Denver Broncos: 5 biggest takeaways from 2019 roster cuts

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 08: Dalton Risner #66 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

1. The offensive line needs to stay healthy

The Broncos kept only eight offensive linemen on their initial 52-man roster, and only seven of those guys stayed on the roster when it was finalized to 53.

Once the Broncos made the waiver claim of Corey Levin (OG/C, Titans), they released backup tackle Jake Rodgers, who was later added to the practice squad.

The Broncos’ current offensive line looks like this from left to right:

LT: Garett Bolles
LG: Dalton Risner
C: Connor McGovern
RG: Ron Leary
RT: Ja’Wuan James

Look, if that group stays together, it’s going to be pretty good, especially as the season goes on. At least I think so.

The Broncos need and are expecting a big jump this year from Garett Bolles, whose struggles have drawn the ire of many in Broncos Country. Everyone involved with the Broncos, to this point, has stated publicly that Bolles has shown improvement this offseason but it’s probably safe to say he’s projected to be the weak link on this unit if there is one.

Despite that, the Broncos’ top reserves are the aforementioned Levin, Elijah Wilkinson, and Austin Schlottmann.

Levin and Wilkinson have some regular-season action, Schlottmann has none.

The Broncos desperately need their starting offensive line to stay healthy this season. Is it too much to ask that all five of those guys play a full 16-game slate?

Probably, but we’ll have to wait and see.

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