Projected Depth Chart Entering Training Camp

[montrose]

Following yesterday's moves, gathered from various reports throughout OTA's:

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey, Darrell Hackney
HB: Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain, Anthony Alridge
FB: Cecil Sapp, Peyton Hillis
WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Glenn Martinez, Edell Shepherd, Lorne Sam
WR: Keary Colbert, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker, Marquay McDaniel, Clifford Russell
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Chad Mustard, Mike Leach, Brett Pierce
LT: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears, Tyler Polumbus
LG: Ben Hamilton, Dylan Gandy
C: Tom Nalen, Casey Wiegmann, Kory Lichtensteiger
RG: Montrae Holland, PJ Alexander, Mitch Erickson
RT: Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris

DE: John Engelberger, Tim Crowder, Larry Birdine, Paul Carrington
DE: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Ebenezer Ekuban, Nic Clemons
DT: Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas, Kenny Peterson
DT: Dewayne Robertson, Steven Harris, Josh Mallard, Carlton Powell
WLB: DJ Williams, Jamie Winborn, Wesley Woodyard
MLB: Niko Koutouvides, Nate Webster, Jordan Beck, Spencer Larsen
SLB: Boss Bailey, Louis Green, Manuel Padilla
CB: Champ Bailey, Karl Paymah, Christian Morton
CB: Dre' Bly, Domonique Foxworth, Jack Williams, Lamont Reid
FS: John Lynch, Marquand Manual, Roderick Rogers
SS: Hamza Abdullah, Marlon McCree, Josh Barrett

K: Matt Prater
P: Sam Paulescu, Brett Kern
KR: Eddie Royal, Andre Hall
PR: Eddie Royal, Glenn Martinez
DS: Mike Leach, Chris Kuper

[chrisp]

You've probably done more research that I have this offseason, but I would say I'm surprised where you have Ekuban - if he's healthy i would have thought he would be back at #1 over Engelberger.

I do agree that all of last year's DL rookies will start camp in the #2 spots though - they will be made to work for their starting spots but there's still a chance one or two of them will secure them by game one.......

[chrisp]

Oh, and its Keary and Dewayne, not Kerry and Dwayne:wiggle:

[theAPAOps5]

Switch Alvin McKinely with Marcus Thomas and I think you nailed it.

[BusMan]

My guess at a Pre Camp 53 man roster:

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey
RB: Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain, Andre Hall
FB: Cecil Sapp, Peyton Hillis
WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley, Keary Colbert, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Mike Leach (LS)
T: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears, Ryan Harris
G: Ben Hamilton, Montre Holland, Chris Kuper, Dylan Gandy
C: Tom Nalen, Casey Weigmann, Kory Lichtensteiger

DE: John Engelberger, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder
DT: Dewayne Robertson, Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas, Steven Harris
LB: Boss Bailey, Niko Koutouvides, D.J. Williams, Nate Webster, Jamie Winborn, Spencer Larsen
CB: Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Dominique Foxworth, Karl Paymah, Jack Williams
S: John Lynch, Hamza Abdullah, Marlon McCree, Marquand Manuel

K: Matt Prater
P: Sam Paulescu

[BusMan]

My guess at a Pre Camp 53 man roster:

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey
RB: Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain, Andre Hall
FB: Cecil Sapp, Peyton Hillis
WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley, Keary Colbert, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Mike Leach (LS)
T: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears, Ryan Harris
G: Ben Hamilton, Montre Holland, Chris Kuper, Dylan Gandy
C: Tom Nalen, Casey Weigmann, Kory Lichtensteiger

DE: John Engelberger, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder
DT: Dewayne Robertson, Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas, Steven Harris
LB: Boss Bailey, Niko Koutouvides, D.J. Williams, Nate Webster, Jamie Winborn, Spencer Larsen
CB: Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Dominique Foxworth, Karl Paymah, Jack Williams
S: John Lynch, Hamza Abdullah, Marlon McCree, Marquand Manuel

K: Matt Prater
P: Sam Paulescu

D'oh---I don't know what to do with Ekuban. Also, I'm not sure what to think about the practice squard--will they risk putting Kory L. and/or Larsen through waivers to get them there?

[orinjkrush]

man, what a witch's brew. only thing we need is eye of newt.

such a turnaround from 3 years (AFC title game) ago

[BusMan]

True---this is a very different looking Broncos team than a few years ago. The main compenents are strong though (Champ, Doom, Cutler, Marshall, and hopefully Clady).

[wolf754life]

kicking game looks outstanding!

[Houshyamama]

My guess at a Pre Camp 53 man roster:

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey
RB: Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain, Andre Hall
FB: Cecil Sapp, Peyton Hillis
WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley, Keary Colbert, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Mike Leach (LS)
T: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears, Ryan Harris
G: Ben Hamilton, Montre Holland, Chris Kuper, Dylan Gandy
C: Tom Nalen, Casey Weigmann, Kory Lichtensteiger

DE: John Engelberger, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder
DT: Dewayne Robertson, Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas, Steven Harris
LB: Boss Bailey, Niko Koutouvides, D.J. Williams, Nate Webster, Jamie Winborn, Spencer Larsen
CB: Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Dominique Foxworth, Karl Paymah, Jack Williams
S: John Lynch, Hamza Abdullah, Marlon McCree, Marquand Manuel

K: Matt Prater
P: Sam Paulescu

Josh Barrett?

