Denver Broncos: Depth Chart Battles

Denver Broncos Depth Chart Battles

As always, training camp means position battles as both veterans and rookies pound it out for a spot on the active roster come the kick off of the regular season. In Denver, there has been much talk about the receivers and defensive end positions.

• Position Battle- Wide Receiver
Solidifying the second receiver position is a top priority. Nate Jackson, Quincy Morgan, David Kircus and Domenik Hixon are all playing well, but a lot hinges on the returns of Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley. If Marshall and Stokley do not get enough reps during camp and the preseason games, Shanahan will have an interesting decision as who to play at the two. Hixon has looked good but lacked consistency; he also hurt his shoulder that has him out of some practices. Rod Smith is trying to come back, but it looks 50/50 right now. Look for this battle to continue all preseason and to hinge on how Marshall plays coming back from his injury.
• Position Battle- Defensive End
The Broncos are now stacked at defensive end. Elvis Dumerville, John Engelberger, Ebenezer Ekuban and Kenard Lang are returning and the youngsters Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder are stepping onto the big stage for the first time. Thus far, the entire group has looked good, but Coach Shanahan will not take six or seven defensive ends on the active roster. Denver right now is leaning on the Dummerville/Edngelberger pairing and Ekuban/Crowder with Moss. Lang is on the outside looking in, but with Denver's emphasis on correcting their pass rush problems, look for the two veterans to get their shot at making the team. Moss has looked at full speed coming off his slight knee sprain and my Denver insider is telling me that he is looking really strong and ready for the first preseason game.