The Denver Broncos should fix their offensive line this way
The Denver Broncos’ offensive line needs some serious work, and I think there is a clear way to fix the unit for 2023 and beyond. The offensive line has always been a bit iffy for Denver. They’ve had some good players here and there, but I’m not sure we’ve seen a fully solid unit in a while.
Russell Wilson and the Broncos’ offensive line have not been on the same page this year. Butch Barry, the offensive line coach, has coached the unit to a worse place than they were last year with Mike Munchak, who was able to get the most out of the current players.
Now it seems the offensive line will be a top priority for the Denver Broncos this offseason. I think there is a clear way to fix the unit.
How should the Broncos fix their offensive line?
To me, the first step is figuring out who you can keep on the team in this unit, whether as backups or potential starters. In my opinion, the players along the line that you can keep in the future include Calvin Anderson, Garett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz, Netane Muti, Luke Wattenberg, and Billy Turner.
Anderson has proven to be a quality backup and occasional spot starter. Garett Bolles is a solid left tackle who has his moments. Quinn Meinerz is perhaps the best offensive lineman on the team. I like Muti as a backup and someone who can compete for a starting spot. Rookie Luke Wattenberg simply needs more time to see if he’s legit, and Billy Turner can play guard and tackle, which is useful.
However, the Broncos need to work on signing more starter-level talent for this unit. Right tackle has been a sore spot for Denver, and I think there are some solid names in free agency right now the team should consider signing.
All of Jack Conklin, Elgton Jenkins, Jawaan Taylor, and Mike McGlinchey would all be significant upgrades over what the Broncos have done at the position in recent years. Conklin or Jenkins would be my top two choices. Both are very good at what they do.
I’d also consider signing another tackle as a potential swing tackle, or even someone the team could rely on to start some games, so perhaps another Calvin Anderson.
Riley Reiff makes a ton of sense for someone to hold down that role. My main point here is that I think Denver needs to improve their tackle situation in free agency because generally speaking, rookie draft picks at tackle usually take a bit more time to develop than interior players, who have shown a stronger ability to adapt quickly at the next level.
Tackle is generally harder to play than the interior positions, so this is no surprise. There appear to be solid free agency options at tackle that Denver should pursue. Trying to sign a legitimate right tackle and a swing tackle makes sense to me.
Then, the Broncos can turn their focus to the draft, where I’d ideally want them to draft interior players. A first-round interior player is someone who starts with high frequency in the NFL (Quenton Nelson, Tyler Linderbaum, Alijah Vera-Tucker).
There’s a reason why I’m not an NFL General Manager, but this is my two cents.