Should The Broncos Consider Signing Joe Barksdale?
By Tylor Walden
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Joe Barksdale (72) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos are looking to rebuild their offensive line during the offseason. Joe Barksdale is one player that could help the offensive line out during the 2015 season.
A huge need for the Denver Broncos in 2015 is the right tackle position. This was held by Chris Clark for the first half of the season, but then was benched at around the halfway point when Manny Ramirez was moved from center to right guard which forced Louis Vasquez to right tackle. The Broncos do have Michael Schofield from last year’s draft at the right tackle position, but the question becomes how much do they trust Schofield? He did not play a single down in his rookie season and would have a huge task in front of him protecting Peyton Manning when he takes the field. Would they consider the second year player with a task as huge as that?
Joe Barksdale could be the perfect mentor for Michael Schofield if the Broncos decide to sign him. He was widely known as one of the best offensive tackles of his class leading up to being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2011. Having Joe Barksdale mentoring Schofield and protecting Peyton Manning is a win-win in my books. The only thing that could be preventing the Broncos from making the move (if they are at all) is would he be able to fit in the zone blocking scheme? If they think he can fit, then he would be a solid option.
It is actually quite surprising that he has not found a new home yet, but then again he does have a life outside of football like all players do.
Don't expect anything to happen on Joe Barksdale front until the Rams RT is back from his honeymoon. Titans are showing some interest.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) March 20, 2015
It is actually quite surprising too that the Denver Broncos are not addressing the needs at their positions rather quickly. John Elway appears to be playing low key on the free agency frenzy this season. But Broncos fans could be a bit worried that the team has made minimal moves to address the offensive line. Joe Barksdale could be a solid option at right tackle because of his experience and his talent at the position. I mean, he’s had to block for quarterbacks like Shaun Hill and Austin Davis. Joe Barksdale would thrive for the opportunity to protect Peyton Manning.
There are still plenty of free agents out there for the Denver Broncos as far as offensive line is concerned. If they want to thrive for a chance to at least upgrade their right tackle and allow Michael Schofield to learn from a top-tier right tackle, John Elway should call Joe Barksdale as soon as possible before any other team does. But in the end, it all comes down to how each player can help the team and I am sure John Elway is thinking about that.