The Denver Broncos have been looking for depth at the right tackle spot since Ja’Wuan James chose to opt-out if the upcoming season.
The team seems happy with Elijah Wilkinson as the starting right tackle for this coming season, but because he’s been a rotational player throughout his career and is probably best suited for that role, it’s good to have options.
The Broncos signed veteran Demar Dotson on the heels of James’ decision and the thought was that if Wilkinson wasn’t ready for a starting role, the 11-year vet could come in and take over his spot. But a better option may have been under the team’s nose all along.
Calvin Anderson has been a big bright spot this summer, as Sayre Bedinger details here.
Originally an undrafted free agent of the New York Jets, Anderson was plucked off New York’s practice squad last year by the Broncos, who have held onto him ever since. Now, he could be ready to make an impact.
Anderson doesn’t have all the physical tools that you look for at the professional level out of a tackle, but he did have plenty of playing experience in college, including time at left tackle.
That could be bad news for the aging Dotson, who offers only experience at this time and not nearly as much upside. Check out this play. Though it’s just a rep in practice, it’s still mighty impressive.
https://twitter.com/THE_CONDA25/status/1295866778329874433?s=20
I can hardly see Wilkinson making that play.
As for Dotson, he has spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they made no attempt to re-sign him this offseason, opting to take Tristan Wirfs in the first round to help protect Tom Brady.
When he was signed, it was generally assumed he would be part of the team’s 53-man roster as a rotational guy with a decent chance to take over as a starter if Wilkinson were to falter. Now, hjust about two weeks after his signing, he could very well have to fend off Anderson to stick around.
Will Dotson or Anderson make the roster? Or will the Broncos find a way to hang onto both of them?