The Denver Broncos begin their title defense with a preseason game in Chicago on Thursday. While most positions on the defensive side of the ball are set, even before the first of four tune-up games, there are more than a half-dozen positions on offense and special teams that could be up for grabs.
Jake Marsing and Shawn Drotar of 5280 Sports Network have a full preview of players to watch in the first preseason action of the 2016 season.
Kalif Raymond, rookie wide receiver from Holy Cross, will get the chance to show what’s he’s got on punt and kick returns. Jordan Norwood, the presumed starter at those positions, will not be the guy in this first preseason game.
Michael Schofield, last year’s whipping boy at right tackle, will get a chance earn a starting job at right guard with Ty Sambrailo again down with an injury.
Drotar will be keeping an eye on the tight end position, where Jeff Heuerman and Virgil Green both occupy a the same spot atop the depth chart. Green has the experience, but the front office is very high on Heuerman.
Bradley Roby is a known commodity, but he’ll see increased reps in the event Aqib Talib is suspended for his offseason shooting incident. Kayvon Webster and Lorenzo Doss will be asked to step in to fill Roby’s role as the No. 3. Expect to see plenty of them in this tune-up.
Britton Colquitt is fighting for his job against seventh-round draft pick Riley Dixon, so Marsing wants to see how Dixon handles live game action. In addition to handling the punting duties, Colquitt is also the placeholder. So far in camp, Dixon has struggled in that capacity.
Ronnie Hillman is also squaring off with a rookie – fourth-round pick Devontae Booker. Hillman was last year’s leading rusher and top touchdown scorer, yet he enters this season battling for a roster spot. Hillman hasn’t made many friends this camp, so Thursday’s game will be crucial to his long-term future in Denver.