Broncos' projected defensive depth chart going into OTAs

Jon Heath, Broncos WireThu, May 28, 2026·3 min read

The Denver Broncos are set to begin organized team activities (OTAs) next week with several new faces on defense.

Last month, the Broncos used their first pick (in the third round) of the 2026 NFL draft to select Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim. That will help shore up their defensive line depth following the notable departure of John Franklin-Myers during NFL free agency this spring.

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Later in the draft, the Broncos added safety Miles Scott and linebacker Red Murdock in the seventh round. Neither player is a lock to make the 53-man roster this summer, but they'll both get an opportunity to impress.

In addition to those three draft picks, Denver also signed a half-dozen undrafted free agent defenders. Before OTAs start up next week, here's a quick defensive depth chart projection for the Broncos. (Note that this is a projection, not an official depth chart from the team.)

Broncos defensive depth chart

DT: D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach

Depth: Jordan Jackson, Matt Henningsen, Jordan Miller, Kristian Williams

Sai'vion Jones feels like the early favorite to replace JFM in the starting lineup, but Onyedim and Uwazurike will also compete for that spot. Denver loves Roach, but he's probably more of a rotational option behind D.J. Jones than a like-for-like replacement for JFM.

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Outside linebacker (8*)

• OLB2: Nik Bonitto, Que Robinson, Drew Sanders

• The Broncos plan to give Jonah Elliss snaps at inside linebacker this year, but it's unclear if he will make a full-time position switch or rotate between roles. We still have Elliss listed among the OLBs for now. Denver added Dasan McCullough as a UDFA, adding more depth to an already-crowded room.

• Rookies: Red Murdock, Taurean York

It remains to be seen how involved Elliss will be at ILB, but it wouldn't be shocking if he emerged as the third-choice option behind Singleton and Strnad. Murdock and UDFA gem Taurean York will probably be fighting with Bailey and Turner for active roster spots.

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CB2: Riley Moss OR Jahdae Barron

Slot: Ja’Quan McMillian

UDFAs: Brent Austin, Ahmari Harvey, Paul Manning

The Broncos brought McMillian back as their slot cornerback, so Barron might have to beat out Moss if he wants to start in Year 2. Moss is also entering the final year of his contract. Denver also added three UDFA cornerbacks, headlined by Brent Austin.

Key is the current favorite to replace P.J. Locke, and Anderson (a special teams ace) was the club's only outside free agent signing in March. Scott will be the big name to watch at safety this summer as he fights for a roster spot.

The Broncos will hold OTAs from June 2-4 and again from June 9-11. After that, the club will host a mandatory minicamp from June 16-18 before a summer break. Training camp is expected to begin in late July.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Defensive depth chart going into OTAs

DE: Zach Allen, Tyler Onyedim

DE: Sai'vion Jones, Eyioma Uwazurike

OLB1: Jonathon Cooper, Dondrea Tillman

Wild card: Jonah Elliss

Depth: Johnny Walker, Dasan McCullough

LB1: Alex Singleton, Karene Reid

LB2: Justin Strnad, Jonah Elliss

Depth: Lavelle Bailey, Jordan Turner

CB1: Pat Surtain, Kris Abrams-Draine

Depth: Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson

S3: Devon Key, Miles Scott

ST: Tycen Anderson, JL Skinner