Denver Broncos: What we learned about each position during OTAs

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 31: Denver Broncos players, including Allen Barbre #73, Nelson Adams #61, Ronald Leary #65, Marlon Brown #15, and Lorenzo Doss #37 walk off the field after warm ups before a preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

Starting five will be healthy by camp

While backups and young players have had a chance to get some valuable reps this offseason, the Broncos’ starting five has not yet lined up together on a field.

At least, not from what we’ve seen or heard.

The Broncos’ starting five offensive line for opening day is likely to be Garett Bolles at left tackle, Ron Leary at his natural left guard position, Matt Paradis at center, Connor McGovern or Menelik Watson at right guard, and Jared Veldheer at right tackle.

Neither Learny nor Veldheer practiced throughout OTAs, simply as a precaution.

Leary was the team’s big-money free-agent pickup in 2017, and he proved himself as one of the best guards in football when he was healthy.

Veldheer struggled through some injuries as well in 2017 but had a stretch of about 10 games where he played some great football for the Cardinals.

The Broncos acquired Veldheer in a trade this offseason, and plan on him being the team’s starter on the right side, giving them an outstanding pair of athletic tackles with the ability to move the pile in the running game.

On paper, this unit is vastly improved. We need to see them all together on the field before making any judgments, though.

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