NFL Free Agent Profile: Mike Remmers, OT, Carolina

 

Throughout the offseason, we’ll be profiling players who may end up in Denver when all is said and done with NFL Free Agency. The Broncos clearly have plenty of holes to fill before they get back to Super-Bowl form and we’ll be examining a long list of players they may choose to help the franchise do just that.

As much as Khalil Mack owned Michael Schofield in Week 14 of the 2015 season—racking up four of his five sacks of the game against Schofield—Von Miller owned Mike Remmers in Super Bowl 50. In what was shaping up as a fine first year as a starting tackle in 2015, it all fell apart for Remmers after giving up two strip sacks to Miller in the biggest game in the nation.

Now, going into his sixth year in the league, the soon-to-be 28-year old is set to hit the open market. Remmers landed with the Panthers in 2014 after short stints with five other teams, including the Denver Broncos, and started in all 37 games that he appeared in. Although viewed as a serviceable tackle at best, the undrafted tackle from 2012 will undoubtedly land on a NFL roster during free agency.

Strengths

Remmers’ natural position—where he has played his best—is at right tackle. However, last year after starting left tackle Michael Oher suffered a concussion, Remmers played the final 13 games of the season on the left side. Although he didn’t perform well, his willingness to play left tackle showed a bit of versatility in his game. In a game where only 46 players are actually active, the ability to be versatile on the offensive line cannot be overlooked.

Additionally, while the Oregon State product hasn’t impressed with his performance on the field, he has shown the consistent ability to get on the field—not missing a start in the past two and a half seasons.

Weaknesses

While Remmers was given the difficult task of stopping Miller in the Super Bowl—who later was named MVP of the game—the right tackle did little to actually stop the Broncos’ pass rush. According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound right tackle graded out as by far the worst player in the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately for Remmers, this poor play carried over into 2016 as he graded out as the 51st tackle in the league.

How he fits in Denver

As poor as Remmers has been the past two season, the Broncos offensive line can’t claim to be much better. With Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson’s future with the team both in question, Remmers’ versatility and ability to play both tackle positions would be intriguing for the Broncos.

However, as Remmers’ likely role will be as a backup, it is likely that Denver will look to young developmental players to grow behind the starters, not an established veteran. With Remmers potentially commanding up to $4 million per year, it is unlikely the tackle will find his way to the Mile High City.