The Denver Broncos' priority this off-season is to vastly improve their offensive line. It was not good enough last year (Butch Barry deserves the majority of the blame as well) and Sean Payton understands that the guys up front is the reason why teams win football games.
There is a lot of uncertainty with the current players on the roster. Garrett Bolles is rumored to be on the trade market (for the right price) and the right tackle situation needs to be resolved. Graham Glasgow recently got cut, freeing up cap space for the Broncos. Dalton Risner is unlikely to return due to his performance last year and wanting a big contract.
This leaves the right tackle, center, and left guard up for grabs. In the 2023 NFL Draft, there are some players that can fit well for Sean Payton. The NFL Combine showcased a few of the players that can play well on the offensive line and have an immediate impact (while being on a cheap rookie contract too).
Here are five offensive line targets for the Denver Broncos in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Andrew Vorhees - USC Trojans
There is some good news and bad news when talking about Andrew Vorhees. The bad news is Vorhees tore his ACL at the NFL Combine. The good news is when he becomes fully healthy in the future, he is going to be a great starting offensive guard.
With the injury he suffered at the combine, this will most likely cause him to fall in the draft. Vorhees was already projected to be drafted in rounds three or four. Depending on how far he falls down in the draft, Vorhees is still a great player to draft, regardless of the injury.
Vorhees is one of the most experienced players in the draft. He has logged over 3,000 snaps in his collegiate career, with 400-plus at each at left tackle, right guard, and left guard. Vorhees' primary position is left guard, and he will fit in perfectly replacing Dalton Risner.
He has a balanced play style, as he is exceptionally well in both the pass and run games. Vorhees will be a consistent player for years when he recovers from his injury. NFL analyst, Lance Zierlein, has compared him to Teven Jenkins.
Combine Results
- Vertical Jump - 29"
- Broad Jump - 8' 9"
- Bench Press - 38 Reps
Cody Mauch - North Dakota State Bisons
The scouting department for the Denver Broncos had to be impressed by Cody Mauch at the NFL Combine. Not only did he perform well at Indianapolis, but his tape is even better.
Mauch will replace Bolles if the team goes in a different direction at left tackle. He has some experience playing right tackle but is most comfortable at left. PFF had some interesting things to say about Mauch and it read:
"Mauch had one of the most incredible body transformations in this class, entering North Dakota State as a 221-pound tight end before beefing up to 303 pounds to play left tackle this past season. Despite gaining over 80 pounds, he maintained his freakish athleticism. Mauch’s 90.8 grade and 19 big-time blocks led all FCS offensive linemen this season."Pro Football Focus
Mauch is incredibly athletic and moves well for his size. George Paton should lock in on drafting him as he would be a young and talented player to help the offensive line.
Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash - 5.08
- 10- Yard Split - 1.79
- Vertical Jump - 29"
- Broad Jump - 9' 0"
- 3-Cone Drill - 7.33
- 20-Yard Shuttle - 4.55
- Bench Press - 29 Reps
Atonio Mafi - UCLA Bruins
George Paton loves his UCLA Bruins, and Atonio Mafi has a high chance of becoming a Denver Bronco' at the end of the draft. Mafi can play his way into becoming the starter at left guard due to the potential he possesses.
Mafi's biggest strength is in the run game. He had an 88.3 run-blocking PFF grade, which ranks way above average. Mafi is a big man as he stands 6'4 and weighs 339 lbs. The Broncos may prefer to sign a free agent at this position but Mafi offers a great depth option and learn from the veteran who is in front of him.
Mafi is a low-risk, high-reward player that the Broncos should target.
Combine Results
- Did Not Participate
Blake Freeland - BYU Cougars
Blake Freeland is an experienced offensive tackle that had a tremendous career at BYU. He started at right but transitioned to left tackle and thrived at the position. Not only does he have tons of experience, but has great skills that translate to the NFL.
Freeland allowed zero sacks last season at BYU on 462 pass-block snaps. According to PFF, his 90.7 pass-blocking grade and 87.9 run-blocking grade ranked third in the FBS. Freeland has great length and size for the position, which plays to his advantage greatly.
The potential to become a superstar at the position is evident as he stands at 6'8 and weighs over 300 pounds. It should not shock fans if Freeland is drafted earlier in the draft, but he is projected to be available around the picks the Broncos currently (and possibly more via trade) have.
Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash - 4.98
- 10-Yard Split - 1.68
- Vertical Jump - 37"
- Broad Jump - 10' 0"
- 3-Cone Drill - 7.46
- 20-Yard Shuttle - 4.71
Jarrett Patterson - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Jarrett Patterson might be the perfect player to draft for the Denver Broncos due to his versatility on the offensive line. He has played both center and left guard at Notre Dame. Last season, Patterson played all 827 snaps at left guard, with the previous two seasons at center.
The Broncos have problems at both positions and he is the ideal fit. Patterson would start off as a depth player at both positions but can easily become the starter for Sean Payton.
Patterson is intelligent and a physical freak, two essential traits in the NFL. When he locks on his opponent, they are in big trouble. Patterson quickly gets to the second level as he mauls in the run game.
Broncos fans should be thrilled if Paton drafts Patterson because he can solve a lot of problems that can arise throughout the season.
Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash - 5.33
- 10-Yard Split - 1.82
- Vertical Jump - 29.5"
- Broad Jump - 8' 10"
- 3-Cone Drill - 7.96
- 20-Yard Shuttle - 4.73
- Bench Press - 22 Reps