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Denver Broncos: Expectations for every rookie in 2020

By Sayre Bedinger

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 25: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 25: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Peyton Manning, Lloyd Cushenberry
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Center Lloyd Cushenberry III #79 from LSU of the South Team during the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The North Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Lloyd Cushenberry III, C

2020 expectation: Be the 2020 version of Dalton Risner at center

This may be an unfair expectation for a rookie, but I expect a lot out of Lloyd Cushenberry.

The third-round pick out of LSU is coming from a tremendous program with NFL-caliber coaching and a conference in the SEC where he played against NFL-caliber competition weekly.

In 2019, the Broncos inserted Dalton Risner into the starting lineup from the minute he stepped onto the team’s campus, and he was tremendous, giving up just one sack in 16 games and making a huge impact on the offensive line.

Although they play different positions, I feel like the expectation of Cushenberry is that he can be this year’s version of Risner.

Cushenberry approaches the game like a pro and has for a few years now. He is a smart player who is also physically able to hold up against NFL competition right away.

The holdovers from last year — Patrick Morris and Austin Schlottmann — may get the first shot at the center job, but I would be shocked if Cushenberry wasn’t starting to open the 2020 season for the Denver Broncos at center and I think he’s going to lock down that spot for many years to come.

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