The Denver Broncos will open training camp in just over one month and those practices as well as the team's three preseason games will determine new starters at several positions on the roster.
Of course, the focus of almost everyone will be on who the team's starting quarterback will be. Most expect that role to be given to first-round pick Bo Nix, but both Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will have something to say about that.
But what about the rest of the roster? Where are the key battles going to be? At these three positions, a starting job is completely up for grabs.
3 positions where the starter is unclear for the Denver Broncos
Center
Top options: Sam Mustipher, Alex Forsyth, Luke Wattenberg
The Broncos lost Lloyd Cushenberry to free agency this offseason but that should have been a surprise to nobody as the team seemed prepared for that to be the case. Now, the focus will be on finding the best option to go into the 2024 season with.
The good thing for the Broncos is that they have an assortment of players to choose from for the role but there is a common belief that none of the options are very good.
Alex Forsyth's familiarity with Nix makes him the best option if Nix wins the job.
Outside cornerback
Top options: Levi Wallace, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis
At cornerback, the Broncos have one of the best in the game in Pat Surtain II and they also have a clear option as their nickel corner after the terrific season Ja'Quan McMillian put forth in 2023. But who will be the other outside corner?
Veteran Levi Wallace joined the team in the offseason and may be the favorite to at least begin the season at that spot due to his experience. But where does that leave Riley Moss? After a disappointing rookie campaign, he needs to be much better in 2024 but is he best suited for playing on the inside or the outside?
Riley Moss has learned a lot from All-Pro CB Pat Surtain and Ja’Quan McMillian pic.twitter.com/J5mj1vW5rY
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) December 6, 2023
Damarri Mathis will have to overcome a rough 2023 season that saw great struggles. He may even be a bubble player to make the team.
Inside linebacker
Top options: Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith
The offseason injury to Drew Sanders muddied the waters at the linebacker position, but it was unclear if the team was going to use him on the inside or the outside.
What we do know is that Alex Singleton will be one of the team's starting middle linebackers. But who will be the other? This should be a competition between Jonas Griffith and Cody Barton and that could go either way.
There is always a chance that someone can sneak in and steal some reps from those players but guys like Justin Strnad and Andre Smith seem destined for the back end of the roster or practice squad.
