Predicting the Denver Broncos starting offense in 2023
Predicting the Denver Broncos’ starting offense in 2023 – The dogs up front
This unit will undergo the biggest change of any unit on the team in the coming offseason. The unit has battled injuries and bad coaching from Butch Barry.
Left tackle – Calvin Anderson
This is the first change on the Broncos’ offensive line. Garett Bolles is out for the year from a lower-body injury and Benjamin Allbright, who is well-connected with the Broncos, has potentially hinted at the idea of Bolles getting traded this offseason. Denver might need to open up more cap space and by trading or cutting Bolles, they save $14 million against the cap.
Trade Bolles plug Calvin at left tackle and pay Chubb
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 13, 2022
Calvin Anderson has been OK when in the starting lineup and might develop some more if given more time at the position. The Broncos could also hedge this gamble of Anderson as the full-time LT with a quality free agent behind him, or a draft pick.
Left guard – Wes Schweitzer
This will be a free agent signing. The former Falcon and current Commander is a solid guard. He isn’t elite by any means but he’s done a nice job between his two teams and could land a solid contract from a team but most definitely will not break the bank.
According to Pro Football Reference, Schweitzer has been called for just 10 penalties since 2019. PFF has his grade at a 78.7 in 2021, 69.0 in 2020, and a 66.9 in 2018. I think he’s better than Dalton Risner and could take his spot at the left guard position.
Center – Ethan Pocic
If the Broncos are dead set on making life easier for Russell Wilson going into 2023 and beyond, bringing in one of his former teammates would be smart. Ethan Pocic played 57 games in Seattle from 2017-2021 at guard and center.
He’s currently a Cleveland Brown and is having the best season of his career. He’s still in his 20s which is a bonus and the familiarity with Wilson is clear. Bleacher Report also projected him as someone who could earn a nice payday next offseason given his high level of play this year.
Lloyd Cushenberry is not a starting-caliber center in the NFL and the Broncos can save a bit from moving on from Graham Glasgow this offseason. Pocic is a logical fit.
Right guard – Quinn Meinerz
I don’t think Quinn Meinerz is going anywhere and I do think he’s the Broncos’ best offensive lineman currently. The former DIII product was inserted into the lineup last year when Glasgow got injured and has held down the right guard spot ever since.
I’d expect Meinerz to continue to grow as a lineman and hopefully will get to benefit from some improved coaching next year.
Right tackle – Jack Conklin
Jack Conklin was a first-round pick back in 2016 for the Tennessee Titans and has made two All-Pros, one with the Titans and one with his current team, the Cleveland Browns.
Unfortunately, he’s missed significant time in two seasons because of injury but has played three full seasons and one season at 15 games. He’s played nine games in 2022 so far. There are perhaps only a few right tackles in the NFL better than Conklin and he’s still 28.
Alright, this prediction is finished! Let’s take a look at it all put together:
- QB: Russell Wilson
- RB: Damien Harris
- WR: Courtland Sutton
- WR: Tim Patrick
- WR: Jarvis Landry
- TE: Greg Dulcich
- LT: Calvin Anderson
- LG: Wes Schweitzer
- C: Ethan Pocic
- RG: Quinn Meinerz
- RT: Jack Conklin