Denver Broncos general manager John Elway talked up Ty Sambrailo as a decision at left tackle looms in the 2017 NFL Draft…
John Elway spoke to the media at his annual pre-draft press conference, and the topic of the left tackle position obviously came up. Elway didn’t offer exactly the response anyone really expected however, as he mentioned — by name — Ty Sambrailo as an option to start at left tackle moving forward.
If the Broncos are liking what they are seeing so far in offseason activities from Sambrailo, it could potentially provide them an ‘out’ in the first round if the offensive tackle situation isn’t favorable. All along, it has seemed like the Broncos were either taking Christian McCaffrey or an offensive lineman, but perhaps the Broncos’ faith in Sambrailo could change the draft plans.
In keeping with consistency, Elway also mentioned Donald Stephenson and even Menelik Watson as options at the left tackle position, but those seem like worst case scenario options at this point.
After the draft, the Broncos could look to a veteran like King Dunlap, who has experience playing for Mike McCoy. It might not be the most attractive option, but it’s at least out there and Dunlap would probably legitimately be better than what the Broncos had last season.
In fact, how could it possibly get any worse?
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Prior to Sambrailo’s injury in his rookie season, he was playing well in relief of the injured Ryan Clady. He has battled injuries since then, and because of his injuries, he’s also been out of shape.
That was evident as the Broncos were forcing him onto the field for some game reps last season to justify keeping him on the active roster. He was absolutely terrible in that regard, and had no answer for pass rushers.
It doesn’t seem like the smartest move to go ahead then and put Sambrailo out there blocking the blind side of a young quarterback, but there’s a chance the Broncos are more confident in him than the rookies available in this year’s class.
When asked if there was a ‘day one starter’ in this year’s draft, John Elway took a long pause before saying, ‘I think so.’
It wasn’t exactly a glowing endorsement for this year’s class of tackles, but it did sound like a pretty glowing endorsement for Ty Sambrailo, who might be in the driver’s seat for the Broncos’ starting left tackle position.