Broncos Officially Move Orlando Franklin to Left Guard

Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Orlando Franklin (74) in action against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most critical roster situations we were monitoring this offseason was how the Broncos were going to address the loss of Zane Beadles, who bolted for the Jaguars in free agency. That question appears to have been answered now, with Orlando Franklin revealing on his Twitter page a position change.

Franklin’s move to left guard indicates the Broncos plan on keeping Manny Ramirez at center and using Chris Clark at right tackle with Ryan Clady coming back from injury. Clark performed exceptionally well from week three to the Super Bowl in relief of Clady, who suffered a Lisfranc injury in garbage time against the Giants in week two.

So, the big news here is that Franklin is moving to left guard, the spot that was vacated when Beadles left for Jacksonville. This move could be indicative of the Broncos’ plans in the first round of the draft. Perhaps with their confidence in Clark after last season as well as their hope for Vinston Painter and the fact that they re-signed Winston Justice, the Broncos may not have any intention of drafting an offensive lineman in the first round unless it’s a center.

Or, this could all be part of their master plan to make everyone think they aren’t drafting a tackle or guard, and they’ll do it anyway. There’s no way of telling, so the draft can’t come soon enough because I don’t think I’m alone in saying I get more and more confused about what the Broncos can and will do by the day.