Denver Broncos: Connor McGovern can bring OL stability

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Connor McGovern #60 and Matt Paradis #61 of the Denver Broncos walk on to the field for their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 19: Connor McGovern #60 and Matt Paradis #61 of the Denver Broncos walk on to the field for their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos have a potential diamond in the rough in former fifth-round pick Connor McGovern, who could start at right guard in 2018…

Connor McGovern can play his role in stabilizing a Denver Broncos offensive line that ranked near the bottom of the league the last few seasons.

As a whole, the guard position is the main reason to look forward to a better 2018 because of McGovern’s play late in the season in 2017.

Ronald Leary originally solidified the right guard position, but injuries derailed him. However, despite numerous players being given opportunities, McGovern ran away with the chance.

Max Garcia was once a starter for a few seasons, but struggled to maintain his spot on the depth chart.

Garcia proved to be a reliable run blocker, but seems to have issues protecting the quarterback. It’s not entirely his fault though. The Broncos face a murderers row of defensive linemen and pass rushers in the AFC West. McGovern proved to be a versatile guard with strength and quickness.

His pass blocking also got better as the season winded down.

With Ronald Leary moving to his natural position at left guard, Matt Paradis healthy for the start of 2018, and especially Garett Bolles expected to be much better, the Broncos are poised to take a step forward with the offensive line.

It is important to also lower the expectations a little bit. Despite the play of McGovern last season, this is still the Denver Broncos offensive line. Until there is a longer period of success we should hold our judgment.

However, Training Camp brings great stories to the forefront every year.

The offensive line will be monitored thoroughly by fans and media. Connor McGovern is a player to watch due to his success last season. In my opinion, there’s some hope the line turned a corner.

Next: What we learned from Broncos OTAs

Let’s see how it shakes out.

Keep it locked here on Predominantly Orange as we provide the best Broncos coverage all off-season and into Training Camp.