[BusMan]

Josh Barrett?

We gonna keep five safeties on the active roster? Would he make it through waivers to the practice squad? Perhaps Parker doesn't make the team?

[GoHAM]

My guess at a Pre Camp 53 man roster:

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey
RB: Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain, Andre Hall
FB: Cecil Sapp, Peyton Hillis
WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley, Keary Colbert, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Mike Leach (LS)
T: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears, Ryan Harris
G: Ben Hamilton, Montre Holland, Chris Kuper, Dylan Gandy
C: Tom Nalen, Casey Weigmann, Kory Lichtensteiger

DE: John Engelberger, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder
DT: Dewayne Robertson, Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas, Steven Harris
LB: Boss Bailey, Niko Koutouvides, D.J. Williams, Nate Webster, Jamie Winborn, Spencer Larsen
CB: Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Dominique Foxworth, Karl Paymah, Jack Williams
S: John Lynch, Hamza Abdullah, Marlon McCree, Marquand Manuel

K: Matt Prater
P: Sam Paulescu

I like it except I would replace the Ekuban cut with a Samie Parker cut, and possibly replace Manuel w/ Barrett.

I can see Barrett, Aldridge and Larsen winding up on the P/S and possibly Lichtensteiger to the IR. IF Nails is looking good through TC.

[Bronco Jamus]

Ekuban will make the team and play DE and DT unless he just hasn't recovered from injury.

[Kid A]

Perhaps Parker doesn't make the team?

We can only hope.

[PaintballCLE]

I may be nuts, but i think we should start moss opposite Dumm.

[BroncoBuff]

Most interesting roster dynamic imo is the five/six solid O-Line backups battling for 3 positions, 4 at most:

Ryan Harris
Erik Pears
Dylan Gandy
Casey Weigmann
Kory Lichtensteiger (probably a lock)
Even P.J. Alexander is a decent, experienced backup

[BroncoBuff]

I'm not sure what to think about the practice squard--will they risk putting Kory L. and/or Larsen through waivers to get them there?
Kory no way, Jose ... he'd never make it through.

And while I understand many here are high on Larsen (some think he'll be starting hmmm...), I'm so so sure. My guess is we'll be able to zip him through to the PS easily. But of course that's just speculation.

[SoCalBronco]

SoCal's Projected Pre-Camp Depth Chart and Roster Thoughts

QB Cutler Ramsey Hackney
HB Young Pittman Torain Hall Alridge
FB Sapp Hillis
WR Marshall Stokley Martinez Sam
WR Colbert D. Jackson Royal Shepard
TE Scheffler Graham N. Jackson Mustard Leach
LT Clady Pears
LG Hamilton Gandy
OC Nalen Wiegmann Lichtensteiger
RG Holland Alexander
RT Kuper R. Harris

WDE Dumervil Moss
DT Robertson Peterson Powell
DT Thomas McKinley S. Harris
SDE Ekuban Crowder Engelberger
WLB DJ. Williams Winborn
MLB Koutouvides Webster Larsen
SLB B. Bailey Green (although thats not Louis's natural spot)
CB C. Bailey Foxworth
CB Bly Paymah JMF. Williams
FS Lynch McCree
SS Abdullah Manual Barrett

K Prater
P Anubis Paulescu Kern

1. There appear to be 33 jobs wrapped up on this team, leaving only 20 up for grabs.

2. Don't be surprised if only 5 WRs are kept, as the difference between No. 5 and Martinez, Sam, Shepard etc is enormous.

3. Lichtensteiger is the PERFECT candidate for the IR. Because of needs at other positions, and because we brought in experienced veteran backups on the interior line positions (Gandy, Wiegmann, bringing back PJ) it will be difficult for Cory to make it. I suspect we can keep 9 OL. Clady, Hamilton, Nalen, Holland, Kuper, Harris, Wiegmann, Gandy and Pears is already 9. I suspect Pears and PJ are battling for a spot, with the edge to Pears, who despite his crappy play is still the primary backup at LT for our rookie and is the ONLY guy on the roster who has actually played OT in an NFL game, or you can substitute Gandy out and PJ in, either way, its a problem for Lichtensteiger). There just is not room for Corey unless he TOTALLY rapes. Ofcourse, we cant take a chance on putting him on the PS, so he's going to feign an injury in the last game of the preseason ala Jeremy LeSueur, Greg Eslinger etc.

4. Don't be surprised if only 5 LBs are kept. Louie Green might be on the outs this year. I think Larsen is a candidate for IR or PS, preferably the former, although I hope he rapes because I'm not pleased with the two guys in front of him at his spot.

