Everyone thought the Denver Broncos were punting on the year. Honestly, looking at the broncos depth chart 2024 back in August, you could see why. They had a massive dead-cap hit from the Russell Wilson exit, a rookie quarterback who people called a "reach" at pick 12, and a roster that looked thinner than Mile High air.
But then the season happened.
The 2024 Broncos didn't just survive; they finished 10-7 and clawed their way into a Wild Card spot. It wasn't just a fluke. It was the result of a depth chart that finally found its identity under Sean Payton. If you're looking at the final 2024 standings, you've got to realize this team was built on a "next man up" philosophy that actually worked for once.
The Bo Nix Evolution and the QB Room
The headline of the broncos depth chart 2024 was always going to be the quarterback. When Sean Payton named Bo Nix the starter over Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in late August, the pressure was immediate. Nix became the first rookie to start Week 1 for Denver since John Elway in 1983.
The early weeks were... rough.
Nix averaged about 178 passing yards with a 5:5 TD-to-INT ratio through his first seven games. People were calling for Stidham. But Payton stuck with him. The turning point was Week 8 against Carolina. Nix exploded for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. From there, the depth chart solidified. Nix finished the regular season with 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns—a new franchise record for a rookie.
Behind him, Jarrett Stidham remained the primary backup, providing a veteran safety net that, fortunately for Denver, was rarely needed. Zach Wilson spent the year as the "developmental" project, basically the third-string insurance policy that stayed in the garage.
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A Wide Receiver Corps of Misfits
Who is the WR2? That was the question all season. Courtland Sutton remained the undisputed alpha, hauling in 81 catches for 1,081 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was the security blanket Nix needed.
But the rest of the room was a rotating door of young talent.
- Troy Franklin: The rookie from Oregon eventually climbed to the WR2 spot, finishing with 709 yards. His chemistry with Nix from their college days was obvious.
- Lil'Jordan Humphrey: A Payton favorite who did the "dirty work." He started seven games and was basically a hybrid blocker/receiver.
- Marvin Mims Jr.: While his receiving stats (322 yards) weren't eye-popping, he earned All-Pro honors as a return specialist.
The Backfield Committee
Javonte Williams was the "starter" on paper, but the broncos depth chart 2024 at running back was really a three-headed monster. Williams led the team in carries (139) but struggled with efficiency at times, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
That’s where Jaleel McLaughlin and J.K. Dobbins came in. McLaughlin was the lightning to Javonte’s thunder, providing a spark in the passing game with 52 receptions. Dobbins, signed to a low-risk deal, actually led the team in rushing yards for a significant stretch before being hampered by the usual injury bugs. By the end of the year, rookie Audric Estime was carving out a "power back" role, especially in short-yardage situations where Williams used to dominate.
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Why the Defense Stole the Show
Vance Joseph might be the most underrated coordinator in football. The Broncos finished with the 3rd-best scoring defense in the NFL (18.3 points per game).
You can't talk about this defense without mentioning Pat Surtain II. He’s arguably the best corner in the league, and the stats back it up—he faced the second-lowest target rate on deep passes in the NFL. Teams just stopped throwing his way.
On the other side, Riley Moss finally stayed healthy and locked down the CB2 spot. It was the first time in years Denver didn't have a "weak link" in the secondary.
The Pass Rush Surge
The most surprising part of the broncos depth chart 2024 was the edge rush.
- Nik Bonitto: 13.5 sacks. He went from a "situational" player to a Pro Bowler.
- Jonathon Cooper: 10.5 sacks. The "high motor" guy who just wouldn't quit.
- Zach Allen: He was the engine. Even though he's an interior lineman, his pressure rate was top-tier, earning him a 2nd-team All-Pro nod.
The "Big Men" Up Front
If you want to know why Nix had time to throw, look at the offensive line. This group was surprisingly elite.
- Garett Bolles (LT): First-team All-Pro. He allowed the lowest pressure rate of any left tackle in the league.
- Quinn Meinerz (RG): The "Belly." He’s now a back-to-back All-Pro and the highest-paid guard in team history for a reason. He pancaked people weekly.
- Luke Wattenberg (C): The biggest question mark heading into the season. He replaced Lloyd Cushenberry and, honestly, the drop-off was minimal.
Special Teams: The Hidden Edge
Most people ignore the bottom of the broncos depth chart 2024, but special teams won them at least two games. Wil Lutz was a machine, hitting 28 of 32 field goals. More importantly, Devon Key emerged as a special teams ace, leading the NFL in tackles in that phase and earning a First-team All-Pro spot.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking the Broncos' trajectory into the next season, keep these takeaways in mind:
- Watch the WR2 Battle: While Troy Franklin showed flashes, Denver still lacks a consistent "X" receiver opposite Sutton. Expect them to look for a veteran in the offseason.
- Nix’s Legs are a Weapon: Don't just look at his arm. Nix ran for 430 yards and 4 TDs. Payton is starting to use him more like Taysom Hill in red-zone packages.
- The Secondary is Young and Cheap: With Riley Moss and Brandon Jones playing at high levels alongside Surtain, the Broncos have one of the most cost-effective elite secondaries in the AFC.
The 2024 season proved that culture beats "paper talent." The Broncos turned a "rebuild year" into a playoff run, and it all started with a depth chart that was deeper than anyone realized.