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Denver Broncos: 5 high-impact rookies for the 2020 season

By Cameron Parker

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide catches a 62 yard touchdown reception thrown by Tua Tagovailoa #13 against the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Levi's Stadium on January 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide catches a 62 yard touchdown reception thrown by Tua Tagovailoa #13 against the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Levi's Stadium on January 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Lloyd Cushenberry Denver Broncos
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Center Lloyd Cushenberry, III #79 of the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Lloyd Cushenberry, center

We mentioned earlier in our introduction about Connor McGovern heading to the New York Jets in free agency. This left a hole in the middle of the offensive line at the center once again. In the last few years, Denver has now lost Matt Paradis and McGovern. The team needed to find its long-term answer at center in the draft.

Cesar Ruiz was taken by the New Orleans Saints in the first round thus opening the door for Lloyd Cushenberry to go high potentially.

In a twist of fate, Cushenberry fell to the third round and Denver is lucky he landed in their laps. Some folks felt Cushenberry was the smartest center in the draft. For Denver to get him, the Jets and Dallas had to pass on Cushenberry. They did.

The addition of Cushenberry gives Denver some strong stability on the offensive line for a handful of years. The only position remaining in limbo is left tackle and this is due to Garett Bolles entering a contract year.

Cushenberry’s intelligence will help bring knowledge of protection schemes and assignments. The former LSU Tiger raved praises from teammates that he was one of the glues to that offense. He was beloved by his team and is a high character individual. For Denver to snag a player like this to go with Mike Munchak is a win for the team long-term.

Cushenberry’s impact will happen beyond a box score and what you see on the field than anything else.

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