Editor’s note: Fifth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, the offensive line.
On the roster (16): Lloyd Cushenberry, Alex Forsyth, Kyle Fuller, Luke Wattenberg, Will Sherman, Quinn Bailey, Garett Bolles, Christian DiLauro, Cam Fleming, Henry Byrd, Ben Powers, Quinn Meinerz, Demontrey Jacobs, Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski, Isaiah Prince.
How many on the 53?: Eight
Most impactful offseason move: Signing Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey.
After the Broncos allowed the league’s most sacks in 2022, they revamped the trenches during free agency. Denver signed left guard Powers (four years, $52.5 million) and right tackle McGlinchey (five years, $87.5 million). Pairing those veterans up with Bolles (LT), Cushenberry (C) and Meinerz (RG) should give Denver much-needed stability up front.
Biggest question to answer in camp: Who will fill in the depth roles behind the Broncos starters on the offensive line?
Denver’s starting offensive line looks completely different heading into this season. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the group looks throughout training camp. The Broncos improved their depth at tackle when they brought back Fleming on a one-year deal. Although they lack true guard depth, Fuller, Forsyth, Bailey and Wattenberg have experience.
Battle to watch: Cushenberry vs. Fuller and Forsyth
This battle is Cushenberry’s to lose. Payton confirmed during the offseason that Cushenberry is the team’s starting center moving forward. Still, that didn’t stop the Broncos from signing Fuller, who spent most of his career as a backup, and drafting Forsyth in the seventh round. General manager George Paton spoke highly about Forsyth after the draft, calling him a center who can flex.
“(Forsyth is) just tough and smart,” Paton said. “(We) love the way he plays the game, and he’s going to compete like everyone else.”
Cushenberry is entering the final year of his rookie deal after an up-and-down season that ended with him missing the final nine games due to a groin injury. For now, it’s safe to pencil him in as the starter, but it’s not guaranteed.
Under the radar player: Quinn Bailey
Bailey could carve out a role on the 53-man roster with his position versatility. In 2022, he played 111 snaps at left guard and 50 at right tackle, allowing a sack and a quarterback hit in eight games (one start), according to Pro Football Focus. Bailey, an undrafted free agent in 2019, played six games during his first three seasons, as he spent most of the time on the practice squad.
Monday: Defensive line.
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