Starting offensive line
Tackles: Garett Bolles, Ja’Wuan James
Guards: Graham Glasgow, Dalton Risner
Center: Lloyd Cushenberry
As I explained here, Elijah Wilkinson is not going to take the job from Bolles. John Elway and the organization can talk about an “open competition” all they want, Bolles is going to come into camp hungry and with plenty to prove and he is going to keep the job in overwhelming fashion.
The guy on the other side, James, is a bigger issue than Bolles in my opinion. By a lot. But because the team gave him a hefty contract last year, he will be the starter, as long as he can stay healthy.
Glasgow and Dalton Risner are going to be the starting guards, there isn’t much to talk about there.
The center spot is likely the only spot where there could be a competition this summer. The team does seem to really like Patrick Morris but Cushenberry was drafted with a third-round pick and the Broncos didn’t do that so he can sit on the bench. Plus, he’s much more physically gifted than Morris, a guy who went undrafted.
Cushenberry is going to be the guy and I predict he’ll be the guy in Week 1. Morris will have to fight for a reserve spot.
Who will be the rest of the reserves? Let’s take a look at the rest of the linemen on the roster who will be vying for those spots.