Lammey: Broncos could look to build offensive line early in NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos don’t have any time to waste. They are still in “win-now mode,” even though that’s something that could be difficult to do in the AFC West.

While other teams in the division feature explosive offenses, Denver is clearly trying to win with defense and a great running game.

And in order to run the ball the way they want, the Broncos must improve their offensive line. It’s a reason why the team went out and hired Hall of Fame player, and experienced offensive line coach, Mike Munchak.

Denver should lean on Munchak’s expertise in the pre-draft process when looking for offensive linemen who could help, which Broncos general manager John Elway talked about earlier in the week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“The coaches are always involved. So, we’ve always collaborated with the coaches, and they’re always heavily involved with it as well as personnel. We all work together,” Elway said. “Mike has got a great reputation and has been around a long time. He has done a heck of a job. We’re going to collaborate like we have in the past, and the coaches will have a lot of involvement when it comes to evaluation.”

The Broncos have already spoken to two of the top offensive linemen in this draft class here at the Combine.

Jonah Williams, an offensive tackle from Alabama, is largely regarded as the best tackle prospect in this class and seen as a first-round pick. He’s incredibly smart and uses guile to win as a pass protector.

While lacking the ideal length for a left tackle, Williams has proper angular capture and the athleticism to mirror rushers on the edge. He could be an option for the Broncos at No. 10 overall.

Andre Dillard, an offensive tackle from Washington State, is seen more as a second-round prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Dillard is a powerful player with the jab to knock opponents off their path. When beat on an initial move, he has the footwork to recover and get back into place.

In college, Dillard played left tackle, protecting the blindside of quarterback Gardner Minshew. But he is projected to play on either side of the line in the pros.

The Broncos have a long way to go before they can truly be contenders in this tough division. It would greatly benefit them to build this offensive line up as much as possible to strengthen the core of the team. It looks like that could be their plan early on in the 2019 NFL Draft.

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