Offensive line was a need even before free agency. The Broncos bolstered the line with the signings of Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson; however with the loss of Louis Vasquez and Evan Mathis, the Broncos had an opening to the guard spot.
Broncos drafted Connor McGovern with the 144th pick in the draft, bolstering the inside of the offensive line. Max Garcia is the leader in the clubhouse for the guard position, but the depth was empty.
Let us see what John Elway, the fans and a writer think:
Connor McGovern, our 5th rd pick from Missouri, is a tough, intelligent & athletic guard. He's also played some tackle.
— John Elway (@johnelway) April 30, 2016
Connor McGovern can play inside.. Gives #Broncos options if Ty Sambrailo not ready from shoulder surgery. Need improved guard play
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 30, 2016
Connor McGovern is one of the strongest guards in the draft (690 lb squat). He's instant depth and a probable starter in short time.
— Dr. Emmett Smith, OMD (@DocBearOMD) April 30, 2016
Gotta love that @twitter name …
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 30, 2016
Welcome to #BroncosCountry, @McGovenator60! pic.twitter.com/9d61siSLeT
Mizzou G Connor McGovern ... another guy among my top 5 available players.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) April 30, 2016
Connor McGovern, our 5th rd pick from Missouri, is a tough, intelligent & athletic guard. He's also played some tackle.
— John Elway (@johnelway) April 30, 2016
Connor McGovern: "I think (zone blocking) is going to be a perfect scheme for me."
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) April 30, 2016
Connor McGovern can play inside.. Gives #Broncos options if Ty Sambrailo not ready from shoulder surgery. Need improved guard play
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 30, 2016
ESPN's Todd McShay believes MU's Evan Boehm, Connor McGovern have starting potential in the NFL: https://t.co/8UKHto8Z5U
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) April 20, 2016
Focused and ready. At No. 144, the @Broncos pick up @MizzouFootball OG @McGovenator60. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/OgsLUwBCUn
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) April 30, 2016
Meet Connor McGovern: https://t.co/kvT7qo1piA
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 30, 2016
This is a really nice pick for the Broncos. I figured day three would be when they added some depth on the offensive line unless someone really good fell to them on day two. The Broncos targeted and identified their top three guys on Thursday and Friday, and they’re reaping the benefits of getting some top 100 players on Saturday.
McGovern was ranked 96th overall in this draft by CBS Sports.