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Denver Broncos: Positives to build on from week one loss

By Sayre Bedinger

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Gareon Conley #21 and Curtis Riley #35 of the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Gareon Conley #21 and Curtis Riley #35 of the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Center Jake Brendel #64 of the Denver Broncos sets to snap to quarterback Kevin Hogan #9 against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Center Jake Brendel #64 of the Denver Broncos sets to snap to quarterback Kevin Hogan #9 against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Elijah Wilkinson, RT

The Denver Broncos kept only eight offensive linemen on the active roster going into the 2019 regular season.

Their depth was almost immediately tested.

Right tackle and big-money free agent acquisition Ja’Wuan James went down after 10 snaps with a sprained knee, and Elijah Wilkinson — the Broncos’ top backup at both tackle and guard — was called upon.

How’d he do? I’ll let Vic Fangio tell you.

"“I think he’s been pretty damn good all training camp and preseason games. Came in the other day and played well. Had a tough first play, got a little late off the ball, but we have total confidence in him.” HC Vic Fangio (via Broncos PR)"

The Broncos’ confidence in Wilkinson is certainly reassuring. They desperately needed some positive news on the offensive line and Wilkinson provided it.

Check out this cutup by Brandon Thorn of The Athletic on Twitter. Wilkinson is out there pushing guys around with ease.

Wilkinson played a lot of right guard for the Broncos last year in Ron Leary’s absence, but his natural position has always been tackle. If he can develop into a starter, would the Broncos consider trying him out at the left side if Garett Bolles struggles?

We won’t get ahead of ourselves here, but hopefully Wilkinson can build off of this.

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