Broncos Feel 'Fortunate' to Land Oregon Center in NFL Draft
When a new head coach takes over at a team, certain underperforming starters start to feel the heat. Denver Broncos incumbent center Lloyd Cushenberry III undoubtedly falls into that very category, especially after former Seattle Seahawks pivot Kyle Fuller was brought into the mix.
Across the board, Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been focused on building competition. So, it was no real surprise when the Broncos leaped all over Oregon center Alex Forsyth with pick No. 257 pick in Round 7.
It’s fairly common to find centers still available on Day 3 of the draft, but Broncos GM George Paton was both surprised and delighted to be able to nab the versatile Ducks lineman so late in the process.
"We see him as a center that can flex, and he's going to compete, just like all the rookies and the entire team," Paton said. "… [He's] tough, smart. [I] just love the way he plays the game."
Payton seemed grateful that Forsyth fell all the way into Denver's hands in the last round of the draft.
"We felt real fortunate to have a chance at [Forsyth] that late in the draft," Payton said.
Forsyth played at several different positions up front at Oregon, but he remained a three-year starter who didn’t give up a single sack in 2022. Indeed, the 24-year-old's ability and willingness to fill in where required might have confused other teams about what was his most natural position.
This uncertainty could have contributed to his draft slide. Ultimately, Paton says the Broncos project Forsyth as a center in the professional ranks, but that added bonus of flexibility is, of course, most welcome.
Having a player who can be plugged into place when required will be particularly important now that Graham Glasgow was jettisoned in Denver, moving on to join the Detroit Lions. Such levels of flexibility come as an added bonus, but the Broncos would really like to find a center who can dominate in the middle and set the tone for their rebuilt offensive line in front of quarterback Russell Wilson.
Second-year center Luke Wattenberg also figures to throw his hat in the ring against Cushenberry. Factoring in Forsyth, Cushenberry, Wattenberg, and Fuller, the Broncos could be hosting a four-way battle for the snapping duties in this summer's training camp.
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