Examining Whether Broncos Did Enough to Upgrade the O-Line

The Denver Broncos did not have a good offensive line last year, which was part of their many issues. The Broncos targeted two high-quality starters to improve the unit this offseason, but will it be enough?

Alas, there are still holes up front, including a very questionable projected starter. However, if the Broncos can stay healthy, four of the five spots should be highly productive with the offense Sean Payton will be running.

If one of those four gets hurt, the Broncos have highly questionable depth. Bringing Cameron Fleming back as the backup swing tackle was a good move for a team that didn't have a backup swing tackle on the roster.

The need for a swing tackle was necessary because Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey both have had their injury issues in the past, with the former coming off a season-ending injury. Turning to Fleming, who mostly held his own starting last season, would be much better than relying on Quinn Bailey, who still has a good chance of making the roster because of his versatility.

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Things get a lot worse when you get to the inside of the Broncos' O-line. Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz are two capable starters, but the depth behind them is questionable. There is also the issue of Lloyd Cushenberry III being the projected starter at center.

Over the last two seasons, Cushenberry was one of the worst centers in the NFL. If the draft fell differently in 2022 and 2023, then the Broncos probably have a different center. However, that isn't how things shook out.

The Broncos were linked to multiple centers in the draft each of the last two years, which indicates a lack of enthusiasm for Cushenberry. That lack of enthusiasm could see seventh-round rookie Alex Forsyth or Kyle Fuller take the job, but if they don't, at least they provide depth options at center and guard.

The pure guard backups are Henry Byrd and Will Sherman, and, well, that isn't an excellent group for depth. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Broncos pursue a veteran guard who can play both sides over the coming months.

With two new starters and questionable depth, this unit's ultimate outlook is tough to project. One thing is certain: the Broncos need the players to stay healthy. If they can, this unit has the potential to be good.

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