Just like with running backs, Kubiak’s zone-blocking scheme and the offensive linemen that have played in it have brought many great memories to Broncos fans through the years. The Broncos have made a tradition of finding hidden gems at the position and turning them into long time productive pros (think of Tom Nalen, Matt Lepsis or maybe even Matt Paradis). A large part of this is the uniqueness of the zone-blocking scheme, which suits more mobile (and often undersized and undervalued) and intelligent players who are their best blocking on the move.
The Broncos have made it a priority to upgrade the offensive line this offseason, seeing it as a key to improving the offense as a hole this year. It’s still hard to believe that Denver won the Super Bowl with the o-line they had in 2015. Denver has added Donald Stephenson, a versatile tackle who should fit Kubiak’s offense nicely and veteran tackle Russell Okung, in addition to the healthy return of Ty Sambrailo. This should make for a much-improved line, especially when you account for youngsters like Sambrailo, Max Garcia and Matt Paradis taking another step in their development.
The Broncos are still far from being a top unit in the league, or even close to the level that is required for Kubiak’s offense to tick at full potential. That’s why there could be some more help on the way through the Draft. The tackle position has been the focus of free agency, even though there’s no sure-thing, long-term answer at left tackle, especially considering Okung’s contract. Also, the guard position is anything but consolidated with Sambrailo and Garcia starting in only their second years in the league. Keeping all that in mind and taking into account who might actually be around when the Broncos are picking, here are several options for the Broncos, with the usual late-rounders to keep an eye on as well.
First-round options
Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State (6-foot-4, 301 pounds, 32 3/8-inch arms)
Kansas State’s left tackle lacks the upside of the next two first-round options, but he brings tons of versatility and is just an all-around solid player. He’ll most likely have to convert to guard as he lacks the length required for an NFL tackle. Because of his shorter arms, he’s struggled against smaller/speedier pass rushers who are able to get under his pads and longer defenders who are able to get their arms inside his frame and stand him up.
Aside from that, he’s extremely solid, especially when projected to a zone-blocking scheme where he has great mobility, is smart, a reliable pass protector and good blocker on the move. Whitehair is so technically sound that he rarely gave up pressure despite playing the most taxing position on the line this year. His knee bend is excellent and allows him to create great push despite not being the strongest. His footwork is extremely sound and you rarely see him get off balance because of it, even against faster and stronger players (did a great job against tougher competition, handled Emmanuel Ogbah well and played great against Oklahoma).
Whitehair isn’t a mauler and doesn’t have great length, he’s most likely limited to being a pulling left guard or a center, but promises to be a reliable high-end player at either spot for many years as a pro. One of the safer first-round options that we’ve looked at thus far.
Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana (6-foot-6 301 pounds, 34 1/8-inch arms)
Spriggs is a former tight end who’s still new to the position, he has a slender frame with ideal length and prototypical athleticism for a modern left tackle. He’s an intriguing player with loads of potential but a bit of a boom or bust prospect too. He has moments where he’s dominant in the run game and makes pass protection look easy, which he alternates with lapses in concentration or bad technique that will get him trouble.
He needs to play with more consistent knee bend and create consistent push, he also needs to be better with his hands and not allow linemen to get their hands inside his pads and stand him up. His upper-body strength is also a work in progress and he’ll need to hit the weights in the NFL.
Especially in a zone-blocking scheme, Spriggs is extremely enticing. The Indiana product excels in pass protection (made pass pro against Shilique Calhoun look easy at times and handled himself well against Joey Bosa for stretches) where his elite athleticism and length shine, there’s tons of potential there. He also is special when on the move on the second level and blocking on screens; has the ability to finish blocks and maul in these situations. Both are two very important aspects of playing left tackle in a zone-blocking scheme, areas in which Spriggs is already at his best. He’s improved leaps and bounds since arriving at Indiana as a tight end, reminiscent of two other former tight ends with narrow frames like Nate Solder and Lane Johnson, who turned into Pro Bowl players. If you trust your line coach, he could be a worthwhile gamble.
Germain Ifedi, OT/OG, Texas A&M (6-foot-6, 324 pounds, 36-inch arms)
Since this series began we’ve looked at and analyzed potential first-round options for the Broncos at several positions, some that have been endorsed (several 3-4 DEs, Darron Lee, and even Derrick Henry) and others we’ve warned against (Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook, most notably), Ifedi, unfortunately falls in the second camp.
Let’s start with the good, Ifedi is extremely versatile and experienced three-year starter who’s blocked for some outstanding offenses. He has elite length and arms that would make NBA scouts jaw’s drop to the floor. When he plays with proper technique and balance, he can create push against the run and stick with and pass protect some of the SEC’s best pass rushers. With his length and size, he does a good job against bigger linemen (handled Jarran Reed well in the Alabama game).
