Broncos 2023 Player Grades Reveal Need for Key Upgrades
The Denver Broncos' 2023 season was a roller coaster. After starting 1-5, the Broncos won five straight before winning two of their final seven games.
It led to Denver's best record since 2016 and had the team playing meaningful games in December. Ultimately, it was a disappointing season because the Broncos controlled their playoff fate but dropped a pair of crucial games.
Offensively, the Broncos were lackluster all season long, struggling for consistency throughout the season, and their passing game was ineffective in 90% of the games. The offense couldn't carry the team to wins, and even during the five-game win streak, the Broncos struggled to capitalize on the defense's historic takeaway streak, leading to closer wins than should've been.
It wasn't enough, especially with all the money Denver invested in the offensive side of the ball over the past few years. When evaluating the offense for the season, it's clear that some positions need a talent boost.
Breaking it down to an individual level, we can pinpoint which players the Broncos need to find an upgrade for. Today, I'm revealing the cumulative player grades for the Broncos' offense.
On top of the grades for the season, we'll also look at how the Broncos should approach each player on offense this offseason.
Quarterback
Running Back/Fullback
Wide Receiver
Tight End
Offensive Tackle
Interior Offensive Line
Ben Powers | Grade: 55.5 | Verdict: Keep
It wasn't a great year for Powers because of his inconsistencies, but there was more good than bad. His contract will keep him around for 2024, but Denver can get out of his deal if he doesn't improve enough in 2025.
Lloyd Cushenberry III | Grade: 59.7 | Verdict: Let Walk
Cushenberry finally looked like a legit starting center and came in a contract year, which always makes people skeptical. While it would be great to keep him, he will likely ask for more money than the Broncos can handle with their cap issues, and they already have two potential replacements on the roster.
Quinn Meinerz | Grade: 69.8 | Verdict: Keep & Extend
Meinerz is eligible for an extension, and the Broncos should look at getting that done before he gets even more expensive. The two most expensive guards have $20.5 million and $20 million per year averages, and Meinerz shouldn't eclipse that at the moment, but he could a year from now. If the Broncos can get the extension done this year, they could probably get it done for $15-$17 million annually.
Luke Wattenberg | Grade: 56.1 | Verdict: Keep & Develop but Upgrade
Wattenberg saw the field a bit and looked much better than his rookie year. With a second year under OL coach Zach Strief and the third year of Wattenberg's career, he might take another step forward, which is why he's worth keeping and developing. However, Wattenberg shouldn't be handed a starting job, and if Denver can replace Cushenberry with an upgrade over Wattenberg, it should do it.
Alex Forsyth | Grade: DNQ | Keep & Develop but Upgrade
Payton drafted Forsyth with him having the potential to be the future starting center. You can keep developing him, but he shouldn't be handed the starting job. If Denver can land a legitimate starting center, the team should take it instead of betting on Forsyth's development.
Will Sherman | Grade: DNQ | Keep & Develop but Upgrade
Sherman is a young offensive lineman who can still develop. However, it would be best if you always were willing to churn and upgrade the bottom of the depth chart.
This will be an interesting offseason to see what the Broncos do to improve the offense, especially when the most critical position needs improvement.
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