5. I'm not sure how his conviction will affect his status, but I expect Paymah to be a lock. I doubt he'll miss more than 2 games for a suspension and he's too important to cut, esp. since Fox will also be a UFA at the end of the year, as will he.

6. I'd be surprised if Anubis didn't beat out Paulescu and Kern.

7. You might have noticed that I put Scheffler ahead of Graham and thats cause I think that, barring more injuries, he'll get most of the snaps this year as our pass/run ratio should begin to tilt in favor of the former, given our QB and weapons at the position, which is good because I find Scheffler to be alot more valuable than Graham anyway, especially in light of our recent emphasis in the draft the last couple years on OL (Clady, Kuper, Harris, Lichtensteiger), which suggests that perhaps we are now realizing that it is not an efficient allocation of resources to devote huge sums of money for babysitters for the OL. The OL itself has to do the work.

8. The position battle that NO ONE has talked about is WDE. Dumervil vs. Moss, on the surface, a great mismatch but it is not so. Moss has MAD SKILLS and I mean, mad. He was a pure terror in camp last year and he has the frame to gain the weight and add the bulk necessary to also become proficient against the run, something that Doom, while a big time pass rusher, simply can't do, because of his frame. I suspect both will be on the field alot this year, but the problem in the future is that we're going to have two good weakside pass rushing ends and only one full time spot on the first two downs.

9. I suspect Sapp will be the official FB to start the season, but because of his versatility, Hillis will see just as many if not more snaps, esp as the year goes on.

10. If Robertson's knee is a problem, the whole DT group looks like a pile of dog sh*t......again. Hopefully Marcus can help us out this year and improve on his game, we'll need it. I hope to see Powell stuff the run as good as he did at VT. I really dont want to see Peterson and McKinley in there anymore...I really dont.

[Houshyamama]

We gonna keep five safeties on the active roster? Would he make it through waivers to the practice squad? Perhaps Parker doesn't make the team?

Just have a hunch that Barrett will make the team and contribute. Hope my hunch is good.

[Houshyamama]

8. The position battle that NO ONE has talked about is WDE. Dumervil vs. Moss, on the surface, a great mismatch but it is not so. Moss has MAD SKILLS and I mean, mad. He was a pure terror in camp last year and he has the frame to gain the weight and add the bulk necessary to also become proficient against the run, something that Doom, while a big time pass rusher, simply can't do, because of his frame. I suspect both will be on the field alot this year, but the problem in the future is that we're going to have two good weakside pass rushing ends and only one full time spot on the first two downs.

That's a problem we haven't had in....... well, ROFL!

what a great problem to have!

[TheChamp24]

I really hope the 2nd year guys progress, because if they don't, I'll be breaking TV's this fall then watching that putrid DL try to stop opposing offenses.

[maher_tyler]

Following yesterday's moves, gathered from various reports throughout OTA's:

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey, Darrell Hackney
HB: Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain, Anthony Alridge
FB: Cecil Sapp, Peyton Hillis
WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Glenn Martinez, Edell Shepherd, Lorne Sam
WR: Kerry Colbert, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker, Marquay McDaniel, Clifford Russell
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Chad Mustard, Mike Leach, Brett Pierce
LT: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears, Tyler Polumbus
LG: Ben Hamilton, Dylan Gandy
C: Tom Nalen, Casey Wiegmann, Kory Lichtensteiger
RG: Montrae Holland, PJ Alexander, Mitch Erickson
RT: Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris

DE: John Engelberger, Tim Crowder, Larry Birdine, Paul Carrington
DE: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Ebenezer Ekuban, Nic Clemons
DT: Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas, Kenny Peterson
DT: Dwayne Robertson, Steven Harris, Josh Mallard, Carlton Powell
WLB: DJ Williams, Jamie Winborn, Wesley Woodyard
MLB: Niko Koutouvides, Nate Webster, Jordan Beck, Spencer Larsen
SLB: Boss Bailey, Louis Green, Manuel Padilla
CB: Champ Bailey, Karl Paymah, Christian Morton
CB: Dre' Bly, Domonique Foxworth, Jack Williams, Lamont Reid
FS: John Lynch, Marquand Manual, Roderick Rogers
SS: Hamza Abdullah, Marlon McCree, Josh Barrett

K: Matt Prater
P: Sam Paulescu, Brett Kern
KR: Eddie Royal, Andre Hall
PR: Eddie Royal, Glenn Martinez
DS: Mike Leach, Chris Kuper

I really pray someone can beat out Engelberger for the starting DE position or i'm gonna be very disappointed and nothing against Hall but i don't think he'll end up being the #2..more like the #3 behind Torain..also would like to see Hillis take over at FB.

[montrose]

You've probably done more research that I have this offseason, but I would say I'm surprised where you have Ekuban - if he's healthy i would have thought he would be back at #1 over Engelberger.

