We’re entering football’s dead zone as all teams have a month-plus break before returning for training camp in late July. The Broncos got better in the trenches, but the quarterback question still lingers. Here’s an educated projection of what the Broncos 53-man roster could look like once all the summer competition is over:

Quarterbacks (2)

Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch.

Why: Going light at quarterback allows the Broncos to go a little heavy on next three skill position groups and let Chad Kelly heal completely. Mike McCoy has gone with just two quarterbacks in the past.

Running backs/fullback (5)

C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, Jamaal Charles, De’Angelo Henderson, Andy Janovich.

Why: This entire group is led with, ‘if healthy…’ Anderson, Booker and Charles (ABC!) have the talent and versatility to be a top-end backfield. Henderson has proven himself too valuable to try to sneak onto the practice squad. McCoy will use a fullback so Janovich is safe, too.

Wide receivers (6)

Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Carlos Henderson, Isaiah McKenzie, Cody Latimer, Jordan Taylor.

Why: The first four are virtual locks, leaving Latimer, the first of three Broncos high-draft picks on the roster bubble, Taylor, Bennie Fowler and Marlon Brown competing for one or two spots. Latimer’s special teams play and Taylor’s size, red zone prowess earn them spots.

Tight ends (3)

A.J. Derby, Virgil Green, Jeff Heuerman.

Why: Heuerman, the second of the draft bubble trio, will need to stay healthy and hold off Henry Krieger-Coble for the final spot. It might be smart for Denver to play it safe with Jake Butt, who may not be 100-percent by September. A veteran signing could make sense here, too.

Offensive line (8)

Garett Bolles, Max Garcia, Matt Paradis, Ron Leary, Menelik Watson, Michael Schofield, Ty Sambrailo, Connor McGovern.

Why: The Broncos go a little light here because of versatility among the backups. The Stephenson experiment ends abruptly while Sambrailo, the final of the draft bubble trio, gets one last shot to prove he isn’t a draft bust. Denver is giving McGovern every chance to win the backup center job.

Defensive line (7)

Derek Wolfe, Domata Peko, Adam Gotsis, Zach Kerr, DeMarcus Walker, Jared Crick, Tyrique Jarrett.

Why: This unit is a lot deeper than last year with five defensive ends capable of seeing significant playing time. The veteran Peko will have to prove he has something left in the tank while Pot Roast Jr. wins the backup nose tackle job.

Outside linebackers (5)

Von Miller, Shane Ray, Shaquil Barrett, Kasim Edebali, Vontarrius Dora.

Why: Barrett’s injury will have a big impact on how the back-end of this position looks. He may not be 100-percent ready to attack by the season opener, but if he’s close, the Broncos could have Edebali and Dora to man the extra reps until Barrett is ready.

Inside linebackers (4)

Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Corey Nelson, Zaire Anderson.

Why: Same four as last season, but they might need to seek outside help if an injury occurs. Marshall has looked fast this spring. Davis should start opposite him, but Nelson could see close to an even split as a coverage specialist.

Cornerbacks (6)

Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, Bradley Roby, Lorenzo Doss, Brendan Langley, Chris Lewis-Harris.

Why: They go a little heavy here, mostly to add a veteran depth presence in Lewis-Harris. If they feel comfortable with Langley and Doss, they could go five. Unit has the chance to be the NFL’s top pass defense for the third straight season.

Safeties (4)

Darian Stewart, T.J. Ward, Justin Simmons, Will Parks.

Why: This may be the roster’s deepest position. Parks and Simmons could have an even bigger role in 2017. One of the undrafted safeties could sneak in for the fifth spot, particularly if the Broncos go with five cornerbacks.

Special teams (3)

Brandon McManus, Riley Dixon, Casey Kreiter. Related Articles September 25, 2020 Broncos Briefs: Phillip Lindsay doubtful to play Sunday, but progressing from toe injury

September 25, 2020 After Broncos let him walk in free agency, Tampa Bay’s Shaquil Barrett returns to Denver as one of NFL’s best pass-rushers

September 25, 2020 The next opportunity in Jeff Driskel’s winding football journey: Starting at quarterback for Broncos

September 25, 2020 Broncos rookie wideout KJ Hamler, fully healed from hamstring injury, poised for NFL breakout

September 24, 2020 🔊 Broncos podcast: Previewing Denver’s must-win Week 3 home showdown against Tampa Bay

Why: No real threat or need to break up this young core.

Physically Unable to Perform: Chad Kelly, Jake Butt.

Practice squad: Hunter Sharp, Anthony Nash, Henry Krieger-Coble, Cameron Hunt, Elijah Wilkinson, Kyle Peko, Ken Ekanem, Jamal Carter, Dante Barnett, Quentin Gause.