Training Camp Battles That Will Define the 2025 Broncos

There’s finally substance behind the optimism. ESPN ranked the Broncos’ roster 6th-best in the NFL, and it actually holds up. Sean Payton and George Paton have built a deep, competitive team—no longer just patching holes or praying for upside.

That doesn’t mean every job is locked down. The top of the depth chart is solid, but there’s real competition everywhere else. Here’s how I see the key training camp battles shaping up.

Bo Nix Is QB1. Period.

Let’s not waste time—Bo Nix is the starter. Everything in the offseason was built around getting him ready to run the show. No controversy, no debate.

The only question is who backs him up. Jarrett Stidham has the edge as of now, but Sam Ehlinger adds mobility and a different look. With Nix getting all the first-team reps, preseason will determine if Denver keeps two or three QBs.

Dobbins vs. Harvey: True RB1 Battle

Don’t let the “undrafted rookie” label fool you—RJ Harvey has earned his spot at the top of the depth chart. That said, J.K. Dobbins didn’t come here to ride the bench. When healthy, he’s dynamic.

The RB1 job will be won in August. Audric Estimé is a battering ram and likely to carve out a role regardless. Jaleel McLaughlin gives them burst and special teams value. But right now, it’s Harvey vs. Dobbins—and it’s real.

WR Room: The Top 3 Are Set. Everything Else Is a Grind.

Let’s be clear:

Courtland Sutton is WR1.
Marvin Mims Jr. has stepped into WR2 and looks ready to make the leap.
Devaughn Vele, the camp surprise, is holding down WR3 and it’s not just hype—he’s earning it daily.

Pat Bryant, the third-round pick, is right behind them and will get real snaps this year. Troy Franklin, who I thought might rise faster due to his Bo Nix connection, still has big-play potential but needs polish. He’s WR3 on the second unit right now.

The rest—Sherfield, Perry, Jackson, Bandy, Newton—are fighting for roster life. One or two might stick. The rest won’t.

Tight End: Engram Leads, Krull Rising

Evan Engram is the starter and will be featured. The question is TE2.

Adam Trautman has the trust and blocking chops. Lucas Krull brings more playmaking and vertical ability. If he can hold his own in-line, he could jump Trautman. Nate Adkins offers some versatility if Payton wants an H-back look.

Cornerback: Surtain and Moss Are the Best Duo Denver’s Had in Years

Pat Surtain II remains elite.
Riley Moss has locked down CB2 and looks like a long-term answer.

The real heat is at nickel:

Jahdae Barron leads right now.
Ja’Quan McMillian and Kris Abrams-Draine are right there behind him.

All three could play—and may rotate early in the year. Damarri Mathis is gone, and this group is better because of it.

Inside Linebacker: Sanders Is Closing In

Alex Singleton is steady as ever.
Dre Greenlaw, the new addition, brings speed and coverage upside.

Drew Sanders is behind Greenlaw right now, but don’t count him out. He’s explosive, rangy, and built to be more than a backup. If he picks up the mental side, he’ll see the field early and often.

Behind them, Strnad, Reid, Bailey, and JB Brown are battling for special teams spots.

Edge: Bonitto and Cooper Start, But Elliss Is Coming

Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper are the current starters.
Jonah Elliss has been all gas since camp opened. He’s winning reps, showing twitch off the edge, and could easily be the first rusher off the bench when the real games start.

This unit has quietly become one of the strongest on the team.

Safety: Brandon Jones, Hufanga Could Be a Steal

Talanoa Hufanga, coming off injury, is set to start at strong safety and brings a level of physicality this secondary needs.
Brandon Jones looks locked in at free safety and gives Denver the range it’s been missing.

Behind them, the battle for depth is tight:

P.J. Locke is dependable and knows the system.
JL Skinner has the size and upside but needs to show it on the field.
Devon Key, Keidron Smith, Sam Franklin Jr., and Delarrin Turner-Yell are all on the bubble.

Hufanga’s health will be monitored closely, but if he’s right, Denver’s safety tandem could finally be a strength again.

Final Take

This isn’t hype—it’s a real football team now. The Broncos have a top-10 roster, a quarterback with upside and command, and depth we haven’t seen in years.

The battles at running back, nickel corner, TE2, safety depth, and receiver rotation are going to decide who this team really is. The good news? For once, it’s not about who can fill the gap—it’s about who can win the spot.

And that’s exactly where we should be.