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Denver Broncos top 3 underrated roster weaknesses

By Sayre Bedinger

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 08: Jazz Ferguson #87 of the Seattle Seahawks completes a six yard touchdown pass against Linden Stephens #37 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter during their preseason game at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 08: Jazz Ferguson #87 of the Seattle Seahawks completes a six yard touchdown pass against Linden Stephens #37 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter during their preseason game at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 08: The Denver Broncos exit the tunnel before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 08: The Denver Broncos exit the tunnel before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Backup offensive linemen

I would be fascinated to hear what the Broncos’ coaching staff thinks of the current state of the depth on the offensive line.

Denver’s starting five looks really solid on paper with Garett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Connor McGovern, Ron Leary, and Ja’Wuan James.

Behind those guys, however? Yikes.

The Broncos’ top two reserves on the offensive line currently appear to be third-year player Elijah Wilkinson, the favorite to be the team’s swing tackle, and Don Barclay, a veteran journeyman who did not look great against the Seattle Seahawks.

Barclay has allowed two pressures so far this preseason, and his experience is his greatest ally at this point.

Wilkinson has allowed just one pressure in two games, and has skills worth developing. But if someone gets hurt at tackle for any length of time? Let’s hope that doesn’t happen, or that Wilkinson puts a little bit better tape out there. Rich Scangarello said Wilkinson has stood out to him this offseason, so if the coaches are confident, I’m at least somewhat confident.

That gives the Broncos seven linemen right now who will probably get roster spots. Some teams keep just eight offensive linemen active, others keep 10. The Broncos probably need to be closer to eight.

So who is the eighth guy?

Undrafted rookie John Leglue (guard) has done some nice work in pass pro, and Jake Rodgers has played alright, not allowing any pressures, but are either of those guys regular season guys?

Austin Schlottmann has struggled some snapping the ball, but it does appear the Broncos have given him the most reps of any backup lineman at multiple positions in games.

Sam Jones was drafted in 2018 — has he shown enough to be kept around?

The problem here is, offensive line help doesn’t grow on trees, and the Broncos aren’t exactly in the market for someone to come in and start right now. They could try to make a trade for depth but what assets do you give up for a backup offensive lineman at this point?

This will require some in-depth work from the scouting department, but I’m sure there are some guys out there the Broncos could acquire. They also have to trust the process with new offensive line coach Mike Munchak and believe in his ability to develop these young players quickly.

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