3. Offensive Line
2018 starting unit (starters at season’s end)
LT: Garett Bolles (Bolles)
LG: Ron Leary (Billy Turner)
C: Matt Paradis (Connor McGovern)
RG: Connor McGovern (Elijah Wilkinson)
RT: Jared Veldheer (Veldheer)
2019 starting unit (projected)
LT: Garett Bolles
LG: Dalton Risner
C: Connor McGovern
RG: Ron Leary
RT: Ja’Wuan James
The Broncos’ third most improved unit in 2019 is the offensive line, and it’s no secret why.
They spent a lot of money — $51 million over four years, to be exact — to solve their repeated issue at the right tackle position. Ja’Wuan James will have high expectations with that contract, but he’s certainly
Jared Veldheer, recently retired, was the best player they have had at the position since Orlando Franklin played in Denver.
Matt Paradis’ departure hurts, but hardly makes the Broncos’ other improvements a ‘wash’ with this group.
The Broncos getting James from the Dolphins is more than just throwing money at a problem, but James will also have to prove that’s the case.
They also drafted Dalton Risner to come in and start really anywhere on the interior three spots. He is currently expected to take over the left guard spot. Ron Leary will move from left guard back to right guard, where he says he prefers to be anyway.
Connor McGovern filled in for the injured Paradis at center last year and the year before in offseason work, so he’s got plenty of experience there.
The additions of James and Risner along with position coaches Mike Munchak and Chris Kuper make this one of the most improved units on the entire team.