Fangio not worried about first depth chart as head coach

Vic Fangio released the first depth chart of his NFL head coaching career Monday.

Not that he is putting much stock into it.

Per league rules, the Broncos revealed their initial/unofficial depth chart ahead of Thursday night’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’m going to be honest with you — I wouldn’t read it at all,” Fangio said after practice. “(Team officials) come into me and ask me to put this depth chart together, and I gave it to the coaches.

“You guys (in the media) know who’s going to be working with the 1s. After that, it’s a free-for-all. If you put any stock into it, you’re mistaken.”

When does Fangio pay attention to the depth chart?

“When we cut down to 53 (players),” he said.

The depth chart, though, is always a good talking point, and here are 10 thoughts:

1. Rookie quarterback Drew Lock is listed as No. 3 behind Joe Flacco (expected) and Kevin Hogan (semi-expected). Lock has taken a bit more second-team reps in recent practices. Fangio said Hogan will start against Atlanta. 2. At receiver, Fred Brown is listed ahead of Trinity Benson and Brendan Langley at one spot; at the other, Juwann Winfree and Kelvin McKnight are listed Nos. 3-4.

3. Jake Rodgers is listed as the second-team right tackle, but he’s hurt (calf) and Elijah Wilkinson has worked as the No. 2 right tackle in camp and has replaced Ja’Wuan James (lower leg) in recent days.

4. At tight end, it’s Jeff Heuerman, Noah Fant and Troy Fumagalli as the top three. Jake Butt, out more than a week, is listed at No. 4.

5. Phillip Lindsay is listed as the No. 1 running back, followed by Royce Freeman and Devontae Booker.

6. Rookie Justin Hollins is listed as the back-up behind OLB Bradley Chubb and Dekoda Watson as the back-up to OLB Von Miller. Jeff Holland, listed on the third team, is fighting for a roster spot.

7. An injured Todd Davis is listed as a starter, ahead of Alexander Johnson and Josh Watson. Both players have rotated with the first-team defense since Davis went down (calf ).

8. Kareem Jackson is listed as the No. 1 strong safety in the base defense. Su’a Cravens is No. 2. At free safety, Will Parks is No. 2 behind Justin Simmons. Dymonte Thomas and Shamarko Thomas are Nos. 3-4, respectively. Cravens’ status on cutdown day could come down to numbers. Cravens has little special teams experience, which could be a big factor.

9. Kick returner: Booker, River Cracraft (who’s injured), Langley and rookie running back Devontae Jackson.

10. Punt returner: Cracraft, Hamilton, Langley and rookie receiver Kelvin McKnight. Injuries to Cracraft and Hamilton (hamstring) will give other players an opportunity against Atlanta.