I do agree that all of last year's DL rookies will start camp in the #2 spots though - they will be made to work for their starting spots but there's still a chance one or two of them will secure them by game one.......

It was reported, by the RMN I believe, that Dumervil, Engelberger, McKinley and Robertson were working with the 1st team while Moss, Crowder, Harris and Thomas were working with the 2nd. Eb's coming off a major injury, so their not going to rush him back onto the 1st team of football's most rotational unit.

Oh, and its Keary and Dewayne, not Kerry and Dwayne:wiggle:

Fixed, thanks for catching that.

Switch Alvin McKinely with Marcus Thomas and I think you nailed it.

See above. Again, DL is the most pointless position to worry about starters and backups as they rotate in-and-out so much. That's why it drives me crazy that we're wasting Dumervil by having him expend energy on running downs despite the fact he is - by far - our worst DE against the run. Ekuban, Crowder and Engelberger should be the DE's on running downs with Moss and Dumervil in passing situations - put players in the best position to succeed.

[Earendil]

So Kupes will be at RT? Interesting, I still like Pears for that spot, but that's because I wanted Kuper where Holland is, but if he's starting I'm sure his dad will be thrilled, whatever the position. It does seem weird that Pears, a natural RT who's played most of his amateur and pro career there, is backing up LT but not in the depth chart for RT. I hope that doesn't reflect concerns about our #1 pick.

Good to see Cecil Sapp coming into his own; hope he's up to the start.

It does appear all those folks I kept insisting were wrong about us needing WRs were, in fact, right though. Mea culpa, but on the other hand, if Stokley's still no better than our #3 maybe we aren't in bad shape.

Also hope Crowder is starting over Engelberger by the regular season; Engelberger's a fine journeyman I've been glad to have for depth on several occasions (when Ekkie went down he was one of the few proven run stoppers we still had at end) but I'm hoping for big things from Crowder in the passing and running D.

If he's 100% I kinda expect to see Ekuban start our first defensive series, unless Doom has become as big a demon against the run as he is against the pass.

Good as well Abdullah seems to be vindicating Lynchs praise of him the past few years

And no getting rid of Chad Mustard; that guy belongs in the Ring of Fame for pure tenacity.

A lot depends on health, and I know the whole thing's as unstable as a uranium souffle until after TC, but no huge complaints or surprises.

[Kaylore]

Earendil, this isn't official. It's just Montrose guessing.

One thing people need to remember is that rookies usually start at the bottom of the depth chart. Clady is an exception in this case (how crazy is that? He'll be the first rookie starter on the O-line in maybe 15+ years!) but even Cutler was behind the immaculate BVP when he was drafted. The real depth chart to watch is the one after the first week. Some of that is just head games from the staff, but that's when you start to see who the staff likes.

[TheReverend]

Earendil, this isn't official. It's just Montrose guessing.

One thing people need to remember is that rookies usually start at the bottom of the depth chart. Clady is an exception in this case (how crazy is that? He'll be the first rookie starter on the O-line in maybe 15+ years!) but even Cutler was behind the immaculate BVP when he was drafted. The real depth chart to watch is the one after the first week. Some of that is just head games from the staff, but that's when you start to see who the staff likes.

Didn't Nalen start his rookie year?

That's a question not a statement, hoping someone can confirm/debunk as I'm too lazy to look it up.

[dbfan21]

This is my shot at the 53-man roster...not necessarily a depth chart.

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey

HB: Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain

FB: Peyton Hillis

WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Glenn Martinez,

WR: Kerry Colbert, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker

TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Mike Leach

LT: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears

LG: Ben Hamilton

C: Tom Nalen, Kory Lichtensteiger

RG: Montrae Holland

RT: Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris

DEFENSE

DE: John Engelberger, Tim Crowder

DE: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Ebenezer Ekuban

DT: Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas

DT: Dwayne Robertson, Steven Harris, Carlton Powell

WLB: DJ Williams, Jamie Winborn

MLB: Niko Koutouvides, Nate Webster, Spencer Larsen

SLB: Boss Bailey, Louis Green

CB: Champ Bailey, Karl Paymah

CB: Dre' Bly, Domonique Foxworth, Jack Williams

FS: John Lynch, Marquand Manual

SS: Marlon McCree, Josh Barrett


K: Matt Prater

P: Sam Paulescu

KR: Eddie Royal, Andre Hall

PR: Eddie Royal, Glenn Martinez

DS: Mike Leach, Chris Kuper


** Practice Squad designations

Anthony Alridge
Lorne Sam
Wesley Woodyard
Roderick Rogers
Brett Kern

My surprise cuts will be Weigmann and Abdullah.

Go ahead - flame away!

[BusMan]

This is my shot at the 53-man roster...not necessarily a depth chart.

