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The Denver Broncos are having a great offseason

By Sayre Bedinger

September 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Donald Stephenson (79) during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Donald Stephenson (79) during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Donald Stephenson and the OL youth movement

Donald Stephenson was an intriguing investment by the Broncos. They prioritized him, as they have other players in recent years.

2013: Louis Vasquez was the first FA signed in a year with plenty of big name additions.
2014: TJ Ward was among the first UFAs signed in a big year of spending by Elway
2015: Owen Daniels was given a very nice three-year deal by Elway at the outset of free agency

Elway then targeted Stephenson to start the 2016 offseason, agreeing to terms before the actual FA period opened.

Stephenson was paid very good money to leave Kansas City, where he only started 21 games in four seasons, and the Broncos obviously have reasons for that. Michael Schofield is not a very good starting right tackle. The Broncos had to upgrade their athleticism at that spot, and Stephenson was signed to start.

And start he shall.

With Stephenson at the right tackle spot, the youth movement has begun for the Broncos on the offensive line. From left to right, the projected offensive line will look like this:

Okung, Ty Sambrailo, Matt Paradis, Max Garcia, Stephenson

Get at me. Thats’ a good looking, athletic crew right there. The Broncos were trudging along this past season with a band of misfits on the offensive line. This is a good group, and they will continue to add depth in the draft.

Next: Want to be a Bronco?

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