Connor McGovern could play significant role for Broncos in 2017
The Denver Broncos have plenty of question marks along the offensive line in 2017. Connor McGovern could play a significant role…
Everyone’s expectation seems to be, at this point, that Matt Paradis will make a full recovery from his offseason surgeries and be ready for the start of the 2017 regular season. The Denver Broncos are obviously hoping that’s the case, but are preparing Connor McGovern to be the team’s center in case Paradis needs more time than anticipated.
Back in May, Broncos head coach Vance Joseph talked about how they wanted to see whether or not the second year player out of Missouri could handle the responsibilities of the position.
"“Just to show that he can play and make the calls. At center in this league, it’s more than snapping the ball and blocking your guy. It’s about identifying the backers. it’s pass protection. It’s making the line call. If he shows he can play, it helps our football team, especially with [C] Matt [Paradis] recovering from his hip injuries.”Vance Joseph on May 16th (quotes obtained via Denver Broncos PR)"
After going through the entirety of offseason activities, Joseph said he is pleased with what he saw from McGovern throughout the process.
If McGovern isn’t entrenched as the starting center — and when Paradis is healthy, he’ll be the starter — there’s a chance McGovern could steal the other starting guard spot opposite Ronald Leary. There’s no doubt he’s left an impression in the weight room, and is one of the strongest players in the entire league…
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With McGovern impressing head coach Vance Joseph at OTAs, and Max Garcia having to switch from right guard to left guard, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Broncos opted for McGovern at one of the guard spots if he continues to perform well.
It is at least an intriguing option, given the Broncos don’t really have anything set in stone on the offensive line right now other than the fact that Ronald Leary is going to start at one of the guard spots.
The emergence of McGovern, even as a key backup, could give the Broncos a much needed boost on the interior offensive line. He was a fifth round pick, but not for lack of hard work off the field and natural athleticism.
There are videos all over Matt McChesney’s Twitter page of McGovern getting after it this offseason, and he could very well be one of the team’s most improved players entering his second season.