Denver Broncos Need to Re-sign or Get These 5 Players
Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I told you there was another offensive lineman on this list, and this one fills a huge need at right tackle.
When Elway signs Bulaga to a contract, it will allow Louis Vasquez to move back to right guard, where he is one of the best (if not the best) in the NFL. It will solidify the right side of the Broncos offensive line for years to come.
Bulaga finished 2014 with a +12.7 Pro Football Focus grade (+13.2 in pass blocking, +0.1 in run blocking). He allowed four sacks and 25 hits or hurries on the season. Bulaga’s best season was 2011, his second year in the NFL. He had a +19.0 PFF grade (+8.2 in pass protection, +10.3 in run blocking). He allowed only one sack that season.
The belief is Bulaga will net somewhere between $6-7 million per year. Again, even with DT, Franklin and Suh, there is plenty of space for Elway to make this happen. In fact, he would still have room left for some veterans and the draft.
Suh and Bulaga immediately improve both positions and are hugely needed by the Broncos. The last four years the defensive tackles have been incapable of getting consistent pressure; especially with a pass rush. The last four years, right tackle has been a makeshift position (as seen last season when Vasquez was moved there). After the in-house guys, these two guys have to be who Elway goes after.
If you add them, you give the Broncos two of the best lines in the NFL.