Report: Connor McGovern has been working at center this offseason
In place of the recovering Matt Paradis, 2016 fifth round pick Connor McGovern has been getting work at center this offseason, per Mike Klis…
According to a report from Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos’ backup plan for Matt Paradis isn’t quite what you might have expected…
That is certainly a bit of news worth diving into. As Klis notes in his report, McGovern played right guard and both tackle positions in college, but the Broncos got him some work at center (albeit, not extensive work) last Summer at training camp.
With Matt Paradis recovering from double hip surgery this offseason, it’s reasonable to assume the Broncos will need a viable contingency plan at the center position. It’s unfortunate, as Paradis is coming off of two excellent seasons, one in which he played injured, and he’s likely due a big contract extension at the end of the year.
Paradis was a perfect fit in Gary Kubiak’s zone offense, and is known as one of the smartest centers in the NFL. He’s as tough as they come, but in his absence, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested to see what McGovern is capable of doing.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
He didn’t play a single down in 2016, essentially getting the opportunity to soak in all he can mentally about the NFL game. McGovern is an absolute monster in the weight room, and perhaps the strongest overall player on the Denver Broncos’ roster.
His brute strength and excellent athleticism for his size make him an interesting fit in the Broncos’ new power blocking scheme. What’s even more interesting about this is the fact that the Broncos are not taking a look at Max Garcia, last year’s primary starter at left guard who was a 12-game starter at center his senior season at Florida.
Garcia is one of the Broncos’ better run blockers when he’s on his game, so perhaps they are looking at continuing his development at guard rather than switching his positions again entirely and stunting his growth as he enters his third year in the NFL now.
If McGovern is going to be opening the offseason program as the team’s center with Paradis in recovery, it would shock me if the first team offensive line wasn’t Garett Bolles, Ronald Leary, Connor McGovern, Max Garcia, and Menelik Watson.
That’s an offensive line full of nastiness, power, size, and athletic ability, to be certain.