What will Graham Glasgow bring to the Broncos?

DENVER — In a way, Graham Glasgow is the anti-Ja’Wuan James.

The ex-Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman, who agreed to terms with the Broncos on a four-year deal that is worth $44 million if he plays out the full length of the contract, has established himself as not only one of the NFL’s steadiest offensive linemen, but one of its most durable.

Glasgow comes to Denver having played in 64 consecutive games for the Detroit Lions, including a start in the 2016 wild-card round at Seattle. He hasn’t missed a game since he was inactive in Week 1 of his rookie season, moving into the starting lineup in Week 6. He never left it until now.

James, the Broncos’ big-ticket acquisition of 2019, missed 18 games over his five seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Broncos last year. Then he played in just three games — and never lasted more than a half in any of them.

Most of Glasgow’s work the last four years came at center, but he also has experience at left guard and right guard. Center would appear to be the best plug-and-play option for Glasgow, who brings quickness off the snap and enough athleticism to get into space and make blocks at the second level.

Glasgow’s versatility gives the Broncos myriad options as they reconstruct their offensive line.

If the Broncos do not bring back free-agent Connor McGovern, Glasgow could be plugged in at center, with restricted free agent Elijah Wilkinson slated to start at right guard. The Broncos gave Wilkinson a second-round tender, worth $3.25 million. This will likely be enough to keep any other teams from making a bid for the fourth-year offensive lineman, who started for James at right tackle last year.

With Wilkinson on a one-year deal, the Broncos could still look to add an interior offensive lineman on the second day of the draft. Potential second-day prospects such as LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry and Wisconsin’s Tyler Biadasz spoke at the Combine of their willingness to play either guard or center.

Former TCU offensive lineman Patrick Morris, who joined the Broncos via waivers last season, is also in play at center. Morris played for Broncos offensive line coach Mike Munchak in Pittsburgh. If he develops, he could push Glasgow to right guard, leaving Wilkinson as the swing backup at up to four positions.

The Broncos also had to strike fast. According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News the New York Jets were in play for Glasgow, making him their top target as they work to build a line to protect third-year quarterback Sam Darnold.

The Jets have missed out on their top OL target, Graham Glasgow. He has signed a four-year, $44M deal with the Denver Broncos with $26 million guaranteed, according to @SPORTSTARSNYC

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) March 16, 2020

Give the Broncos credit for getting out in front and getting their man. The wall in front of Drew Lock looks far more stable now than it was last December.