Training Camp 2021: Previewing the Broncos interior offensive line

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 interior of the offensive line (guards/center).

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Starters: Dalton Risner (LG), Lloyd Cushenberry (C), Graham Glasgow (RG)

Dalton Risner was a great addition for the Broncos in the draft a few years ago. A second-round pick out of Kansas State in the 2019 NFL Draft, Risner might be the smartest player on the offensive line. His knowledge of the game means he’s taken to coaching quickly and can pass on his insight to teammates. In fact, I think having Risner next to left tackle Garett Bolles has helped the former first-round pick play up to his potential and turn in a breakout season in 2020.

In addition to being smart, Risner is physical. He loves to dominate his opponent and is a tough player who knows how to recognize stunts and twists up front by opposing defensive linemen. Risner is known as a leader in the locker room and a player others can trust. He’s a hard worker and his country strong persona has made him a fan favorite since he’s a Colorado native and grew up a Broncos fan.

Lloyd Cushenberry had a rough rookie season at times, but he did flash the potential to be a fine starter in the NFL. His head seemed to be swimming last year – but for good reason. Cushenberry was tasked with making line calls in 2020, and there were plenty of times he was helping quarterback Drew Lock with protection calls. He’s a smart player, so this was something the team could trust him to do as a rookie.

Cushenberry is not mean. I was told by teammates (and Cushenberry himself) that he did get meaner as the season went on. It seemed like that as he gained more experience, Cushenberry understood the type of physicality he had to have in order to excel.

This year should be another year of development for Cushenberry. He will be pushed by 2021 third-round pick Quinn Meinerz, but I feel confident that Cushenberry will hold him at bay. With another year of experience, I believe that Cushenberry will have a breakout season in 2022.

Graham Glasgow did not have a good 2020 campaign – for a reason. He was injured, but you didn’t hear much about it. I felt great when the Broncos picked him up in free agency with a four-year contract last year. Glasgow was a standout player with the Detroit Lions, and I thought he’d bring his trademark toughness to the Broncos offensive line.

Instead, Glasgow struggled to play at a high level in 2020. He started 13 games and had problems going up against power players. I know Glasgow can bounce back this year, and I expect him to do just that.

The Broncos are going to have a change of philosophy this season, and that comes with running the ball early and often. That’s the type of physical game that Glasgow can dominate with. I look forward to seeing a better version of Glasgow in 2021.

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Reserves: Quinn Meinerz (OG/OC), Patrick Morris (OC), Netane Muti (OG), Nolan Laufenberg (OG), Austin Schlottmann (OG/OC)

Quinn Meinerz has immediately become a fan favorite in Broncos Country. A Division III prospect out of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Meinerz did not have a 2020 season due to COVID-19. He trained up in Canada in the wilderness to improve his game, and he taught himself how to play center by snapping to a garbage can.

Meinerz was invited to the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl and I watched him during the week of practice look strong against some of the best college prospects in the country. That performance (done with a broken hand) helped rocket him up the draft boards for teams out there and that’s why the Broncos picked him up in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Patrick Morris came out of TCU as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and was picked up by the Steelers. Munchak was a coach on the Steelers at that time, so when the Broncos had a chance to pick him up, they did just that in 2019. He is a high-value backup who could start at center or guard for the Broncos.

Netane Muti has incredible upside as a developmental prospect, so that’s why they picked him up in the draft last year. A sixth-round pick out of Fresno State, Muti missed a lot of time due to injury, but the last time he was healthy for a full season (2017), he looked great. The hallmark of his game is power, and he can “latch and steer” with the best of them. If healthy, and with continued development – we could see Muti push for the starting lineup. He could find a home at right guard in the near future if he starts playing up to his potential.

Nolan Laufenberg was a late-round prospect with “sleeper” potential. The Broncos were fortunate to get him as a priority free agent. A three-year starter at Air Force, Laufenberg is a mauler as a run-blocker and part of an offensive line who ranked no.5 (2019) and no.10 (2020) in sack rate. His technique needs refined (hello Mike Munchak!) but is a fine developmental prospect.

Austin Schlottmann has the versatility to play anywhere on the interior of the offensive line. He’s been with the Broncos since 2018. He was picked up as an undrafted free agent out of TCU. Schlottman was a high school teammate of wide receiver Courtland Sutton and has worked diligently to get on the field. In 2019, Schlottman started four games for the Broncos and did a good job. He’s a valuable player who could start and the team may not miss a beat.

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Summary

The Broncos interior offensive line can go up against any team in the NFL. They have a nice blend of youth and experience, plus the team has good depth across the guard and center positions.

With the team’s run-heavy approach in 2021, these interior players are going to be earning their keep and then some. They want to be the bully this season, and the interior offensive line is going to help them do just that. In addition, stopping middle pressure – something that makes every quarterback look mortal – is going to be a big task for this group as well.

Coupled with the tackles on the outside, this group of interior players gives the Broncos a strong offensive line all the way across the formation. Risner could go to the Pro Bowl this year, Glasgow is in that same boat while Cushenberry should continue to develop on his natural skill set. Things are looking up for the Broncos, largely because of the players up front.

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