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How Luke Wattenberg fits on depth chart

By Cameron Parker

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 31: Luke Wattenberg #76 of the Washington Huskies jogs off the field in the fourth quarter against the Eastern Washington Eagles during their game at Husky Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 31: Luke Wattenberg #76 of the Washington Huskies jogs off the field in the fourth quarter against the Eastern Washington Eagles during their game at Husky Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Trench warfare for the Denver Broncos has finally happened in the 2022 NFL Draft with the selection of Luke Wattenberg.

There is a little uncertainty surrounding the offensive line starting unit and in particular the center position. However, with Luke Wattenberg in the mix, the Denver Broncos decide to address the versatility giving the team many options to work with upfront in the trenches.

Wattenberg in his Washington Huskies career played 27 games at left guard, 16 at center and five at left tackle. With less experience at left tackle, there is more opportunity to grow within the depth chart at guard and center than outside.

This is not the first time Denver has addressed the versatility for offensive linemen. During the last regime, the Broncos drafted Dalton Risner from Kansas State Wildcats where he played numerous positions as well before becoming the Broncos starting left guard. Risner struggled in the last few years with blocking scheme, but it certainly feels going back to outside zone will do him well.

Graham Glasgow had his contract restructured to where he will remain in Denver but beyond that is a question. Quinn Meinerz should not leave the starting right guard spot. This leaves the Broncos with Wattenberg competing for a center and left guard spot as a possible starter.

Wattenberg registered a 9.59 RAS score from Math Bomb calculating the athleticism of a player. Early on it looks like the starting unit will be Garett Bolles, Risner, Lloyd Cushenberry, Meinerz and Billy Turner, from my point of view. Beyond that Wattenberg will be thrust into a group with Ben Braden and Tom Compton as new additions to the team to address the depth.

This is a fascinating watch for the Denver Broncos going forward. Denver traded with Green Bay by moving up for Wattenberg. Fifth round is different than first, but trading up still means trading up. It’ll be fascinating how the depth shakes out and where the team sees him in its future plans.

Related Story. Grading the Montrell Washington pick. light

Keep up to date on all the selections from the Denver Broncos on Predominantly Orange and once the draft is over, the undrafted free agents.

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