Billy Turner returns to the Mile High City
Searching for a stop-gap solution at the right tackle position, the Denver Broncos brought in former Denver Bronco, Billy Turner.
After having heavy debates on whether La’el Collins would be an option for the Denver Broncos and taking a look at former teammate of Russell Wilson, Brandon Shell, George Paton decided to bring back an old friend of the orange and blue, Billy Turner.
Appearing in 83 games, with 68 of them being starts, Billy Turner has proved to be a versatile piece for any offensive line he partakes in. He has played right guard, left guard, and even right tackle. Turner was a third-round selection by the Miami Dolphins in 2014, and had a short stint with the Baltimore Ravens before being claimed by the Denver Broncos in 2016.
Turner also has experience with the Green Bay Packers as he was brought in to be their right tackle during the 2019 NFL offseason, signing a four-year, $28 million contract. During his time in Green Bay, Turner spent a couple of seasons with now Denver Broncos Head Coach, Nathaniel Hackett.
This move makes a lot of sense for multiple reasons, Turner is familiar with the Denver Broncos, Coach Hackett, can play multiple positions if needed, and he actually could fill one of the biggest needs for the Denver Broncos, the right tackle position.
At first glance, Turner is expected to push newly acquired Tom Compton and Calvin Anderson, who was brought back on a one-year deal at right tackle. However, Dalton Risner and the other interior offensive lineman shouldn’t get too comfortable as Turner can step in and fill in admirably at their respective positions also.
This was a great addition, on a cheap one-year deal that could be up to $5 million if Turner achieves all of his escalators. Turner knows the scheme and could step in right away and be an asset for this offensive line.
In pass-protection last year, Billy Turner had a grade of 69.3 per Pro Football Focus, which is middling, but not something that should put Broncos Country in a panic. Turner also had one of the better win rates in 2021 as a right tackle.
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I’d still like to see George Paton target right tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft so this turnstile at right tackle can come to an end. Until then, I feel comfortable with the play of Billy Turner or Calvin Anderson, maybe even Tom Compton at right tackle as they are all bare-minimum, serviceable.