Menelik Watson, age 29
The Broncos signed Menelik Watson to a three-year contract in the 2017 offseason, banking on the former second rounder’s high potential.
Watson was a second round pick of the Raiders in the 2013 NFL Draft and failed to live up to lofty expectations, struggling with injuries and inconsistent play.
The Broncos didn’t pay full market value for Watson as a ‘starting’ tackle last offseason, which was likely why they were willing to take a bit of a risk on him.
Watson failed miserably in year one with the Broncos, ranking among the league’s worst in pass rush efficiency, sacks allowed, and hits allowed.
Some of the sacks Watson allowed were on the quarterback, but a lot of times, he just couldn’t handle pass rushers off the edge.
The Broncos knew they needed to upgrade over Watson at tackle this offseason, so they brought in Veldheer, but they still think he can be either a swing tackle or potentially compete to start at guard.