Broncos' unanswered questions at each position group ahead of training camp

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The Denver Broncos will report to training camp on Tuesday, setting the stage for final preparations ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Coming off a successful 14-3 season that ended in a blizzard in the AFC Championship Game, the Broncos are one of the favorites to get to Super Bowl LXI this season. However, having to play a first-place schedule with a quarterback returning from a broken ankle are just two of the major hurdles the team will have to overcome in order to make that a reality.

Heading into camp, the team has questions at each position group to iron out with practices and preseason games. We will detail each of those here.

Position-by-position questions for Broncos training camp

Quarterback

Jarrett Stidham vs. Sam Ehlinger

Bo Nix is the team's starter, but who is the backup? There will be a competition for the No. 2 job between Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger this summer, which could legitimately go either way. Ehlinger's loyalty could pay off after Stidham stumbled in last year's championship game.

Running Back

How much will Jonah Coleman be involved?

The Broncos brought back J.K. Dobbins on a two-year deal, but how many carries will RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman each get this season? Harvey was asked to carry the load when Dobbins went down with a foot injury in Week 10 last season, and the rushing attack struggled.

Coleman was drafted in the fourth round to alleviate that issue, and it will be interesting to see how early and how often he gets worked into the mix.

Wide Receiver

Who is the team's WR3?

The Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle to become Nix's top target in the passing game, and Courtland Sutton is still around to be as good as any No. 2 in the league. But who comes up next? Will it be Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr. or Pat Bryant? That will need to be sorted out in camp.

Tight End

How many tight ends make the 53-man roster?

Many analysts out there still feel the Broncos' biggest weakness is the tight end position, but the addition of fifth-round pick Justin Joly could help turn it into a strength so long as Evan Engram has a bounce-back year.

But how many tight ends will the team keep? With Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull, Caleb Lohner and Dallen Bentley on the roster, there will be some tough decisions to make.

Offensive Line

Could Ben Powers be pushed for his starting job?

The Broncos have one of the best offensive lines in football, but starting guard Ben Powers' spot in the lineup seems tenuous. The Broncos used a fourth-round pick on Kage Casey out of Boise State and seem eager to get him on the field.

It may be too early for him to take the veteran's job, but it will be a situation to keep an eye on.

Defensive Line

Who will replace John Franklin-Myers?

The Broncos' biggest offseason loss was easily that of John Franklin-Myers, who signed a huge deal with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

One of the biggest questions the Broncos have to answer in camp is who will replace him in the starting lineup. There are several candidates, and it could be more than one player having to combine to replace what JFM brought to the team.

Last year's third-round pick, Sai'vion Jones and this year's third-round selection, Tyler Onyedim, will be the players to watch closely. If neither of them stands out, Malcolm Roach or Eyioma Uwazurike could take the spot until one of them is ready to step up.

Inside Linebacker

Do the Broncos have enough depth?

For me, this is the team's biggest question. The idea of starting the season with Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad seems shaky, and the guys behind them are all very young and inexperienced, though promising prospects.

The team should still be considering signing one of the names on the free-agent market to add insurance behind Singleton and Strnad.

Outside Linebacker

Developing a plan for Jonathon Cooper situation

If there is a dark cloud looming over this team right now, it is the current legal situation of Jonathon Cooper.

Cooper is facing some serious charges and the results of those leave the Broncos facing plenty of uncertainty. The team is going to have to develop a strong contingency plan. Jonah Elliss is a strong third-year player, but things start to get a bit thin after. Could the Broncos still consider a reunion with Von Miller?

Cornerback

Where does Jahdae Barron fit in year two?

Last year's first-round pick, Jahdae Barron, played sparingly as a rookie behind Riley Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian. With each of those players expected to again be a big part of this year's defense, there's nothing to suggest things will be any different this year. Where does that leave Barron?

Safety

Depth behind the starters

The Broncos don't have any huge questions at safety entering camp, as starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones are as good as it gets. The question will be who makes up the depth. JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson, Devon Key, Miles Scott and Parker Robertson make up the rest of the roster. Key and Anderson are good special teams contributors, but seventh-round pick Scott looks promising.

Special Teams

Can Luke Basso push Mitchell Fraboni?

Undrafted free agent Luke Basso will compete with Mitchell Fraboni for the team's long snapper spot. Also, it will be interesting to see if the Broncos try to get more help in the return game other than Mims, who will be a free agent after the season. Undrafted free agent Kolbe Katsis could be a sleeper name to keep an eye on there.

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