Miles
Well-known member
- Mar 18, 2019
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OFFENSIVE LINE:
Projected starters: LT Garett Bolles, LG Dalton Risner, C Lloyd Cushenberry III, RG Graham Glasgow, RT Ja'Wuan James
Key reserve(s): Elijah Wilkinson, Pat Morris, Austin Schlottmann, Netane Muti
Head Coach Vic Fangio said Cushenberry will compete with Morris for the center job, but I expect Cushenberry to be a Day 1 starter. And despite John Elway's announcement that Bolles and Wilkinson will compete for the left tackle job, I expect Bolles to come out ahead. Muti may take a bit of time to come along, but he could be a key depth piece at guard and maybe a future starter. It remains possible the Broncos could explore a veteran option to compete at left tackle, but that feels unlikely.
DEFENSIVE LINE:
Projected starters: DE Jurrell Casey, NT Mike Purcell, DE Shelby Harris
Key reserve(s): Dre'Mont Jones, McTelvin Agim, DeMarcus Walker
Fangio hasn't yet outlined the team's plan for the defensive line, but I think it's a decent bet that Casey, Purcell and Harris start in the team's base defense. In sub-packages, I suspect Casey slides inside and Harris and Jones become the defensive ends. Jones was an ascending player toward the end of last season, and Agim could be a sneaky good addition after the Broncos took him in the third round. This group, which was a question mark heading into free agency, is one of the best units on the roster.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Projected starters: Alexander Johnson, Todd Davis
Key reserve(s): Josey Jewell, Justin Strnad, Joe Jones, Justin Hollins
The Broncos used a fifth-round pick on Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad, and I suspect he could make an impact in Year 1 — especially on third down. A former high-school safety, Strnad may have the athleticism to help cover tight ends and running backs. He fell down draft boards because of a bicep injury, but he has the potential to be a contributor. Johnson and Davis will likely remain the starters in the team's base defense.