The Denver Broncos have an extremely crowded wide receiver depth chart going into the second week of NFL preseason.
Courtland Sutton is coming off a 10-touchdown season and he is the team’s No. 1 receiver. Marvin Mims is one of the best returners in the NFL. Josh Reynolds just signed with the team during free agency this spring. Denver just used a fourth-round pick to draft Troy Franklin in April.
Those four players have to be considered locks, and the Broncos only carried four receivers on their initial 53-man roster last year. Surely, Denver will carry at least five WRs this season.
Even with an extra spot, though, it will be hard to choose between veteran Tim Patrick, seventh-round pick Devaughn Vele and others. Jalen Virgil adds value as a returner. Lil’Jordan Humphrey has the height coach Sean Payton looks for in a receiver. Brandon Johnson scored four touchdowns last season.
Have fun choosing between them.
“Yesterday we spent a lot of time on personnel,” Payton said Wednesday. “Sometimes the nod is kicking game related. Sometimes the nod might be experience. There’s a lot that goes into it. … More than I can recall anywhere, the depth in competition at that position group — we potentially have guys that may end up playing for another team.
“It’s still early in the process. I think it’s a real good question and it’s the reality of this camp right now. These guys are working hard and it’s a good problem to have.”
As Payton noted, it’s a luxury problem, but the Broncos don’t want to waive a receiver and then see him shine for another club. Denver might consider attempting to trade a receiver or two when roster cuts approach later this month. Our latest 53-man roster prediction has five WRs with Vele making the squad over Patrick. Barring trades or injuries, the Broncos will have to make some very tough decisions at the position this summer. The initial roster will be set on Aug. 27.
