5 takeaways from Broncos' updated depth chart for Week 1

The Denver Broncos have updated their “unofficial” depth chart ahead of the 2026 NFL season, with a handful of tweaks since the 53-man roster was finalized last week. With the Broncos currently preparing for a Monday Night Football showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, here are our five quick takeaways from the team’s first depth chart of the regular season.

1. Sai’vion Jones moved to backup NT: Going into the summer, we assumed the 2025 third-round pick would be a top candidate to help fill the void created by John Franklin-Myers’ departure this offseason. Instead, Malcolm Roach is the new starting defensive end, and Eyioma Uwazurike is the top backup after impressing at camp. Jordan Jackson arguably also looked better than Jones this summer, and Jackson is listed as the other backup DE. Sai’vion Jones isn’t even listed as a DE anymore — he’s now listed as the backup nose tackle behind D.J. Jones. Time will tell if that marks a position change, or if it’s just where Jones ended up on the depth chart because Roach, Uwazurike, Jackson and rookie Tyler Onyedim filled all the available DE spots behind Zach Allen.

2. Reality of the backup guard spot: Rookie Kage Casey is listed as the backup at both guard spots and Alex Palczewski is listed as the backup right tackle. In reality, Palczewski is probably the top backup guard as well as the top backup right tackle. “Palcho” played well filling in for injured left guard Ben Powers last season.

3. Marvin Mims handling returns: Mims, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is listed as the primary kickoff returner and primary punt returner. That’s not surprising — Mims has two All-Pro nods and two Pro Bowl selections as a returner — but handling both return duties could limit his opportunities on offense.

4. Pat Bryant not listed as WR3: Mims is also listed as a starting receiver, alongside Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle. Will he really handle kickoff returns and punt returns while also getting more reps on offense than Pat Bryant? We’ll find out in the coming weeks. After Bryant impressed this summer, he seems like the actual favorite for unofficial WR3 duties in 2026.

5. Jonah Coleman got a promotion: When Denver released its first depth chart of the summer, rookies (including Coleman) were placed at the back of the line at their respective positions. Following roster cuts, however, Coleman is now listed as RB3 behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. Coleman is notably listed above Tyler Badie, who served as RB3 in 2025, thanks in large part to his ability as a pass protector. Badie is now RB4, and he’ll likely have a key role on special teams and could still rotate in on offense, but Coleman has jumped him on the depth chart.

Denver’s scheduled to practice with media members in attendance on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday this week. Up next on the docket are team captains, which are expected to be announced as early as today.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 5 takeaways from Broncos’ updated depth chart for Week 1