August 27, 2011; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper (73) prepares for a down during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
As I watched Tom Nalen’s press conference last week to commemorate his induction into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, I couldn’t help but think about a football teams’ offensive linemen and the five unsung heroes that make up that unit. It’s no wonder the Broncos offensive line during Nalen’s playing days refused to speak to the press – typically an offensive lineman only gets mentioned when they make a mistake, rarely when they do their job well. As the offseason blazes by at an alarming rate (thank goodness!), I’m going to spend the next several weeks highlighting the Bronco offensive linemen currently listed on the 2013 roster. Please continue reading for the “tale of the tape” for the men who are paid to open holes for running backs and protect Peyton Manning when he drops back to pass!
Per the official Denver Bronco website, the Broncos have a total of fifteen offensive linemen listed (see below for all the Denver Bronco offensive linemen currently on the roster).
Of the fifteen Broncos who make a living in the trenches with very little recognition, their average height is 6-4, while the average weight of these large men is 314 pounds. The average age is 26 years old; the youngest player being Manase Foketi (22) and the two oldest players being Chris Kuper and Manny Ramirez (30). The offensive line unit for the Broncos has a total of 37 years experience in the NFL (average of 2.5 years per lineman), which includes a total of five rookies.
2013 Denver Bronco Offensive Linemen
Zane Beadles
Philip Blake
Justin Boren
Ryan Clady (listed as Reserve/Franchise Player & not on actual roster)
Chris Clark
Paul Cornick
C.J. Davis
Manase Foketi
Orlando Franklin
Chris Kuper
Vinston Painter
Manny Ramirez
Quentin Saulsberry
Louis Vasquez
J.D. Walton
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