Good morning, Broncos Country.
The Denver Broncos are just a few weeks away from kicking off their annual training camp festivities. Boasting a strong roster with quality starters and ample depth at most positions, there aren’t a whole lot of spots up for grabs. However, there will be fierce competition for a handful of backend roster spots worth keeping an eye on. Here are the three position battles I’m most intrigued by leading up to training camp.
Which linebacker will top the depth chart behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad?
Much to the chagrin of Broncos Country, the Broncos’ brass opted for continuity
at the inside linebacker position. Instead of a big free agent splash, the coaching staff felt very comfortable bringing back Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad who know Vance Joseph’s defense inside and out.
Who rises to the top of the depth chart behind them at the position is the top training camp battle I’m looking forward to. There are no shortage of players competing. It’s a strong five with former UDFA finds Jordan Turner, Karene Reid, and Levelle Bailey leading the way given their familiarity with the system.
But don’t sleep on recent additions Red Murdock and Taurean York. Murdock and York may have flown under the radar during the draft and got dinged for lack of measurables. Nevertheless, they’re ultra productive, have high football IQs, and make a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see one of them rise to the third linebacker in the Broncos’ lineup for the 2026 season.
Who will earn the Broncos’ third safety spot?
With the departure of P.J. Locke to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, one of the Broncos’ biggest tasks will be finding their ‘next man up’ at the safety position. During his six seasons in Denver, Locke played nearly 1,900 defensive snaps in the backend of the Broncos’ secondary and was able to pinch in as a starter and play admirably when needed.
So, who will be that player for them this season? Devon Key, JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson, and Miles Scott are the four main players looking to prove they have what it takes to answer that call. The first three are all special team standouts. Yet, the cumulative number of in-game defensive snaps amongst the trio are minimal.
Scott may be a rookie, but his collegiate career in Illinois showed he is a versatile defensive back with quality ball skills. I wouldn’t underestimate the potential of him earning that role. He may not have the playbook knowledge Key and Skinner possess, but his coverage traits are top-notch and will certainly help him in his efforts to carve out a role on the squad in his first season in the National Football League.
A changing of the guard? Perhaps.
The Broncos have made significant investments to the offensive line under the leadership of Head Coach Sean Payton. Their success up front is one of the primary reasons the franchise was able to go from the bottom of the AFC West to the division champions in short order.
Garett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Luke Wattenberg, and Quinn Meinerz are four players I believe whose starting spots are most definitely secure. Though I do question whether or not the same could be said for left guard Ben Powers, who missed a decent portion of last season due to injury.
As of now, Powers accounts for the second largest hit against the salary cap for the team in ‘26. Given that, one might assume it would be impossible for the team not to start him. Even so, Alex Palczewski looked good filling in for him last year and earned a two-year contract extension this offseason as well. Perhaps Palczewski shows enough grit during camp and the preseason to prove he is the best man for the job. It may be unlikely, but stranger things have happened.
What do you think, Broncos Country? Give me your top three training camp battle lists and thoughts in the comments section. As always, thank you for reading. Here’s today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
