across from Brandon Marshall.
Cecil Sapp starts at fullback.
Marcus Thomas will now line up with the ones at defensive tackle.
Nate Webster has taken over the starting MLB spot.
Hamza Abdullah and Marlon McCree take on the starting strong and free safety roles, respectively.
Sam Paulescu and Matt Prater are tops for the punting and kicking duties.
Eddie Royal is the top return man on both punts and kickoffs.
Check out the entire depth chart here.
Let us know what y’all think about this!
– Adam Zinser, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Adam Zinser, Brandon Marshall, Cecil Sapp, Darrell Jackson, Depth Chart, Eddie Royal, Hamza Abdullah, Marcus Thomas, Matt Prater, Ryan Harris, Sam Paulescu, Training Camp, Uncategorized
Nico should be on the first team. Give me a break!
I think that Nate Webster is a really bad choice for the starting MLB position. This is the only problem I have with this depth chart, but this is a really big one…
How can the Broncos ever be any good with Rick Dennison being the offensive coordinator?….
Who cares who is the OC? Shanny calls the shots in the offense, no matter what they say or who is the OC…
I hope Niko gets that starting MLB spot before the regular season starts; otherwise what a waste of money. I would seriously have rather kept DJ at MLB and give someone like Woodyard a shot at the weakside than let Webster start in the middle.
Apart from that, i think everyone else is where they should be at the moment
Please God, not Webster at MIKE…
anyone notice samie parker isn’t even on the wr depth chart?
yeah I noticed that too……wonder if he will even make the team.
Shanny….please put Nico on the first team…..please take Webster out
As long as John Engleberger is on this team they have no shot to win the division. Ekuban should be number one or Crowder. Engleberger is horrible watch the guy on tape he doesn’t make plays and I don’t care about his injuries either.
GO BRONCOS!
have any of you seen Niko play this year during training camp. Probably not, so shut up and let the coaches make the decisions. If niko was so much better that he would be the starter, obiviously he is not as good as you guys think he is. I dont think webster is the answer for mlb but after seeing this i dont think Niko is either. Pray that we find a free agent soon or deal with it. Broncos should of taken a mlb hire in the draft and since they didnt we will pay the price. My buckeyes have a pretty good mlb coming out next year, shanny if your reading this take laurinitas.
Engleberger is the started I think because Ekuban has had some issues with his achilles at times. I agree. If Niko was doing such a good job he woud of been the starter. We really need to look at some players that will get cut in the upcoming weeks.
I agree with the previous 2 posts.. If Niko were better than Webster, he would be starting. Besides, this is the FIRST Depth Chart. It doesn’t mean anything until the season starts. We haven’t even played a preseason game, so anything is still up for grabs.
If Niko is better than Webster, then he better work his tail off to prove it. He still has a few weeks to prove he’s better and if he does, then he’ll be in the Middle in Week 1.
Yeah, what’s with Parker? He’s not even on the list.
This is just for the opener of pre-season.
Things will change before the season starts and it could be a way of motivating players or giving them a shot with the ones. Wait two weeks, then we will start to see our starters getting more solidified. Practice is one thing, playing is another.
Ok…;
1. Hillis will start ahead of Sapp!
2. Samie Parker needs to be in this mix
3. Sheffler has to be the MAN
4. Why couldnt Nate Jackson play WR?
5. Nate Webster our starting MLB…are you freakin serious?
I am sure the coaches know what they are doing and besides this is just a preliminary depth chart, we still have a bunch more cuts to make to get to 54 players I believe? anyway I am curious to see aldridge they said the kid was making serious plays out there but we didnt make the cut either so far and I have to believe that sammie Parker was better then some of the other recievers on the chart. Just my opinion
Wr Depth Final - D Jack; Marshall; Kolbert: Royal ; Stockley; and Martinez or Parker I think we will only keep 6
Rb Final - Young; Hall; Torain; Aldridge - Sapp; Hillis; Pittman
we keep 7 only because aldrige apears to be an explosive weapon.
Other thoughts?????????
I would like to see Barret move up a slot. Webster and Engleburger must go!!!!!!!!
Engleberger the starter is distrubing because i was hoping Crowder would be higher on the depth chart. I was looking fwd for a very young D line starting for this team…maybe things will change between now and opening day…Niko or Webster…i figure this also could bee used as a motivational tool for Niko to step it up. everything else looks fine for the most part.
I would like to see Barret move up a slot. Webster and Engleberger must go!!!!!!!!
I kinda wanted to see Niko out there too… but you know, Webster did win a superbowl. I am a little worried about his tackling however, Niko has proven he loves to tackle by being a stand out special teams player, and DJ was second in the league last year for tackles, but I’m pretty sure Webster has never made more than fifty in a season, so I am a little worried…
Im really glad to see Royal got both of the Punt and Kick return duties. I think he is going to have a great impact this year for special teams and possibly at receiver.