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey

HB: Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain

FB: Peyton Hillis

WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Glenn Martinez,

WR: Kerry Colbert, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker

TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Mike Leach

LT: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears

LG: Ben Hamilton

C: Tom Nalen, Kory Lichtensteiger

RG: Montrae Holland

RT: Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris

DEFENSE

DE: John Engelberger, Tim Crowder

DE: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Ebenezer Ekuban

DT: Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas

DT: Dwayne Robertson, Steven Harris, Carlton Powell

WLB: DJ Williams, Jamie Winborn

MLB: Niko Koutouvides, Nate Webster, Spencer Larsen

SLB: Boss Bailey, Louis Green

CB: Champ Bailey, Karl Paymah

CB: Dre' Bly, Domonique Foxworth, Jack Williams

FS: John Lynch, Marquand Manual

SS: Marlon McCree, Josh Barrett


K: Matt Prater

P: Sam Paulescu

KR: Eddie Royal, Andre Hall

PR: Eddie Royal, Glenn Martinez

DS: Mike Leach, Chris Kuper


** Practice Squad designations

Anthony Alridge
Lorne Sam
Wesley Woodyard
Roderick Rogers
Brett Kern

My surprise cuts will be Weigmann and Abdullah.

Go ahead - flame away!

I just can't see us keeping seven WRs on the active roster.

[montrose]

Great analysis from SoCal, thought I'd throw in my two cents:

2. Don't be surprised if only 5 WRs are kept, as the difference between No. 5 and Martinez, Sam, Shepard etc is enormous.

I agree. Looking at the #6 candidates, I suppose it comes down to Martinez or Parker and while Martinez's experience and return ability will help him - there's no reason the Broncos cant keep another scrub WR on the PS and call him up if there are injuries. Man has our WR corps improved from last year although it still chaps me we just gave up on my man Hix.

3. Lichtensteiger is the PERFECT candidate for the IR. Because of needs at other positions, and because we brought in experienced veteran backups on the interior line positions (Gandy, Wiegmann, bringing back PJ) it will be difficult for Cory to make it. I suspect we can keep 9 OL. Clady, Hamilton, Nalen, Holland, Kuper, Harris, Wiegmann, Gandy and Pears is already 9. I suspect Pears and PJ are battling for a spot, with the edge to Pears, who despite his crappy play is still the primary backup at LT for our rookie and is the ONLY guy on the roster who has actually played OT in an NFL game, or you can substitute Gandy out and PJ in, either way, its a problem for Lichtensteiger). There just is not room for Corey unless he TOTALLY rapes. Ofcourse, we cant take a chance on putting him on the PS, so he's going to feign an injury in the last game of the preseason ala Jeremy LeSueur, Greg Eslinger etc.

Couldn't agree more, I think we're going into camp with more OL depth than we've had in some time. If Gandy plays well enough to merit a roster spot - there's going to be some tough decisions to make. The battle gets even more interesting considering the versatility of the guys (Kuper can play G or T; Wiegmann, Lichtensteiger and Hamilton can play C or G). I can't remember the last time Shanny kept 10 OL, it's tough because those guys can't contribute on ST. Sneaking Lichtensteiger onto IR is an option, although he won't be allowed to practice - unless you're the New England Patriots who simply ignore this rule (among others).

4. Don't be surprised if only 5 LBs are kept. Louie Green might be on the outs this year. I think Larsen is a candidate for IR or PS, preferably the former, although I hope he rapes because I'm not pleased with the two guys in front of him at his spot.

This is funny as I've been recently thinking quite the opposite. Lets just assume DJ, Niko and Boss are our starters. Our backup LB's have always been counted on to contribute on special teams in a big way. Winborn and Green have both done very well in this area while Beck was arguably our best special teamer after being signed last season. Larsen seems to have some potential and his versatility to play FB increases his shot of making the roster. Then we have Webster who's never been much of a special teamer but the coaching staff seems to really like and has starting experience at both MLB and SLB. It'll be interesting to see which way Shanny goes as I could see him keeping only 6, but remember - he LOVES LB's. So could actually see him keeping as many as 8, especially if he cuts back at RB, WR and DB.

6. I'd be surprised if Anubis didn't beat out Paulescu and Kern.

We'd cut Champ and B-Marsh before Anubis.

8. The position battle that NO ONE has talked about is WDE. Dumervil vs. Moss, on the surface, a great mismatch but it is not so. Moss has MAD SKILLS and I mean, mad. He was a pure terror in camp last year and he has the frame to gain the weight and add the bulk necessary to also become proficient against the run, something that Doom, while a big time pass rusher, simply can't do, because of his frame. I suspect both will be on the field alot this year, but the problem in the future is that we're going to have two good weakside pass rushing ends and only one full time spot on the first two downs.

You really think the coaches are going to be smart enough to use Dumervil on 3rd Down's opposed to starting? I'd actually prefer to use some combo of Engelberger, Ekuban and Crowder on 1st downs with Doom and Moss on passing downs - but I have hard time believing that'll happen.

9. I suspect Sapp will be the official FB to start the season, but because of his versatility, Hillis will see just as many if not more snaps, esp as the year goes on.

I can see this, a lot will depend on which HB's make the roster. My guess is that Pittman will be cut and Torain will spend the early part of the season inactive - meaning Sapp will be the team's power back.

