2016 Broncos Season, Training Camp Begins

The Broncos begin training camp on Thursday. The season is getting so close. Time to take a look at some position battles that need to be clarified over the next three weeks. The focus, for the most part, is on the offense, which needs to improve in 2016.

Quarterback:
Contenders — Mark Sanchez, Trevor Seimian, Paxton Lynch
About: Sanchez is the veteran, Lynch is the first-round draft choice and Seimian is the wild card. Who's it going to be? Heading into camp, Sanchez and Seimian are reportedly neck-and-neck. Now comes reports the Broncos want Lynch to play at some point in the season. That remains to be seen. My gut feeling is Sanchez is the starter week one, and he does well. I think Seimian starts the season at No. 2 but that could be Lynch by the time it's all said and done. I think in 2017, Lynch and Seimian are the last two standing, unless Sanchez had a Pro Bowl year that ends with a Super Bowl ring.

Running Back:
Contenders — C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, Ronnie Hillman, and Juwan Thompson
About: This is Anderson's job to lose, and I don't think he will. A better question is whether Hillman makes the roster, and if he does, whether he plays. Thompson likely makes it based on his versatility — since he plays full back, too. And Booker looks to be something special and could quickly take over the third down back role. Hillman needs a great camp and pre-season to solidify his place.

Third Receiver:
Contenders — Jordan Norwood, Bennie Fowler, Jordan Taylor, and Cody Latimer
About: Norwood is in the lead heading into camp, and is the likely choice to return punts and kicks. The third receiver is less of a need in a Gary Kubiak offense, particularly if the running game works as planned. So the question is who fills out the depth chart. I also think only five receivers make the final roster, so one of these four is likely out. This is a make or break year for Latimer, who has never lived up to his second round draft slot. I think Norwood or Fowler gets the nod.

Tight End:
Contenders — Virgil Green and Jeff Heuerman
About: In reality, both will likely play plenty. The Broncos figure to use two-tight end sets, too. But the question is who becomes the better receiving threat. Green was a receiver in college, but he's been more of a blocker and role player with the Broncos. Heuerman saw his rookie season stopped before it started due to injury last summer. Now both are vying for a more prominent role in the offense. I think the nod, here, goes to Heuerman, who was on track to play "significant" minutes last season before his injury.