Five position battles to watch during 2022 Broncos training camp

It’s here. Finally.

After months of waiting, the Broncos take the field for the first time since hiring Nathaniel Hackett and acquiring Russell Wilson. The team reports for training camp today. They’ll start practicing tomorrow.

When they do, all eyes will be on No. 3. After six years of wandering around in a QB desert, Denver has finally found an answer. With Wilson, their quarterback problems will be behind them.

Gone are the days of “The Decision.” Charades like “Teddy vs. Drew” are in the rearview mirror. Joe Flacco, Case Keenum and Trevor Siemian are simply bad memories at this point.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be some battles to watch during training camp. While the quarterback position is settled, other spots are up for grabs.

Here are five intriguing battles to watch at the UC Health Center:

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5. Inside Linebacker

Every year, this seems like a question mark for the Broncos. Since Danny Trevathan left for Chicago after Super Bowl 50, Denver has been searching for an answer in the middle of their defense. That remains the case this season, as the Broncos didn’t address inside linebacker via free agency or the draft, at least not in a big way. Josey Jewell is back after missing all but two games a season ago with a torn pec. The fifth-year player is a mediocre player, however, which is why it always feels like the Broncos need to upgrade the position. To begin things, Jonas Griffith will be the other starter. But Alex Singleton is also in the mix. He’s posted 257 tackles in the past two seasons with the Eagles.

Projection: Jewell and Griffith win the starting jobs

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4. Wide Receiver

While the top four wideouts on the roster seem set in stone, there is some debate about what role each will play. Courtland Sutton seems likely the likely No. 1 receiver. After being hobbled last season following an ACL tear in 2020, the former Pro Bowl selection should be back to full strength. Tim Patrick would be the logical choice as the No. 2 receiver, given that he and Sutton each inked contract extensions a year ago. But at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Patrick is more of a “big” receiver than a compliment to Sutton. Thus, Jerry Jeudy might have the inside track. The former first-round pick could play the Tyler Lockett role for Wilson, while Sutton is Denver’s version of D.K. Metcalf. Don’t sleep on K.J. Hamler, however. The speedster returns from a knee injury and could be the Broncos big-play threat.

Projection: Sutton and Jeudy win the starting jobs

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3. Edge Rusher

Questions abound at this important position. The Broncos have plenty of candidates to fill the role, but none are sure things. Bradley Chubb is finally healthy, making the former No. 5 overall draft pick the likely leader of the group. But coming off a season in which he recorded zero sacks, a wait-and-see attitude is in order. Randy Gregory was the Broncos big offseason addition. But his five-year, $70-million deal seems lofty for someone who has never recorded more than 6.0 sacks in a season. The fact that he will miss the start of camp while recovering from shoulder surgery is also a concern. Jonathan Cooper showed promise as a rookie, as did Baron Browning. But are either ready to make the leap from promising youngster to regular contributor? That’d be a stretch. Nik Bonitto was the Broncos second-round pick this season. He will get a chance to break into the rotation. And Malik Reed is the steady veteran of the group.

Projection: Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed will start Week 1

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2. Right Tackle

Much like inside linebacker, this is a position that has been a revolving door for the Broncos. Every year, it seems like a different candidate tries to fill the void. This season will be no different. Billy Turner is the likely starter, as he came over from Green Bay and has a close friendship with Hackett. Tom Compton is veteran insurance policy. Denver can turn to the veteran who has experience in the West Coast offense if needed. Calvin Anderson is perhaps the most-intriguing option. The 26-year-old tackle has upside. He could become the long-term answer, which isn’t the case with Turner or Compton. Right now, however, he’s listed behind Garett Bolles at left tackle on the depth chart. But the swing tackle will get a shot on the other side, as well. He’s athletic, which will be beneficial in Hackett’s system. His inexperience is the only thing working against him.

Projection: Calvin Anderson wins the job

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1. Running Back

Most in Broncos Country wanted to see Javonte Williams get to be the workhorse running back this season. After rushing for 903 yards on 203 carries as a rookie, the tackle-breaking machine became a fan favorite. He split time with Melvin Gordon a year ago, however, so the sky seemed like the limit if he got to be the No. 1 option in the backfield. The Broncos seemed to disagree, though. In the offseason, they inked Gordon to a one-year deal, keeping their two-headed monster in place at running back. Gordon rushed for 918 yards on 203 carries last season. He also scored 10 touchdowns. Williams has more upside. But Gordon is a veteran who can be trusted in the passing game. It’ll be fascinating to see who Hackett and Wilson trust more as the season approaches.

Projection: Gordon will start Week 1

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