10. If Robertson's knee is a problem, the whole DT group looks like a pile of dog sh*t......again. Hopefully Marcus can help us out this year and improve on his game, we'll need it. I hope to see Powell stuff the run as good as he did at VT. I really dont want to see Peterson and McKinley in there anymore...I really dont.

The group certainly lacks flair, I suppose it meets the minimum but I wish the group could express themselves better with more flair - as a fan I encourage that (lets see who can remember what that's from...). I actually don't mind McKinley so long as he's a the bottom-of-the-chart rotational DT. Unfortunately, he'll probably be starting and logging major PT.

For kicks, here's my 53-man guess:

1) Cutler
2) Ramsey
3) Young
4) Hall
5) Torain
6) Sapp
7) Hillis
8) Marshall
9) Colbert
10) Stokley
11) D. Jackson
12) Royal
13) Graham
14) Scheffler
15) N. Jackson
16) Leach
17) Clady
18) Hamilton
19) Nalen
20) Holland
21) Kuper
22) Pears
23) Gandy
24) Wiegmann
25) Lichtensteiger
26) Harris
27) Dumervil
28) Engelberger
29) Moss
30) Crowder
31) Ekuban
32) Robertson
33) McKinley
34) Thomas
35) Powell
36) D. Williams
37) Koutouvides
38) B. Bailey
39) Winborn
40) Webster
41) Green
42) Larsen
43) C. Bailey
44) Bly
45) Foxworth
46) Paymah
47) J. Williams
48) Lynch
49) Abdullah
50) McCree
51) Barrett
52) Prater
53) Kern

[Kaylore]

Didn't Nalen start his rookie year?

That's a question not a statement, hoping someone can confirm/debunk as I'm too lazy to look it up.

No, not even the mighty Tom Nalen started his rookie year.

[maher_tyler]

I just can't see us keeping seven WRs on the active roster.

Thats what i was thinking...i doubt parker and martinez will make the team..Weigman wont get cut, hes insurance incase nalen goes down again!

[montrose]

Weigman wont get cut, hes insurance incase nalen goes down again!

Considering we drafted a C/G in Lichtensteiger, have another in Hamilton and OL is a tough position to keep in stock as they don't play ST's - I could see the veterans' Weigmann and Gandy competing for one job.

[socalorado]

This is my shot at the 53-man roster...not necessarily a depth chart.

QB: Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey

HB: Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain

FB: Peyton Hillis

WR: Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Glenn Martinez,

WR: Kerry Colbert, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal, Samie Parker

TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson, Mike Leach

LT: Ryan Clady, Erik Pears

LG: Ben Hamilton

C: Tom Nalen, Kory Lichtensteiger

RG: Montrae Holland

RT: Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris

DEFENSE

DE: John Engelberger, Tim Crowder

DE: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Ebenezer Ekuban

DT: Alvin McKinley, Marcus Thomas

DT: Dwayne Robertson, Steven Harris, Carlton Powell

WLB: DJ Williams, Jamie Winborn

MLB: Niko Koutouvides, Nate Webster, Spencer Larsen

SLB: Boss Bailey, Louis Green

CB: Champ Bailey, Karl Paymah

CB: Dre' Bly, Domonique Foxworth, Jack Williams

FS: John Lynch, Marquand Manual

SS: Marlon McCree, Josh Barrett


K: Matt Prater

P: Sam Paulescu

KR: Eddie Royal, Andre Hall

PR: Eddie Royal, Glenn Martinez

DS: Mike Leach, Chris Kuper


** Practice Squad designations

Anthony Alridge
Lorne Sam
Wesley Woodyard
Roderick Rogers
Brett Kern

My surprise cuts will be Weigmann and Abdullah.

Go ahead - flame away!

You nailed it. Except fot the WR's. I think there would be one more casualty there maybe. I dunno. Thats a weird position this year. (Maybe Woodyard makes the squad then)
As for safety, i think it will be McCree at FS, which he played at SD, and Lynch is simply moved to SS.
FS McCree, Manuel
SS Lynch, Barrett
Lynch is just too much of a coverage liability, but he is excellent against the run, And when (not if) he gets injured, Manuel or Barrett can come in and help at the spot.

[Beantown Bronco]

I may be nuts, but i think we should start moss opposite Dumm.

Is your name Jim Bates?

[worm]

The group certainly lacks flair, I suppose it meets the minimum but I wish the group could express themselves better with more flair - as a fan I encourage that (lets see who can remember what that's from...)

I agree.

I would like to see the starting DL collectively have 15 pieces of flair a game in 2008. The flair could be sacks, hurries, tackles for loss, holding the POA...etc

If that happens. This entire D will be better than average.

[bowtown]

There just is not room for Corey unless he TOTALLY rapes.

I think Larsen is a candidate for IR or PS, preferably the former, although I hope he rapes because I'm not pleased with the two guys in front of him at his spot.

SoCal likes rapists.

