There isn’t another position on offense, defense or special teams that’s been as problematic as the two offensive tackle spots for the Denver Broncos. It’s not even close. Because of this, the tackle position has become the biggest need area for the team going into the 2017 offseason.
It all starts with two big question marks for Denver from the 2016 roster, Russell Okung, and Donald Stephenson. Okung has been told by the team that his four-year extension will not be picked up. Though given his value compared to other tackles available on the open market he could be worth retaining at a significantly lower number.
The right side has been much more problematic, and the reshuffling that went on in 2016 didn’t do much to change that. Donald Stephenson was not the upgrade the team hoped for, and Ty Sambrailo was even worse in relief. Stephenson could be moved to guard, or the team could save $3 million in cap dollars by cutting him.
All that likely points to the Broncos searching for two new starting tackles in 2017, with a draft class that lacks depth and has very few surefire prospects and a free agent group that’s short on proven players seeking their second contract as their rookie deals expire—typically ideal free agent targets.
New starters might not just be forced due to contractual restructuring but also to a change of system with new offensive line coach Jeff Davidson being brought in—Davidson is known for using a power based system that’s significantly different from the zone blocking scheme Denver’s used under Gary Kubiak the past two years.
With all that in mind here are the best options for the Denver Broncos this offseason amongst the free agents before we dive into the top options in the draft in our second part.
The Quick Fix
Andrew Whitworth, LT, Cincinnati Bengals
A 35-year-old starter who wasn’t offered much in the open market only two years ago doesn’t exactly scream must-have free agent, but Whitworth is nonetheless a huge upgrade.
Whitworth is the dream scenario because he has a proven track record as a high-level left tackle in this league. He’s started all 16 games since 2009—with the exception of a 14 game 2013 season—and has conceded only four sacks in the past three seasons. He’s also graded out as Pro Football Focuses top offensive tackle in pass protection and second best overall. Whitworth is the rare case of a player who’s getting better with age, playing his best in his early 30’s.
Long and technically sound at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds and with a little nastiness to him, the former LSU Tiger wouldn’t be a long-term fix, but he would be a massive upgrade at the most important offensive position outside of quarterback.
The big question for the Broncos will be luring the Bengals lifer out of Cincinnati and competing against other teams in win-now mode—though by all accounts Whitworth is on his way out unless Cincy makes a big offer. His average base salary over the last two years was in the $5 million range, a deal similar to that would be a very good value.
Serviceable Starters
Ricky Wagner, OT, Baltimore Ravens
Wagner as only a fifth-round pick back in 2013 has turned himself into a three-year starter for the Ravens. Now, he’s ready to cash in. As options at right tackle go, you’d be hard-pressed to find much better.
Wagner is rugged but efficient as he’s allowed 4.5 sacks the past three seasons while only missing three games. He’s also only been guilty of 9 penalties in three years and graded out as PFF’s 19th-best tackle in 2016 (Okung ranked 38th and Stephenson 77th). He was also impressively graded as the ninth-best tackle in pass protection.
At 27 years old Wagner is also one of the youngest players on this list, another big plus.
Ty Nsekhe, LT, Washington Redskins (RFA)
Underrated, yet already 31 years old and a restricted free agent with relatively limited NFL experience, Ty Nsekhe is far from perfect, but he also could be ideal in a power-blocking scheme and relatively cheap.
Unknown to many as he arrived in the NFL in 2015—after a brief stint in 2012 with the St. Louis Rams and a long time in the Arena League and Canada—Nsekhe been used in spot duty and impressed, especially this season as he started four games in relief of a suspended Trent Williams. The 6-foot-8, 335-pound tackle held his own as the starting left tackle grading out as PFF’s 36th-best at the position.
At the right price, and depending on the type of tender that Washington puts on him, Nsekhe has value as a starting right tackle who could be moved to the left side in a pinch. What he’s shown so far when given a chance in the NFL has been impressive.
Riley Reiff, OT, Detroit Lions
The crop takes a significant drop off after the top few guys and while Reiff’s resume isn’t mind blowing he has proven to be a reliable starter on the right side with 69 starts under his belt in his first four seasons.
Reiff doesn’t grade out highly per PFF (48th overall), and he’s allowed 18.5 sacks over the past four seasons in addition to 19 penalties. While those aren’t enticing figures, they’re much better than Stephenson’s numbers, who is the same age and has half the career starts, many of those coming at guard.
Other Options
Matt Kalil, OT, Minnesota Vikings
Kalil has gone from being the fourth-overall pick and a promising young talent under Davidson’s coaching, to a player whose future is very much uncertain. Kalil is a big bruiser and was Adrian Peterson’s left tackle during his 2,000-yard season, but he’s also been a liability in pass protection.
Since a disastrous 2014 season, allowing 13 sacks and giving up 10 penalties, the former top pick hasn’t really been the same. A reunion with Davidson, who coached him his first four seasons as a pro, might be ideal, but he’s far from a sure thing as he’s conceded 31 sacks in 66 career starts and is coming off a season in which he was sidelined by a hip injury and put on IR starting only two games.
There are other experienced free agents out there that the Broncos didn’t go after last free agency but could this cycle if a full blown scheme change is enacted.
Andre Smith’s signing with the Minnesota Vikings didn’t go well for the lumbering linemen, but he also has 77 career starts and could be had for cheap. He is an injury concern as he missed all but four games last season after having to undergo surgery on his right triceps muscle.
Kelvin Beachum was also a disappointment in his one and only season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the former Steeler has starting experience with 54 career starts and at age 27 might make for a decent bargain after a career-worst season in Jacksonville.
Marshall Newhouse also fits in this category with 56 career starts and being 28 years old the former Giant has some value. The problem is he hasn’t started 16 games since 2012 and hasn’t been spectacular, though he is serviceable and that’ll do at this point.
Stay tuned for part two on the best options at tackle in the 2017 draft.