However, i dont see Andre Hall remaining our number 2 RB. With the talks going on and the hype of our rookie, it seems to me that Torain and possibly Pittman too will pass up Hall on our depth chart.
As far as all these talks about MLB. Doesn’t seem to me that either Niko or Webster should have this spot. I say we hit the free agency list and give some money to the most talented LB and out there. If we can do that, we are going to have one hell of a football team!
I’m curious about the omission of Alridge on the RB depth chart. I see that the WR’s go 5 and 6 deep. Maybe just a clerical error.
Watch out for Anthony Allridge #38 he is so fast, somehow they need to put him and Hillis into the mix.
Like what was said above, this is just a starting point. In his post practice press conference Coach Shanahan emphasized that things can and will change but you have to start somewhere.
we need niko in the middle! please!
I think Hillis should beat Sapp for the starting jobb at FB, but you can never know with Sapp, last year I wouldn’t have thought that he will beat Kyle for the job, but he did…
As for the HBs, I think Hall is in a tight spot, given that Pittman is also in the mix at HB and the 2 rookies are emerging, so he has to show a lot to prove he is worth a spot, even with this number 2 spot that he is in right now…
Harris at RT is a bit of a surprise for me, but a positive one, because I didn’t like the way Pears moved last year. This should be a solid OL this year, the only spot I think that can change is the RG, because Holland has a chance to get in, after he gets in shape, because he was pretty good last year.
I hope the ST can evolve this year, Royal and Prater are the keys I think. Royal has to improve the return game (there is a lot of room to improve after last year :P) and Prater has to show at least what Elam did last year, we need a good K…
I’m kinda disappointed in M. Pittman, I thought he would be the starter for sure.
Looks like Polumbus has impressed. I’m glad to see Royal moving up so fast. We’ll see about Webster…it makes me wonder why this didn’t happen last year if it works. GO BRONCOS!
Brandon Marshall will be suspended this week for a minimum of 2-3 games. i think Royal is going to show up big in those games and make a name for himself.
i like both Niko and Webster in the middle. Niko seems to be on the rise, but Webster is a total big hit FREAK. i cant wait to see what happens there.
The offensive line should be pretty good this year, as long as theres no injures this year, saying that last year the whole line got switched around because of guys getting hurt.
its also going to be interesting how the No. 2 HB position turns out, i dont know if Hall can keep it up, and i think eventually Young and Torain will each have 1,000 yards at the end of the season.
Why do we need Niko to start at MLB?
Do you guys honestly want a guy that has zero starts to be our starting MLB? All he has ever done is play special teams in Seattle, BIG DEAL.
Granted Webster isn’t much better but at least he’s playing something other than ST.
Chalk this one up to another big waste of money for a special teamer.
It’s quite obvious that Hillis’ injury has hampered his depth chart position. As for MLB: I’ve seen nothing out of Niko that suggests to me that he should be placed above Nate Webster. Other than that, I’m personally tired of seeing these big name players come into Denver and lay an egg, only to be released midway through the season.
Until they start paying me or anyone else for advice, I’ll leave my trust in the coaching staff. Making judgment calls based on Madden ‘09 stats or mere hearsay isn’t wise.
i wouldnt worry about the starting D lineman, you have to look at the top 8. The top 8 will be in the rotation and sometimes coaches will put one of the strong players on the second wave of D line just so there isnt a big dropp off when they come in. Kind of like a hockey line, with ekuban on the 2 deep he can help out with the young guys and not have to much pressure to be the man and allow his injury to heal to 100%. what we all need to be worrying about is what the broncos are going to do for the first 2 games without B Marshall. this kills us, the raiders have beefed up there defense and have a good running game. most people are saying dont worry about oakland but the game is at there place were missing our best wr and going up agianst a good defense and a good running game. dont forget we stunk last year at stopping the run. without marshall there is a good chance we go 0-2, just pray the reports that are out now are not true and he doesnt get suspended.
first off, webster was second on our team last year in tackles with 87. trust the coaches. nate or niko will start and do very well. i think pittman might get cut by season start, just because of all the young talent that we have. i also believe hillis will start at fb and sapp is in serious trouble of losing his spot on the team. and stop ragging on john engleberger, if everyone would work as hard as this guy we would win without question, the guys a friken work horse, he never quits and he plays through anything.
the NFL is going to more spread offenses and the traditional MLB position is gonna be a whole lot different, kinda like how the FB position has changed….so the player type is going to have to change with that, the 6′3″/250lb.-260lb MLB is going away, the MLB has to cover a TE, a slot receiver, a quick FB or RB now….smaller, quicker guys is whats key now. I’m sure of it, who ever gives us the best chance of competing will start, Shanny has proven he uses no favoritism in determining that….can you say John Lynch?