[BusMan]

So are folks really down on Hamza? I know he was quite the whiffer on tackle last year, but the coaching staff still likes him right? That's two 53 mans I've seen with Hamza cut---is that a legitimate possibility right now?

[bowtown]

So Kupes will be at RT? Interesting, I still like Pears for that spot, but that's because I wanted Kuper where Holland is, but if he's starting I'm sure his dad will be thrilled, whatever the position. It does seem weird that Pears, a natural RT who's played most of his amateur and pro career there, is backing up LT but not in the depth chart for RT. I hope that doesn't reflect concerns about our #1 pick.


Why would you like Pears for a spot that he was absolutely terrible at last year and want Kuper to take the place of the best lineman we had last year?

[Beantown Bronco]

I agree.

I would like to see the starting DL collectively have 15 pieces of flair a game in 2008. The flair could be sacks, hurries, tackles for loss, holding the POA...etc

If that happens. This entire D will be better than average.

Doesn't it bother you that you have to get up in the morning and you have to put on a bunch of pieces of flair?

Yeah, but I'm not about to go in and start taking money from the register.

Well, maybe you should. You know, the Nazis had pieces of flair that they made the Jews wear.

[dbfan21]

So are folks really down on Hamza? I know he was quite the whiffer on tackle last year, but the coaching staff still likes him right? That's two 53 mans I've seen with Hamza cut---is that a legitimate possibility right now?

It's not that I am totally down on Hamza. The FO always has a surprise cut right before the end of TC. I can see him getting cut b/c he drew virtually no interest while a RFA this offseason, he is in a contract year and, finally, his play isn't all that stellar. I could see Barrett (an Atwater-type) making the roster and contributing on ST's at first, then becoming the heir apparent to Lynch.

It's just a hunch. If I'm wrong, I will run and hide. If I'm right, I will jump up and down and say, "I told ya so!". ;D

P.S. Let me go on the record by saying I am not a huge fan of Marquand Manuel. This guy sucked in Green Bay and is vastly overrated. But with Slowick being a former coach of Manuel in GB, I can see him getting the nod over Abdullah. I hope I am wrong. I'd rather keep Abdullah and kick Manuel to the curb.

[Bronco Jamus]

SoCal likes rapists.

Yeah. I don't like reading that type of language either.

[BusMan]

Looking back to our 2007 opening day roster:

2 QB
4 RB
2 FB
5 WR
5 TE
4 T
4 G
1 C
5 DE
5 DT
5 LB
5 CB
4 S
1 K
1 P

[bowtown]

Yeah. I don't like reading that type of language either.

I don't mind reading it, but I'm confused becasue I thought this year's rookie crop were supposed to be high character guys. SoCal is really pulling for them all to go out and start raping all over the place though. I think that's frowned upon by the league. As long as they are winning games though I guess...

;)

[BusMan]

A big part of fleshing out the back end of the roster is determining who will play special teams. Usually this is a combination of rookies, LB/S/CB/RB/TE and sometimes WR. This leads me to believe that unless Pittman can secure at least the #2 RB spot, he'll either have to start playing special teams or risk getting cut.

[BusMan]

2007 special teams contributors:

Hixon
Martinez
Paul Smith
Shoate
Mike Bell
Cox
Green
D.D. Lewis
Mustard
Nate Jackson
Mike Leach
Andre Hall
Brian Clark

[socalorado]

So are folks really down on Hamza? I know he was quite the whiffer on tackle last year, but the coaching staff still likes him right? That's two 53 mans I've seen with Hamza cut---is that a legitimate possibility right now?

Den was so impressed with him that they went out and signed 2 guys in FA, then drafted a safety, and picked up another UDFA in Woodyard that could also play safety.
I dont think we here are really down on him. Just the simple fact that the FO seems to be making moves that appear to say THEY are down on him.

[theAPAOps5]

I think if you just re-watch the games from last year you can see why Hamza is not the answer. It was embarrassing sometimes watching him swing and miss. I think he must have bought Ian Golds guide to missing the big hit.

[BroncoBuff]

2. Don't be surprised if only 5 WRs are kept, as the difference between No. 5 and Martinez, Sam, Shepard etc is enormous.
That makes sense about 5 WRs, but I think the difference between Martinez ... and Shepard, Sam etc is even more. I think Samie Parker and Martinez are roughly on the same level - battling for #6.


3. Lichtensteiger is the PERFECT candidate for the IR. Because of needs at other positions ... it will be difficult for Cory to make it. I suspect we can keep 9 OL.
Kory would never make it through waivers, and he might be too green to crack the soild depth we have, so you're right - IR is a great place for him - he does have that lingering shoulder issue.

Nine O-Line makes sense, we're kinda loaded there (at least depth-wise). I wish Weigmann or Kory or Gandy could long-snap, though. That'd be one more roster spot if they could.

PJ Alexander is a solid NFL backup guard, but right now he's the #11 O-lineman on the roster, Gandy is head and shoulders ahead of him I think. Maybe if Hamilton's health is good, they slot him as backup C, and that makes the older Weigmann disposable ... he turned 34 yesterday.


