Offensive Line Review

To me the offensive line was disappointing this past year. We are set at Tackle as long as Ryan Harris can return healthy next year. Up the middle tough we struggled.

It appears that Josh McDaniels will be changing from the zone blocking style that was so successful under Mike Shanahan. While I hate to see the ZBS move one it doesn't fit the McDaniels offense. My hope is that by switching to the power blocking we can have a more effective running game in the red zone and I really think it will fit Knowshon Moreno's style better. I'll take a look at the offensive lineman on the roster and make some predictions as to what the Broncos will do as far as the O-line. In general the Broncos will be getting larger on the O-line and and moving away from the smaller more athletic lineman that are required in the ZBS.

Ryan Clady LT- Not much to say he is headed to the Pro Bowl. He was not as dominant as last year but that can be said of the entire offense. Clady is a unique blend of size and athleticism making him effective at both pass and run blocking. He has the size(6'6 325) and has shown that he should be a corner post of the Denver Broncos and should be locked to a long term contract as soon as possible most likely after next season.

Ryan Harris RT- As mentioned earrlier the tackles did well last year. Harris ended the year on IR (toe) and may not be available for all off season activities. At 6'5 300 he should fit McDaniels offense and if health can be relied upon to hold down right tackle.

Ben Hamilton LG - 6'4 290 the 9 year vet will be moving on to a team that zone blocks (Houston, Seattle, Washington). I will miss Hamilton but the move to larger linemen makes him expendable.

Casey Wiegaman C - 6'2 285 again this 14 year vet isn't big enough to fit the system and will be gone next year altough he started all 16 games.

Chris Kuper RG- 6-4 302 Kuper a 4 year vet is a restricted free agent if there is no labor agreement and should stay in Denver I think McDaniels would like a bigger guard but Kuper did a good job.

Tyler Polumbus T- 6-8 310 took over for Harris after his injury and did a fair job as a backup will likely remain the top backup tackle on the roster as McDaniels beefs up the inside trio.

Russ Hochstien G- 6'4 305. Was in New England with McDaniels and replaced Hamilton at left guard until he was placed on the IR. Should be back to compete for the left guard next year.

Seth Olsen G/T- 6-6 305 has experience in college at both guard and tackle. Much to plodding to be effective pulling. Is naturally big and a powerful run blocker. Will eb a long shot to play much but should make roster for depth.

Brandon Gorin T- 6'6 307 another form Pat started 23 games from 2003-2005. Will add experienced depth if he makes the roster.

D'Anthony Batistle T- 6'4 314 4 year vet on practice squad is unlikely to make an impact next year.

Mitch Erickson G-6'6 290 will be a victim of the up sizing O line.

Matt McChesney G at 333 fits the increase in size but at this point nothing but training camp fodder.

Dustin Fry C 326 huge center another example of the increased size intriguing to me because of the size at center.

I believe that there will be many interior lineman brought in from free agency and later in the draft to compete for left guard and center during training camp and the pre season.

Here is hoping that increased size will increase the up the middle running capability of the Broncos. The offensive line should be an overpowering group next year.