Position by position wish list for Denver Broncos in Free Agency
Offensive Tackles the Denver Broncos could target in NFL Free Agency
Cameron Fleming
The Denver Broncos have a plethora of in-house free agents that are priorities. We start first with Cameron Fleming the tackle who asserted himself as a quality, plug-and-play tackle for the team once injuries plagued the offensive line the entire year.
If in fact Garett Bolles is on the move for the Broncos, then re-signing Fleming is even more of a priority. Fleming provided insurance for both tackle positions in 2022. According to PFF, Fleming played 600+ snaps last season and graded out to be one of the better seasons of his career. As fate would also have it, he became arguably the best reliable offensive lineman the entire year. Even though Fleming had a rough season the campaign before, he became a necessity for the team.
We also have to remember team’s can never have too many swing tackles and Fleming in 2022 asserted himself as an underrated priority for the Denver Broncos.
Jawaan Taylor
Walker Little’s emergence with the Jacksonville Jaguars has possibly made Jawaan Taylor expendable in free agency. If rumors are true Taylor will test the open market there could be a team that sees him as a potential starter and long-term investment at right tackle. This is something general manager George Paton has said during the Combine. The Denver Broncos must find that long-term solution at right tackle.
Taylor may not be the best run blocker, but there’s obvious talent to invest in with him. And with Zach Strief manning the offensive line as their position coach we have no idea who could be of interest on market. Even though we mentioned Taylor’s run blocking is suspect at times he’s still willing to make it a part of his game. Keep in mind his college game before going to the Jaguars was a road grader. Taylor is what scouts would call a “people mover” to defensive linemen. Also, with Taylor being young, and Strief a young mind it would be crucial finding that long term option to where they can grow together.
If Taylor can truly hone in better on his run blocking it’s possible he’s one step closer to being a more complete tackle. Since Taylor joined the Jaguars he’s shown excellent growth in pass protection proving to be his best attribute early in his NFL career. More importantly, Taylor's availability is a strong pull for him in Denver. Denver’s offensive line was so plagued with injuries it makes sense to allocate as many resources there, like Kansas City.
Of all the options for Denver, this may be one of the most intriguing choices to find on the open market for right tackle.
Kaleb McGary
If Denver truly wants to spend big money on the tackle market, Kaleb McGary should be at the very top of the list for right tackle. McGary is arguably the most complete right tackle on the market and the Denver Broncos would be smart to strongly invest in McGary.
McGary has turned himself into one of the run-blocking tackles on the right side in the NFL. He graded out above 90 on Pro Football Focus in run blocking in 2022. And close to 70 in pass blocking. McGary also showed to hold his own versus one of the better pass rushers TJ Watt for a whole game. McGary allowed zero sacks and one pressure. He also registered five penalties in 2022 with one accepted.
This is also a pro for how he is as a disciplined tackle. His technique is pretty well-tuned. There’s not a lot that can get him off his platform. He’s not perfect by any means, but his growth these past four years has been impressive. Every single year McGary became a better tackle and player. He deserves every bit of the raise and extension on the open market.