Pears ... is the ONLY guy on the roster who has actually played OT in an NFL game.
Wow ... you're right. That is an eye-popping fact.


4. Don't be surprised if only 5 LBs are kept. Louie Green might be on the outs this year. I think Larsen is a candidate for IR or PS, preferably the former, although I hope he rapes because I'm not pleased with the two guys in front of him at his spot.
Interesting ... Winborn and Webster would be a very versatile backup pair, Webster - Sam/Mike, Winborn - Will/Mike, plus DJ - all three in a pinch. So that could work, but remember Louis Green is one of the top headhunters, so they'd have to replace him there.


I'm not sure how his conviction will affect his status, but I expect Paymah to be a lock. I doubt he'll miss more than 2 games for a suspension and he's too important to cut, esp. since Fox will also be a UFA at the end of the year, as will he.
Yeah, I think Paymah is a lock, a fine cover-corner, and no longer a flag-magnet. Foxworth gets a lot more attention, but I'll bet Paymah gets a bigger UFA offer. I hope we re-sign him, but I'm not optimistic.


6. I'd be surprised if Anubis didn't beat out Paulescu and Kern.
I spoke with Anubis, and he admits his conditioning is in the toilet. He's got a lotta work to do in four days if he wants to show up in shape.


8. The position battle that NO ONE has talked about is WDE. Dumervil vs. Moss, on the surface, a great mismatch but it is not so. Moss has MAD SKILLS and I mean, mad. He was a pure terror in camp last year and he has the frame to gain the weight and add the bulk necessary to also become proficient against the run, something that Doom, while a big time pass rusher, simply can't do, because of his frame. I suspect both will be on the field alot this year, but the problem in the future is that we're going to have two good weakside pass rushing ends and only one full time spot on the first two downs.
I'm bullish on Moss too ... but no way Dumervil ever sits on passing downs, not a chance imo. Why not Moss behind Engleberger, at least on passing downs to start, maybe more later? Is the weak/strong DE differentiaion that important?

You didn't mention Ekuban, but if his frustration with the achilles rehab, and the experiences of Stokley with the same injury are any guide, he won't be 100% until mid-season. The bright side is he can play some DT (which we'll need), and with his age and the achilles, he CAN make it through waivers to come off IR later.


I suspect Sapp will be the official FB to start the season, but because of his versatility, Hillis will see just as many if not more snaps, esp as the year goes on.
You and Drek both? Well I can't see it: 1) this Shanahan "WCO on Steroids" offense is extremely complicated for a rookie FB/HB. RB is one thing, it's much simpler, but FB/HB has far more varied reads and responsibilities; 2) Sapp is a much better blocker; 3) the FB is not on the field that much and often doesn't even start games b/c of 2-TE and now hopefully 3-WR sets (which is true despite your transparent anti-Daniel Graham agenda ;D). So the reality is that more snaps for Sapp/Hillis means less snaps for Scheffler/Graham and Stokley/Royal. Plus, the kinds of downs where 2-back sets are used, running downs, are better suited to Sapp's blocking ... so I don't see where Hillis fits in a big way, right away, even if he shuts his mouth and works hard.


10. If Robertson's knee is a problem, the whole DT group looks like a pile of dog sh*t......again.
And if Robertson's okay, the DT group is a pile of ... what? ???

[BroncoInferno]

Yeah. I don't like reading that type of language either.

Actually, "rape" does have applicable meaning in SoCal's context outside of the use you're referring to:

rape–noun
1. the unlawful compelling of a woman through physical force or duress to have sexual intercourse.
2. any act of sexual intercourse that is forced upon a person.
3. statutory rape.
4. an act of plunder, violent seizure, or abuse; despoliation; violation: the rape of the countryside.
5. Archaic. the act of seizing and carrying off by force.
–verb (used with object) 6. to force to have sexual intercourse.
7. to plunder (a place); despoil.
8. to seize, take, or carry off by force.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rape

[PRBronco]

Too lazy to put together an entire roster prediction, but my surprise cuts predictions are:
DJack
Marquand Manuel or Marlon McCree
Nate Webster
Part of me wants to say Michael Pittman too, I dunno...
Also, I predict that if Pittman, DJack or McCree are cut, they will publicly lambaste the broncos a la Simeon Rice.

...and Webster's helmet will fall off.

*edit* Surprise non cut: Alvin McKinley

[Earendil]

Earendil, this isn't official. It's just Montrose guessing.

One thing people need to remember is that rookies usually start at the bottom of the depth chart. Clady is an exception in this case (how crazy is that? He'll be the first rookie starter on the O-line in maybe 15+ years!) but even Cutler was behind the immaculate BVP when he was drafted. The real depth chart to watch is the one after the first week. Some of that is just head games from the staff, but that's when you start to see who the staff likes.
Logical and reasonable, though it seems more like an educated guess. At least I hope so. :P