Denver Broncos: 5 factors to make the offense better in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Denver Broncos tackle Garett Bolles (72) looks over to the sidelines during the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts on December 14, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Denver Broncos tackle Garett Bolles (72) looks over to the sidelines during the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts on December 14, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. A (hopefully) improved offensive line

One thing the Denver Broncos really need in 2018 is a consistent and improved offensive line.

That’s not too much to ask for, is it?

The Broncos invested a first-round draft pick in Garett Bolles in 2017, along with a lot of money to guard Ron Leary in free agency.

With center Matt Paradis returning for what could be his final season with the team, three-fifths of the Broncos’ offensive line should be very good to elite.

On the right side of the offensive line, the Broncos will be banking on some upside and Jared Veldheer staying healthy for the season.

The Broncos actually have some interesting depth on the offensive line this year, and they seem to finally be putting players in positions where they can succeed.

Connor McGovern playing right guard could be an upgrade on paper. He’s the strongest guy on the team, and one of the most athletic big men. If he can emerge in year three and become a key starter for the Broncos, the right tackle position is the only one that will be in question for the long term.

But the Broncos have some viable options for 2018, and they need those options to step up in a big way.

Unlike the past three seasons, it doesn’t require blind optimism to think the Broncos could have a formidable offensive line in 2018, which would be a major factor for this team’s offense as a whole.