Report: Broncos Using Top-30 Visit on OG Chandler Zavala

Just because the Denver Broncos prioritized offensive linemen in free agency — to the tune of $139.5 million — does not mean their work is done within the trenches. Quite the opposite, actually.

According to The Draft Network's Justin Melo, the Broncos are scheduled to "soon" conduct a top-30 pre-draft visit with North Carolina State guard Chander Zavala, an "elite athlete" being courted by several clubs.

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Zavala, 24, began his collegiate career at Fairmont State, a Division II school, twice earning first-team All-Mountain East Conference honors. He transferred to the Wolfpack program in 2021 but appeared in only five games due to a back injury.

Zavala returned with a vengeance last season, playing 422 pass-blocking snaps while allowing no sacks and just one quarterback hit. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound blocker also impressed onlookers during the East-West Shrine Bowl in February.

"Zavala was a difficult matchup for interior defensive linemen during 1-on-1s," CBS Sports' Emory Hunt noted at the time. "I thought his ability to effectively strike and steer DL was the best of all the offensive linemen this week."

Building on Jordan's report here.

In addition to #Panthers and #Lions, Chandler Zavala also completed Top 30s with #Steelers, #Ravens & #Jets, per source. Will soon visit #Broncos. Meeting virtually with #Giants.

Zavala is an ELITE athlete (RAS 9.95, @MathBomb). https://t.co/SKLLdEsB9P pic.twitter.com/jDWPRbccqP
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 5, 2023

Compared to former Steelers OL Kevin Dotson — in that he's a "high-level backup/potential starter" — Zavala has garnered a late Day 2 projection. The Broncos hold consecutive third-round picks, Nos. 67 and 68.

If acquired, Zavala would presumably slot in behind starting guards Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz under the guidance of new line coach Zach Strief.

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