The Denver Broncos have released their first depth chart. The highlights:
* Your first-team offensive linemen are Ty Sambralio at LT, Max Garcia at LG, Matt Paradis at C, Louis Vasquez at RG and Ryan Harris at RT. Only the preseason will tell if it stays that way.
* Andre Caldwell is still listed as a second-team WR and some of the young standouts at that position during training camp aren’t even listed as third-team guys.
* Joe Don Duncan is currently listed as a second-team fullback behind James Casey.
* Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson remain the first-team defensive ends.
* Marvin Austin, who impressed last year at defensive tackle, has fallen down the depth chart. He has missed some time because of injury, though.
* Omar Bolden is currently listed as a second-team free safety behind Darian Stewart. So there’s your cornerback who has moved to safety. Bradley Roby and Kayvon Webster are still listed as cornerbacks (second team, FWIW).
* Connor Barth is currently listed as the kicker and Brandon McManus as the kickoff specialist. Bear in mind, though, that the Broncos coaching staff doesn’t want two kickers on the final roster.
* Bolden leads the depth chart as both a punt and kick returner, and behind him as a punt returner is Solomon Patton. Patton is listed third as a kick returner behind Caldwell.
Remember, though, that the current depth chart isn’t necessarily how the final roster will take shape. Things could change during preseason games. A few points about the first depth chart released last year:
* Winston Justice was listed as a second-team left tackle. He failed to make the final cut and the Broncos went with the guy listed behind him, Paul Cornick.
* Kevin Vickerson was listed as a second-team defensive tackle. He was the most notable final cut the Broncos made, as they went with Mitch Unrein and Marvin Austin as depth players.
* Duke Ihenacho was listed as a second-team safety, but didn’t make the final cut.
So don’t be surprised if some of the players currently listed as second-team players don’t make the final cut, should any of the younger players stand out in preseason games.