The problem is he’s very inconsistent, put on the Ole Miss game from this year and there are points where he looks un-draftable. His technique and footwork can be frustratingly inconsistent, he reaches too much, he gets confused by blitzes and simply allows much more pressure than his talent warrants. He’s also susceptible to moves on his inside shoulder and allows slower bigger defenders to get their hands inside his pads allowing them to stand him up, his knee bend is inconsistent as well, which limits his ability to create movement against the run on a consistent basis. He’s struggled against elite speed rushers and has been flagged for far too many false starts.
Though Ifedi has prototypical size, length and athletic traits to project at the left tackle position that’s a long term projection. When put in the LT spot this past season, he struggled and was moved back to the right side and didn’t always excel there either. The only way in which he starts immediately next season is as guard but his first-round value stems primarily from his potential to eventually play as on the outside. Buyer beware, a coaching staff will need to be patient and work on technique, but eventually, he has the talent to be a starting right tackle with potential for more.
Day two options (second and third rounds)
Max Tuerk, OC, USC (6-foot-5, 298 pounds, 32 1/2-inch arms)
A somewhat forgotten prospect in this class due to him missing the majority of the 2016 season to a knee injury. But go back and look at all the pre-season All-American teams and you’ll see Tuerk as the choice for pundits at center. Forget for a second that he played center in college, this guy isn’t your conventional center (just look at his size), Tuerk is one of the better interior offensive linemen in this class, period and has lots of versatility. He’s at his best in space where he just knocks guys back and opens up holes, very fun player to watch in space and could be terrific in a zone scheme because of this. The prospects of his athleticism in the Broncos scheme as a pulling guard is extremely intriguing. Probably best in the LG spot, he isn’t the strongest at the point of attack and would be aided by the amount of double-teams at that position. His athleticism, experience as a team leader, and versatility are all skills that make him an above average guard prospect, with potential for more. He’s one of the better interior pass blockers in this class.
Joe Dahl, OG, Washington State (6-foot-4, 304 pounds, 33 1/8-inch arms)
Talk about underrated, this guy was the blind side protector for one of, if not the most prolific passing offense in college football the last two years. He lacks the length and upper echelon athletic tools to be a left tackle at the NFL level but shows lots of promise as an athletic guard in a zone-blocking scheme. Is an extremely adept pass blocker who can handle power surprisingly well (played admirably against DeForest Buckner) and plays with great balance and footwork. Not a fit for every system but a skilled player with the traits that could allow him to succeed in the Broncos offense has above average starter potential at guard.
Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State (6-foot-3, 298 pounds, 33 1/2-inch arms)
Not as athletic or nimble as some of the other linemen on this list, doesn’t exactly scream zone-blocking guard when you first watch him. This isn’t because he appears slow, but simply because he’s a physical mauler who tries to finish plays every chance he gets and punish people into the ground. Very good run blocker, who plays with active hands and a ferocious mentality. The more you watch him and the more plays you see him used as a pulling guard, getting to the second level and being able to block effectively in space and the more the fit in the Broncos offense becomes apparent. Was used as a left guard at ASU and could fit nicely in that role with the Broncos and seems to have ample strength and power in the run game to compete at right as well.
Later-round options
Tyler Johnstone, OT, Oregon (6-foot-5, 301 pounds, 34-inch arms)
Would be a second-rounder if not higher if he didn’t have injury concerns. Missed the entire 2014 season and missed several games in 2015 due to injuries, durability is obviously a problem. The talent isn’t, however, he’s slender and comes from a spread offense for Oregon so you know he’s a good fit in the zone-block. Was the starting left tackle and would have been the starter ahead of Bengals second-rounder Jake Fisher in 2014 if not for injuries. Doesn’t fit the stereotype of the athletic/undersized tackle, as he’s a very hard-nosed player and excels as a run blocker, plays with an aggressive edge that really defines his style of play. Has great length and has shown some true promise as a pass blocking left tackle with good movement skills, especially when at 100-percent health. If the medical staff gives their approval, he could be a true steal in the Broncos offense.
Rees Odhiambo, OG, Boise State (6-foot-4, 314 pounds, 33 1/4-inch arms)
The other Broncos starting left tackle profiles best to kick inside as a pro, lacking truly elite length and athleticism for that premium position. Can be frustrating to watch at times as he doesn’t always play with an edge and finish blocks like he could. Has some very intriguing tools for a zone-blocking scheme and the potential to be eventually developed into more than just a guard if he’s more consistent with his effort and technique. Extremely versatile player with some very intriguing tools and upside to perform well in this offense.
Jack Allen, OG, Michigan St (6-foot-1, 294 pounds, 32 1/4-inch arms)
This kid is tough as nails, no other way to put it, and a personal favorite. Definitely reminds me of Tom Nalen in that he’s a tough SOB in that undersized center mold. Allen has been a high-level starter for a great team, who brings lots of experience and leadership. Profiles best in a zone-blocking system given his size, and could be a great fit in Denver. Creates great push in the run game and will get nasty and try to finish you into the ground. Refuses to give up an inch in pass protection and is much better than his raw physical tools might suggest. Only player in this list who’s likely limited to playing exclusively at center, which could limit the Broncos interest given Paradis’s presence. Don’t discount the talent or fit, though, he’s a great player.
