As the Denver Broncos prepare for the 2023 NFL draft, the team currently has 18 open spots on their 90-man offseason roster (view the players currently on the roster).
The Broncos are going into the draft with five picks, and they might add more picks through trades. After the trade, Denver will fill its 90-man offseason roster by signing undrafted free agents.
As the NFL draft draws closer, we will be reviewing the team’s projected depth charts on special teams, defense and offense before any rookies are added to the roster.
Today, we’re taking a look at the defense, and there are a few changes since the last update.
Defensive line
| DE | NT | DE |
| Zach Allen | D.J. Jones | Jonathan Harris |
| Matt Henningsen | Mike Purcell | Eyioma Uwazurike |
| Elijah Garcia | Jordan Jackson | |
After losing DeShawn Williams in free agency, the Broncos have a big hole at defensive end. Denver will hope that Henningsen and/or Uwazurike will take big steps forward in their second seasons, but the Broncos would be wise to add a starting-caliber defensive lineman in the draft.
Outside linebacker
| OLB1 | OLB2 | Rotation |
| Randy Gregory | Baron Browning | Jake Martin |
| Nik Bonitto | Jonathon Cooper | Aaron Patrick |
| Christopher Allen |
If everyone stays healthy, the top of Denver’s pass rush depth chart looks solid. Unfortunately, Gregory and Browning have battled various injuries. The Broncos will hope Bonitto can step up this year after his underwhelming rookie campaign in 2022.
Inside linebacker
| ILB1 | ILB2 | Depth |
| Josey Jewell | Alex Singleton | Justin Strnad |
| Jonas Griffith | Jonas Griffith | Ray Wilborn |
Jewell and Singleton are quality inside linebackers and Griffith is capable of filling in at either spot, but the Broncos need better overall depth at the position. In addition to the possibility of drafting a linebacker, Denver will likely sign multiple undrafted free agent linebackers.
Cornerback
| CB1 | Slot | CB2 | Depth |
| Pat Surtain | K’Waun Williams | Damarri Mathis | Delonte Hood |
| Tremon Smith | Essang Bassey | Ja’Quan McMillian | Faion Hicks |
| Devon Key |
Similar to outside linebacker, the top of the team’s cornerback depth chart looks good, but the team needs more depth. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Broncos use one of their top picks in the draft on a cornerback.
Safety
| FS | SS |
| Justin Simmons | Caden Sterns |
| P.J. Locke | Delarrin Turner-Yell |
Unless they plan to re-sign Kareem Jackson after the draft, Denver needs to add more depth at safety. Sterns is a starting-caliber defensive back, but he has struggled to stay healthy. The Broncos need a capable backup who can compete for playing time this summer.
Projected starting defense
OLB: Randy Gregory
DL: Zach Allen
DL: D.J. Jones
OLB: Baron Browning
ILB: Josey Jewell
ILB: Alex Singleton
CB: Pat Surtain
Slot: K’Waun Williams
CB: Damarri Mathis
FS: Justin Simmons
SS: Caden Sterns
This projected lineup is subject to change pending the results of the NFL draft, which will take place from April 27-29. Vance Joseph will serve as the team’s defensive coordinator this fall.
