5 moves the Denver Broncos must make in 2023 offseason
By Andrew Wade
Reinforce the OL
The Denver Broncos offensive line has been wrecked by injuries and poor play this season. Starting left tackle Garrett Bolles went down with a season-ending injury, and we’ve seen nine offensive linemen take 50 or more snaps this season.
Former second-round pick Dalton Risner, although an amazing person off the field, has been less than stellar on the field and has yet to receive a contract offer from his hometown team. Given his performance since his rookie season, I imagine the Denver Broncos aren’t rushing to the table to bring him back nor should they be. This year, he has graded out as the 54th-best overall guard and 74th in run blocking according to Pro Football Focus. He is also 11th in pressure allowed.
Risner’s counterpart, the former prize of free agency, Graham Glasgow hasn’t fared any better while grading out as the 70th-best overall guard with the 67th best run blocking grade.
Think it can’t get worse? Think again. At the center position, former LSU product Lloyd Cushenberry has graded out as the 34th-best center.
Despite the current salary situation of Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos still have the 14th most cap room heading into next season with six picks. The cupboard isn’t completely bare, but general manager George Paton will need to get creative so he can get reinforcements for this offensive line if they want to quickly improve next season.
With the regression of Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos need to look long and hard about becoming a powerhouse running team and it starts in the trenches with the offensive line.