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Denver Broncos 10 most important players for repeat

By Sayre Bedinger

Jun 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas (88) following mini camp drills at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas (88) following mini camp drills at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

7. Russell Okung

The first offseason addition from another team to make the list is Russell Okung, the Broncos’ new left tackle.

Okung wasn’t hotly pursued right when free agency opened, but he fired his agent and decided to represent himself in negotiations. The result of his work as a player-agent? The Broncos signed him to essentially a one-year deal with no guaranteed money, and a team option for a four-year deal after that.

Okung, unlike a lot of big name players in free agency, bet on himself to earn his money rather than simply taking the most guaranteed money he could get. Some will call him foolish for that, but I don’t see it as a bad thing at all.

Okung has always been a hard-working player and despite some injuries has been one of the best left tackles in the game since being a first rounder out of Oklahoma State in 2010. Signing Okung paved the way for the Broncos to trade Ryan Clady, who had missed two of the past three seasons.

After watching 19 games of intense struggle on the offensive line, having a veteran with the abilities of Okung should solidify one of the most important positions in all of football as the QB’s blind side protector.

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