Your 2016 Denver Broncos offensive line preview

Even as the Orange & Blue ran through the regular season on their way to an eventual NFL title, there was one elephant in the room; the offensive line. Well, within the last week or so, Vice-President of Football Operations John Elway has addressed that elephant.

With all the shifting, here is a preview of what the 2016 offensive line could look like for the Denver Broncos.

Left Tackle: Russell Okung, 28

Okung, a former first-round draft pick (6th overall) to the Seattle Seahawks is the newest addition to the roster after being signed a short time ago. The former Oklahoma State standout has seen his share of success in the league; you may remember him as one of the key components in the 43-8 throttling on the team who signed him today. A perennial pro-bowl caliber player with plenty of years left in the tank could very well be the best free agent signing by the Mile High crew this offseason. Okung signed a team friendly deal for five years and $53 Million.

Okung will be replacing injury prone Ryan Clady on the offensive line as Denver tries to trade their former No. 1 pick.

Left Guard: Max Garcia, 24

Garcia will be coming into his second year in the NFL, both with the Denver Broncos, looking to shine on a line that did nothing of the sort last season. The former captain of the Florida Gators started five games in 2015 but did play in all 16. A young talent who will be looking to newly acquired Okung for guidance has potential. You should see that very potential, barring injuries, this season.

Center: Matt Paradis, 26

As center seems to be the most important position on the offensive line, consistency is paramount, and, Matt Paradis started all 16 games for the home team last season. A young center coming into his second year has the capability to jump to the rank of superstar. The former Boise State Bronco will need to be on his game all season as his new Broncos prepares for a quarterback change. Whether it is with newly acquired QB Mark Sanchez or another name, look for Paradis to be one of the most important players on the roster in 2016.

Right Guard: Ty Sambrailo, 24

Ty Sambrailo was drafted in the second round last season by Denver with high hopes of being the answer for the whirlwind that was their offensive line. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury cost his half the season and a trip to the injured reserve list. The former Colorado State standout has recovered nicely and with the newly acquired talent, look for Sambrailo to move back to his natural position at right guard and for him to thrive. This season could very well be pivotal for the career of the hometown kid.

Right Tackle: Donald Stephenson, 27

Another addition to the offensive line, former Kansas City Chief Donald Stephenson was welcomed with open arms to the Mile High City. After starting seven games in 2015, and playing in all 16, Stephenson has a new home here and is ready to contribute. He is versatile and can play both left and right tackle, which is crucial for the Kubiak offense. This was a small signing compared to the likes of Okung, but an important one none the less.

With an average age of just 25.8 years old, this makes this one of the youngest offensive lines in football. With a little training and guidance for staff and current players, this could very well shape up to be the difference maker in 2016.