Assessing the Denver Broncos offensive line pre-draft

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive guard Max Garcia (76) in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive guard Max Garcia (76) in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Menelik Watson (71) celebrates as he runs off the field after a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Menelik Watson (71) celebrates as he runs off the field after a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The Broncos certainly didn’t pay top tackle money for Menelik Watson, but they paid a pretty penny for him to come in and likely start at the right tackle position.

Watson has been oft-injured, but has shown great talent when healthy and could be a key piece of this offensive line’s resurgence moving forward.

Last year’s starter (for the most part) was Donald Stephenson, who is not far off from being out of a job. The Broncos restructured his contract this offseason and have an out if the doesn’t end up making the final 53-man roster.

Watson is likely the starter here, but as I’ve mentioned in previous slides, there are interesting options elsewhere on the roster. Notably, the option of Connor McGovern here interests me. Coming out of college, he seemed an ideal fit for guard or right tackle in the pros, and I’m not sure the Broncos have solidified his spot just yet.

There’s a lot of promise here with Watson, possibly McGovern, but the days of Michael Schofield and Ty Sambrailo have likely died at the right tackle spot for the Broncos.

Justin Murray, who has spent time on the practice squad, is another option for some depth here.