Five Broncos players who might be finished in Denver
Connor McGovern, interior offensive line
Losing Connor McGovern would be a bummer for the Broncos.
If his price tag is reasonable enough, this is a player the Broncos should try to keep. Let’s take a look really quick at the state of the team’s 2016 draft class:
1. Paxton Lynch: Gone
2. Adam Gotsis: Likely gone in 2020
3. Justin Simmons: Will be back in 2020
4. Devontae Booker: Likely gone in 2020
5. McGovern
6a. Andy Janovich: Signed contract extension
6b. Will Parks: Could be gone in 2020
7. Riley Dixon: Traded in 2018
There is no written rule that says you have to keep every draft choice that works out for you in a given class, but it would be a shame for the Broncos to see both of their top two picks in the 2016 draft not work out and then let go of the players in this class that actually did turn into something.
Although McGovern doesn’t appear to be a top-tier center or right guard, he has substantial starting experience at both spots and he did fairly well at both spots.
Re-signing McGovern would give the Broncos at least two full-time starters to keep from their 2016 draft class, an underrated group for the life of their rookie deals aside from Lynch, all told.
With Simmons expected to receive either the franchise tag or a long-term deal (or both), I think the Broncos would be wise to hold onto McGovern, but that doesn’t negate the possibility that he could price himself out of Denver’s range.
With such a strong interior line class coming up from the college ranks in 2020 and 12 draft selections to work with, the Broncos may feel like a rookie could step in and replace McGovern’s production.
If McGovern is seeking top-10 center money, the Broncos probably aren’t the team to give it to him. Not that they can’t afford it, but just because the Broncos have cap space doesn’t mean they should just give whatever their players are demanding.
The price has to be right, and there could be a strong demand for McGovern around the league.
Next. Denver Broncos pre-Scouting Combine mock draft. dark
With that said, here’s hoping the Broncos can retain him to play one of their two available interior spots in 2020. McGovern’s positional versatility is valuable, and it would be nice to see a draft pick rewarded for solid play with a reasonable extension.