Training Camp 2021: Previewing the Broncos offensive tackles

The Denver Broncos are trying to get back to relevancy – and the postseason – in 2021. They turned in a down 2020 season, going 5-11 under Vic Fangio, but the staff returns intact to give it one more try. Fangio is entering his third year as the Broncos head coach, and it’s win (a lot of games) or go home. The Broncos changed things up in a big way this offseason by moving on from former general manager John Elway and hiring new GM George Paton.

This is the first year under the guidance of Paton, and the team has done a good job of adding quality players via free agency and the NFL Draft. However, there are questions that need answers before the start of the regular season. In this series at DenverFan.com, we will go through each position group searching for those answers.

This is the latest part in our Training Camp Preview. Today, we’ll take a deep dive on the offensive tackle position.

***

Starters: Garett Bolles, Bobby Massie

What a difference a year makes. Last year, Bolles was entering the season in the final year of his rookie contract as the team declined his fifth-year option. His future was uncertain, but through his play, Bolles secured himself a new long-term contract. Last November, Bolles signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Broncos to continue locking down their left tackle position.

Bolles has worked diligently to improve his game. Yes, NFL officials called fewer holding penalties in 2020, but Bolles has made better efforts when it comes to blocking edge rushers. Hall of Fame offensive line coach Mike Munchak has gotten through to Bolles. Instead of rejecting coaching as he’d done in year’s past, Bolles has trusted Munchak with his career and it’s paid off in a big way – for both Bolles and the Broncos.

I’m feeling better about potential starting right tackle Bobby Massie than I would be if Ja’Wuan James was healthy and in that spot. Massie, a fourth-round pick of the Cardinals in the 2012 NFL Draft, came to the Broncos via free agency this offseason.

During his time in college at Ole Miss, Massie was known as a massive player with incredible strength. After four years in the desert, Massie signed with the Bears where he stayed for five years. Pro Football Focus graded Massie as the 36th best pass-blocking tackle in 2020.

Massie was a salary-cap casualty by the Bears as they were up against the cap. The Bears loss is the Broncos gain, and Massie should be able to win the starting job in training camp so long as he’s healthy. Back in early June, it was revealed that Massie has not been participating in offseason workouts because of a strained pectoral muscle. We’ll see if he can get right and get into the starting lineup during training camp and the preseason.

***

Reserves: Cameron Fleming, Calvin Anderson, Quinn Bailey, Drew Himmelman

I think Massie wins the starting job, but Cameron Fleming is going to give him a run for his money in training camp. A fourth-round pick of the Patriots in the 2014 NFL Draft, Fleming was a talented and versatile player at Stanford.

He had an up-and-down time with the Patriots and ended up signing with the Cowboys in 2018 where he played for two seasons. As an unrestricted free agent last season, Fleming found a home with the Giants. In 2020 with the Giants, Fleming started all 16 games at right tackle even though he was originally signed as a swing tackle. He now brings that versatility and experience to the Broncos in 2021.

Calvin Anderson has been getting more looks this offseason with Massie a little banged up. He was an exclusive rights free agent who signed his tender to play earlier in the offseason. Anderson played three years at Rice before transferring to the University of Texas for his final college season. He was plucked from the Jets practice squad in 2019 and has good movement ability. I think he’s done good work under Munchak and could start in a pinch.

Quinn Bailey has been with the team for a couple of seasons after coming into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona State in 2019. Coming out of college, Bailey is what scouts call a “knee bender” who does a good job locking onto his man. A smart player, Bailey is not often fooled by stunts and twists on the defensive line in front of him. I thought he would best transition inside at guard, but the Broncos like him on the outside. Bailey is running out of chances to make the team and has more competition this season.

Drew Himmelman is a huge tackle, measuring in at a whopping 6-foot-9 and 317 pounds. He thought about playing basketball instead of football, but was a standout player on the gridiron, going to Illinois State where he was a fixture for them at left tackle for three seasons. The Broncos added Himmelman as a priority free agent after the 2021 NFL Draft, and he’s a long shot for the 53-man roster. However, I think there’s enough natural talent there (great footwork) for Himmelman to be a fine developmental prospect on the practice squad in 2021.

***

Summary

The Broncos have a strong starting duo on the outside. Bolles and Massie give the Broncos strength on the outside. The Broncos should be a run-heavy offense in 2021. Bolles and Massie give them a powerful combination that can dominate opponents on Sunday.

When the team goes to the air, both players can properly and adequately keep pass-rushers at bay. Last year, Drew Lock was one of the least sacked quarterbacks in the NFL even though his time-before-pass was among the longest in the league. They’re better at tackle than they were last season.

The rest of the group consists of quality reserves, something the Broncos haven’t always had at the tackle position. Fleming could be a starter for many teams around the league, but in Denver he’s likely a reserve player. Anderson has starting upside as well, and the Broncos won’t lose much if he’s thrust into the lineup.

The Broncos want to run the ball early and often in 2021. They also want to protect their quarterback as best as possible. This group of tackles allow them to do just that this season.

Follow @CecilLammey