B. Marshall suspended 3 games, bummer!
waaaaaaaaaaaaaad!!!!!!!!……i agree with u all…I’d rather have Niko at MLB………Crowder should move up a slot or start….Barrett and Parker should also move up the roster…
who the crepes is Niko Koutovides? I’ve never heard his name before.
I am sure that all of you saw the same games last year that I did. Webster is ment to to be a mlb. Last year he played out of position, and still got 100 tackles(77 solo). More then Williams had at the same position. Now both players are in their natural positions, and they will both thrive. Last year Webster sometimes ran over Williams to get some tackles. Williams has more talent, but Webster has a nose for the ball. Niko will still be an asset to the team, and worth the little money Denver paid. Engelberger is the most consistent lineman, and as OHBRONCO said, the top 8 is what counts. Parker is gone, barring injuries, the competition is too fierce this year. They will keep 6 reciever’s and 6 rb’s. Pittman can do everything and he is a vet, I would be surprised if he didn’t stick. I can’t wait to see these guys play! GO BRONCOS.
I still think Webster needs to be in the 2 slot. But like was said before, this is just a preliminary depth chart for the preseason, I am sure they will let Niko and Nate battle it out in the preseason….thats the whole point!
Nate should be and will be the starter come Sept. 8 (barring some injury). The D-line should be much improved, with the new, simpler scheme. We need all 12 of those players, rotating and playing with all combinations of the D line. Concerning the RB position, Pittman will become an asset if he accepts his role of 5-7 looks a game and as a blocking back at times. Selvin will hold it down assuming they dont give him too many carries, he cant carry 20+. Torain, Hall, hillis and sapp will complete the list. Alridge will make the team and get his shot too. Hall should be the most concerned out of the bunch, this is unfortunate, he showed potential at game speed last year. But with a stable comes a ‘Burro.’ Sammy parker will make the team, however Jacobs, Mcdaniel, and Russel wont (practice squad). I am afraid however, that someone with great hands and a want to go over the middle, might be the odd man out. Glenn Martinez is SOLID! It will be interesting to see what Eddie Royal can do through those first 3(2) games with B Marsh out. Again, be happy we got a veteran guy with a nose for the ball, who loves to hit, is from the U. and has a proven he can play that position as starter at MLB! Nate Webster should be the MLB!!!! NIko will be sufficient while Nate takes a breather. On another note, GO TO WHATEVER CLASSES THEY SUGGEST ‘BRANDON MARSHALL,’ SHOW THE SQUAD AND COMMUNITY YOU ARE TRYING TO PUT YOUR ISSUES IN THE PAST AND MAKE THIS TEAM BETTER.
If anyone is quetioning what Webster can do go back and look at tape of our AFC championship year, Wilson played sparingly at the end but the run defense did not miss one step until Wilson came back full time for the game against the steelers so as much as i like the possibility of NIko being great the fact is that Nate has already proven he can do it in a cover two system hard to argue with that
my only problems are Webster at MLB. So if webster is the starter than why in the heck did we even sign kotouvides?? and engelberger starting??? put crowder or jarvis moss in!why did we even draft them then if we are not gonna start one of them. And why put micheal pittman as a fullback? remember what happend with mike bell?? another talent down the drain
also im a little confused about how everyone is saying alridge had a strong training camp and he is still like last on the depth chart. i thought he would at least beaten torain
also montrae holland has not even been in training camp yet,( losing weight) and how is he number 2 on the depth chart when he hasn’t been doing anything yet
I see Niko as the new Keith Burns. He will lead th ST
Parker is on the chart, he is near the end of the wr line that shows Djax as the #2 WR. I hope Moss steps it up and becomes the #1 guy at the Left DE spot. But I agree, it looks like parker wont make the cut.
Yeah, I trust Broncos coaches to assemble a depth chart a little more than I do Broncos fans who’ve “seen what this guy can do.” Its funny hearing how many people saying “I can’t believe Niko isn’t the starter, this needs to change” — like any of us have seen him play in the season before. Ask a Seahawks fan and I’m sure all you’ll get on him is “well, he backed up Lofa Tatupu…so obviously he’s not going to play a lot. But when he did play on special teams and clean up duty when the game was already won he tackled some people.” I’m assuming most people are excited about him because they’ve heard good things.
DJ Williams is not a MLB, so no he shouldn’t play the spot. He doesn’t like the spot, doesn’t want to play the spot, and wants to play his NATURAL position.
Nate Webster is a NATURAL MLB, and pretty decent at it — or at least the people who’ve been watching the competition day to day and watching hours of footage seem to think so. But, why would I trust the Broncos coaching staff when we have the fans here who’ve heard some things about Niko from some Seahawks fans or saw him practice one day?
webster is a good mlb you gotta give him some credit. Niko will see time he has never been a number one mlb so why make him out to be something he’s not?
and where is jarvis moss he needs to get into starting shape or be traded for a starter
yes dj williams is better at outside that is where he is comfortable i agree