Broncos' New OG Ben Powers on Ravens Exit: 'They Couldn't Afford Me'
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On Thursday, despite being a self-professed "low-key guy," new Denver Broncos left guard Ben Powers was quick, and blunt, with his answer to why the Baltimore Ravens let him go in free agency.
“I don’t think they could afford me,’’ Powers said following an OTA practice at Centura Health Training Center.
Powers' curt reply is almost guaranteed to be an anomaly lost in a sea of grunts, perspiration, and perseverance in the Broncos' trenches. Spikey soundbites aside, Powers' unique attributes as a guard made him an ideal but expensive addition to Sean Payton's rebuilt offensive line this offseason.
However, it was Payton's high estimation and value of the guard position that attracted Powers to the Mile High City.
"That’s something I knew coming in here, so that obviously influenced my decision," Powers said of Payton's O-line views.
Payton makes no secret of his healthy admiration for brawling interior linemen — or their integral part of any successful team. In Powers, Payton landed a former fourth-round draft pick who played in only one game as a rookie, only to knuckle down and become a proven starter by Year 3.
Power's level of dedication checked several boxes on Payton’s extensive coaching sheet, convincing him that the 26-year-old was a vital piece he simply had to acquire.
“All the things you’re looking for,’’ Payton enthused of the 310-pound blocker. “His skill set. He’s strong. He’s smart. There’s certain things you look for in an offensive lineman. He can anchor and I think that’s important... His makeup. He loves football, so he certainly was a target and then he also comes from a place {in Baltimore) that’s used to winning."
The bumpy road to a starting role triggered the typical frustrations for Powers, but in the final analysis, it also helped forge his no-nonsense attitude.
“Looking back on my NFL career, the first four years, back then, I’d tell you how mad and upset I am," Powers said. "‘I’m not playing, I’m not getting opportunity. Things aren’t going how I want them.’ But standing here in front of you all, it worked out exactly how it was supposed to.”
Beyond the $52 million that Powers can potentially earn over the next four years in Denver, for the native of Wichita, KS, it was all about finding a fit that really works for him. The Payton era in Denver is designed to attract hard-nosed football players, and Powers was immediately drawn to the Broncos' new program.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for the offensive coaching staff they put together," Powers said of choosing to sign with Denver. “I’m really impressed. I really am. I think Sean’s a great coach.”
One look at the veritable hogs that Payton has assembled leaves no doubt of the nasty intentions the Broncos have in mind. When it comes to their attitude, Payton's O-line is a collection of blue-collar guys — just how the coach envisioned things.
But in the NFL, even that costs a truckload of cash.
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