Two rookies on No. 1 offensive line, including CSU product Ty Sambrailo at left tackle.
Fake games provide real impressions.
But until the Broncos open their preseason Friday night at Seattle, coaches must rely on film from practices to form opinions. Monday, coach Gary Kubiak released his first depth chart, providing mild surprises on special teams and a reminder of just how inexperienced the Denver offensive line could be on opening day.
With general manager John Elway and Kubiak in concert about developing young players, the Broncos selected with a narrow focus on draft day.
The offensive line features two rookie starters — second-round pick Ty Sambrailo at left tackle and fourth-rounder Max Garcia at left guard. Matt Paradis, a sixth-round pick who spent last season on the practice squad, is listed as the No. 1 center. They join right tackle Ryan Harris and right guard Louis Vasquez.
“Don’t read too much into what’s going on up front or anywhere,” Kubiak cautioned Sunday. “It’s going to be very competitive. They’re going to win and lose jobs in these preseason games.”
While Sambrailo is a virtual lock at left tackle, Garcia and Paradis moved up with strong practices. Ben Garland opened camp as the starter at left guard, flanked by center Gino Gradkowski. They lead the second team, along with Chris Clark at left tackle.
Omar Bolden is listed as the top punt and kickoff returner. He didn’t return punts last season. Solomon Patton and Isaiah Burse follow Bolden on punts, with Jordan Norwood a surprising fourth. Connor Barth is the No. 1 kicker, but Brandon McManus remains the top kickoff specialist.
Defensively, two players coming off injuries — Brandon Marshall (foot) and Danny Trevathan (knee) — are tops at inside linebacker. Kubiak anticipates both will play in the preseason. Marvin Austin, a camp star last year, has slipped to fourth-string defensive tackle behind draft pick Darius Kilgo and Sione Fua.
Roster moves.
The Broncos waived wide receiver David Porter and were awarded offensive tackle Matt Hall off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. Hall, 6-foot-9 and 326 pounds, signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent from Belhaven University in May 2014. He signed with the Colts two months later, landing on injured reserve with a triceps tear after going unclaimed.