Quarterback unexpectedly alters Broncos' strategy
The Denver Broncos' Quarterback Quagmire: Unforeseen Moves and Shifting Depth Chart
The Denver Broncos' QB conundrum persists, with Desmond Ridder's abrupt decision to bail on the minicamp rookie event casting a shroud of uncertainty over the team's quarterback depth chart discussions.
Once anticipated to vie for a veteran backup role, Ridder's impromptu shift in plans catches many League observers off guard. The sudden about-face scrambles the Broncos QB depth chart debates.
According to Parker Gabriel from the Denver Post, the erstwhile Falcons and Raiders signal-caller is no longer scheduled to attend the camp's three-day duration, due to a "scheduling conflict." Per Kelberman, the tryout has seemingly crumbled, muddying Ridder's near-term NFL prospects further.
An NBA pick in the 2022 third round, Ridder boasts eighteen career starts across three NFL seasons, exhibiting occasional glimmers of promise but also battling consistency challenges. With one start for the Raiders in 2024, he appeared in six games, including a relief stint against the Broncos in Week 12, an outing Broncos fans will recall as a cautionary reminder of the team's ongoing pursuit of quarterback depth.
This year, Broncos football enthusiasts have in Bo Nix a starting QB following an impressive rookie season. Nix piloted the team to a 10-7 record and their first playoff spot since 2015, recording 29 touchdown passes and surpassing the 3,700-yard mark. Nix's emergence secures the future of the Orange Crush at the position, yet backup roles continue to welcome competition.
The current roster lists Jarrett Stidham and recent signee Sam Ehlinger beneath Nix. Ridder's potential arrival hinted at a possible upgrade for the third-string spot, perhaps even usurping Ehlinger.
With Ridder now absent from the radar, the Broncos' rookie minicamp will proceed without a veteran QB competing for a backup spot. Instead, Blake Stenstrom, who played for both Colorado and Princeton and went undrafted, will have his chance to shine before the coaching staff. As the Broncos aim to build around Nix, the focus now centers on assembling a resilient backup quarterback corps capable of supporting playoff aspirations.
Broncos on the QB Hunt: Pondering the Long Term
While there is no recent confirmation regarding Ridder's withdrawal from the camp, the Broncos remain intent on refining their quarterback depth for the 2025 season.
As the team's starter, Nix has emerged as the quarterback of the immediate and distant future. In 2024, he led all rookie quarterbacks in touchdown passes and passing yards[2], giving the Broncos confidence in his ability to carry them forward.
The backup quarterback corps consists of Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. While Stidham offers stability, his limitations make him a secondary option[3]. The arrival of Ehlinger compensates for the departure of Zach Wilson[3].
Despite having Nix, the Broncos are advised to draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly on Day 3. This forward-looking strategy reflects the Broncos' ambition to bolster their quarterback depth[3].
- The Broncos' decision to forego Desmond Ridder's auditioning could impact their quest for a consistent backup quarterback, adding to the ongoing rumors about their NFL draft strategy in 2025.
- With Desmond Ridder no longer competing in the rookie minicamp, the focus now shifts to the American-football talents like Blake Stenstrom, who could seize the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the Broncos' depth chart.
- Despite Desmond Ridder's withdrawal from the rookie minicamp, the NFL rumors persist, suggesting that the Denver Broncos are still strongly considering drafting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft to ensure long-term consistency at the position.
- Amidst the unfolding quarterback quandary, the Denver Broncos' current roster features Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger as backup options, but the absence of a veteran competitor like Ridder may prompt the team to prioritize quarterback draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Broncos football fans are keenly observing the team's ongoing efforts to solidify their quarterback depth, with the 2025 NFL Draft potentially holding the key to resolving the ongoing QB quagmire that has persisted since the minicamp roster upheaval.
