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Denver Broncos: Offensive tackle position preview

By Sayre Bedinger

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Offensive tackle Garett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Offensive tackle Garett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Menelik Watson
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 11: Offensive tackle Menelik Watson #75 of the Denver Broncos is introduced to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 11, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

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.

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