BRONCOS

A Broncos lineman predicts a breakout season for one teammate

Aug 23, 2022, 1:18 PM

DreMont Jones...

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Lloyd Cushenberry III is at the center of a position with many question marks. What will the Broncos offensive line look like, and will they improve from last season’s sub-par play? Cushenberry, who has started 32 games over the past two seasons, is slated to begin the season as the starting center again.

Cushenberry spoke to the media on Tuesday, and instead of focusing on his side of the line, he tossed it to who he’s been going up against the most in camp.

“They got a good group,” Cushenberry said of the defensive line. “I’m looking forward to watching them play. I’m glad we get to go against them every day. Let’s keep sharpening iron, but they got a great group.”

The former third-round pick, Cushenberry, is entering his third season out of LSU. He singled out one of his teammates that’s really impressed him; Dre’Mont Jones. Also a former third-round pick, the 25-year-old has played three seasons in the NFL coming out of Ohio State.

“He’s going to have a big year; his speed, his power, his motor, he’s the total package,” Cushenberry said of Jones.

Jones has 12 sacks over the past two seasons, starting in about half the Broncos games. The defensive end has shown a good ability to get after the quarterback.

But it’s more than just Dre’Mont; the whole Broncos defensive line could be jonesing for quarterback pressures.

Cushenberry also went out of his way to praise big free agent pickup, D.J. Jones, saying his get-off and strength have impressed.

The more veteran Jones signed a three-year $30 million deal this offseason after five successful seasons in San Francisco. The former sixth-round pick from Mississippi blossomed the last three years, with seven sacks, 21 tackles for a loss, and 73 solo tackles from the nose tackle spot.

Dre’Mont is in the final season of his rookie contract, so if there were any time to have a big season, now would be best for his wallet, and it’d be great for the Broncos looking to fill the pass-rushing hole left behind by Von Miller.

Broncos

Broncos...

Andrew Mason

From the ashes of 1-5 and 70-20, the Broncos rose — and are now legitimate contenders

From the ashes of 70-20 and a 1-5 start, the Broncos remade themselves — and now appear on a collision course with the playoffs.

3 hours ago

Denver Broncos defense...

James Merilatt

The Broncos are going to make the playoffs thanks to their defense

After a dominant performance in L.A., the Broncos are going to end their playoff drought, and they're going to do it because of their defense

4 hours ago

Russell Wilson...

Jake Shapiro

How Russell Wilson’s halftime speech to a coach helped turn the Broncos season around

Russell Wilson revealed on Sunday after the Broncos 24-7 win that way back in Week 4 he pulled a coach aside for a pep talk

4 hours ago

Sean Payton...

Will Petersen

After Broncos win, Sean Payton staying the course regarding playoffs

"You take a peek at what the AFC did today, then let's go, it's on to the next challenge," Broncos head coach Sean Payton said

5 hours ago

Quinn Meinerz...

Andrew Mason

Quinn Meinerz leaves Broncos game with irregular heartbeat

Quinn Meinerz was taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital after dealing with an irregular heartbeat during Sunday's game.

7 hours ago

Nik Bonitto...

Andrew Mason

Nik Bonitto leaves Broncos game with knee injury

Nik Bonitto left Sunday's game against the Chargers with a knee injury suffered late in the first quarter.

8 hours ago

A Broncos lineman predicts a breakout season for one teammate