Matt Paradis: From Broncos practice squad to prime OL

Matt Paradis is a former sixth round pick out of Boise State who spent the entire 2014 season on the practice squad. Now he’s the best offensive lineman on the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos…

It’s been a quick ascent for Matt Paradis, but at the same time long and grueling.

After being drafted in the sixth round out of Boise State with the expectation that he could someday wind up the starting center or at least be a piece of depth along the offensive front, he’s now become one of the most important players on the Broncos’ roster.

For an area of the team — the offensive line — that largely struggled in 2015, Paradis proved his value and then some. He was promoted from his practice squad position a year earlier and was the opening day starting center for the Broncos. Paradis was so good throughout the offseason activities, he allowed the team to release Gino Gradkowski and eventually Shelley Smith, not leaving the Broncos with a second thought.

No other player on the entire Broncos’ roster played every single snap this season — offense or defense — but Paradis.

He was rewarded for his play.

And this is probably my favorite…

Many offensive linemen have come in to Denver and fit the zone blocking scheme, playing with finesse and quickness. Paradis has good feet and plays well in the zone scheme, but he’s also got a nasty streak to him and has good functional strength to anchor.

He was recognized for his efforts, and deservedly so.