Sean Payton: Broncos are ‘definitely deeper’ than in years past

The Denver Broncos had plenty of holes on the roster in 2024, but still managed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in nine years thanks to an outstanding defense and a good offensive scheme put together by Sean Payton and the rest of the staff. However, the Broncos were outmatched in the Wild Card game by the Buffalo Bills as their season ended with a 31-7 defeat up north.

Over the offseason, the Broncos went out and addressed those issues by signing guys like Evan Engram, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, not to mention the additions they made in the draft with their rookie class with guys like Jahdae Barron and RJ Harvey. They added a select handful of guys to a roster that’s returning 86% of its production from a season ago, the highest number in the NFL, and Payton knows the importance of that heading into the season.

“We’re definitely deeper and look, … [there are] tough decisions, tough decisions at running back, tough decisions at receiver, tough decisions,” Payton said after Broncos practice on Tuesday. “You know, those are all indications that there’s a little bit more depth than in years past. Generally speaking, that [competition] creates that higher level of performance and then, how do we keep trying to give these guys opportunities where it gives us more of an exposure? We’re still, we’re not even halfway.”

While the Broncos have released an unofficial depth chart, that doesn’t mean a whole lot as all of the rookies are towards the bottom. When Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans rolls around, the list will probably look a lot different after Payton and company have had much more time to make these tough decisions at all the different positions. The starting running back, backup receivers, and more spots will likely come down to the last snap of the preseason to determine who earns what spot.

Payton knows he still has a lot of questions on his mind with two games to go.

“I want to get Evan [Engram] a few touches in the game. How do I get [Pat] Bryant a few receptions in the game? How do I handle the running back rotation this week different than last week? … Those are all things that we discussed during the week and try to manufacture,” Payton said.

Each of the running backs saw at least three carries in Saturday’ preseason win over San Francisco while Pat Bryant reeled in both of his targets for 21 yards. Payton was able to do some experimenting, but with so many guys on the roster in the preseason, it’s difficult to give too much production to one guy because the coaching staff needs to be able to see what everyone has to offer.

The Broncos’ roster has gotten its respect this offseason, as many national media outlets know that they have what it takes on paper to compete for an AFC West title and potentially even a conference title in January.

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