The Broncos are heading into training camp with most of their 2025 roster back in place, but a handful of jobs still need to be sorted out before the picture gets clear.
Veterans report on July 28, and the biggest questions are spread across both sides of the ball. Some are about outright starting spots. Others are about who settles where in the pecking order.
One of the most important battles comes on the defensive line, where Denver has to replace John Franklin-Myers. Malcolm Roach and Eyioma Uwazurike are the names most often tied to that opening, especially after Vance Joseph’s recent comments, but third-rounder Tyler Oneydim still has a real chance to push for it. Sai’vion Jones, another 2025 third-rounder, is also in the mix, though he profiles more as a situational pass rusher and has trouble against the run.
Roach and Uwazurike bring experience, but both come with questions about whether they can handle the spot outside. Their better fit is inside.
Oneydim has the traits to work there, but not the experience. No matter who ends up starting, Denver is expected to rotate the group to keep the defensive front fresh, and the answer could even change from week to week.
The cornerback battle opposite Patrick Surtain II is much more direct. Riley Moss has been holding that job, but Jahdae Barron is coming for it. Moss handled the role well, though penalties were a problem in 2025, and once those got cleaned up later in the season, his play dipped.
Barron didn’t play a ton as a rookie, but he showed flashes. He also had an uneven year overall, and the Broncos spent a season of his rookie deal at a premium position.
That makes this a huge summer for him. If Barron wins the job, a Moss trade could be on the table.
If he doesn’t, it’s a bad sign for a first-round pick.
Tight end could be another spot where camp gets messy. Denver didn’t do much to upgrade the position, and the team is banking on veterans bouncing back after a quiet 2025. That leaves a lot of names in the mix, but not much proven production behind them.
Adam Trautman and Evan Engram sit at the top of the group. Nate Adkins has a strong chance to stick as the only blocking option among the depth pieces.
After that, it’s a race among receiving tight ends for one spot, with rookie fifth-rounder Justin Joly currently looking like the front-runner. Caleb Lohner, Lucas Krull, and seventh-round rookie Dallen Bentley are also in the hunt.
At running back, Denver knows the top three names, but not the order behind J.K. Dobbins.
If he stays healthy, he’s the lead back. Jonah Coleman and RJ Harvey are next, though the question is which one is first off the bench.
Harvey has the best case to be the primary backup because of his receiving ability and the year he already has in the system. Coleman is a rookie, and Sean Payton usually doesn’t lean heavily on rookies right away.
Still, if Dobbins gets hurt again, Coleman would likely be the one to step into the lead role. Harvey looks more like the change-of-pace option.
The receiver room has its own sorting-out process. Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle are the top two, but the order behind them is unsettled.
Troy Franklin is the most natural fit for the third spot after serving as the No. 2 receiver last year. Pat Bryant has a path to jump into that role as well, with Franklin rotating in.
Marvin Mims Jr. is part of the discussion too, though he’s still viewed more as a returner and hasn’t consistently made enough noise on offense. Denver likely has him slotted for the No. 5 job, but Mims has been clear this offseason that he wants more.
He could earn it in camp. A trade could change the picture, too, though that would be foolish and seems unlikely.
For now, the Broncos are still waiting on camp to settle the depth chart. The competition will decide the rest.
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