Denver Broncos: Early depth chart observations at training camp
2. Center
When the Denver Broncos were dealt a hand of good fortune in the 2020 NFL Draft and able to draft LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry III in the third round, it was assumed by many (me) that he would simply be this year’s version of Dalton Risner — a proven collegiate player and one of the best in the draft at his position who could step immediately into a starting role.
That’s not happening just yet.
Cushenberry seem to be third in line at this point for top center reps with the Broncos as Austin Schlottmann was the number one center on day one of camp with his former TCU teammate Patrick Morris taking center reps on day two.
#Broncos center position has three players in the mix. @LCush79, Patrick Morris and Schlottmann. Cush is talented rookie. I would not be surprised if he wins job. But has to microwave process with no preseason games and only 14 padded practices. #Denver7
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 16, 2020
This is not necessarily bad news for Cushenberry, at all.
On the contrary, the Broncos have a couple of young players they like in both Schlottmann and Morris, and Schlottmann transitioned to the no. 2 right guard behind Graham Glasgow on day two of practice.
Morris is more of a true center, though he filled in as an emergency guard for the Broncos last year as well.
In all likelihood, the Broncos are going to open the season with Cushenberry as the starting center but they have a couple of other guys capable of doing a good job, and perhaps both Morris and Schlottmann are competing for one roster spot.
It would not be shocking to see all three of these guys make the roster, either.