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Denver Broncos: 7 players from the past that would improve 2020 team

By Graham Tiedtke

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 4: Randy Gradishar #52 and Larry Riley #26 of the Denver Broncos tackles the runner of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game October 4, 1981 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Gradishar played for the Broncos from 1974-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Tom Nalen, center

The Broncos might be high on the unknown Patrick Morris, but he would be easily forgotten if a prime Tom Nalen walked through the door.

Easily the best center the Broncos ever had, Nalen had few weaknesses.

He played his entire 15-year career with the Broncos after the team selected him in the seventh round of the 1994 draft. During that time, he was selected to five Pro Bowls while being part of one of the best run-blocking offensive line groups in NFL history.

That group helped the Broncos collect Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998.

Nalen was the model of consistency. Not only did he have a long, decorated career, but he rarely missed a game. From 1996-2006, he missed just nine games. All of those came during the 2002 campaign. In each of those other seasons, he played in all 16 games.

That’s exactly what you want from your center.

Nalen would go on to be named to the Broncos’ Ring of Fame. He is one of just two offensive linemen (Zimmerman) to ever earn that honor. Not bad.

The Broncos could use a center. Morris has little experience and there is no true center behind him. The Broncos may start Morris at center in 2020, but there is no doubt that fans would like to have Nalen in that spot if it were a perfect world.

— Travis Wakeman

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