The Denver Broncos seemed to have one glaring weakness that consistently troubled the team’s play for much of the 2016 season.
The offensive line, specifically the left tackle position, was a point of weakness. Both Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch were under siege for much of their time in the pocket.
The Broncos decided not to pick up 2016 starting left tackle Russell Okung‘s team option, allowing him to leave in free agency and sign with division rival Los Angeles.
They chose not to address the left tackle position in free agency, signing only right tackle Menelik Watson.
Still, the Broncos have plenty of options at left tackle as the 2017 season draws closer.
First and foremost, the Broncos addressed the left tackle position with the 20th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selecting Utah tackle Garett Bolles.
Bolles, regarded as one of the top two tackles in the draft, wowed the Broncos in his pre-draft visit with his mental toughness and fierce style of play.
Bolles looks to be the Broncos left tackle of the future, but may also need time to develop his technique against seasoned NFL pass rushers before being thrust into the starting lineup.
Regardless, he has already made a big, “grown up” impression on his teammates and coaches.
The Broncos have a few veterans that can play left tackle if Bolles isn’t ready to start right away.
Coming into OTAs (organized team activities) the Broncos turned some heads when veteran tackle Donald Stephenson lined up at left tackle with the starting unit.
Stephenson received his fair share of criticism last season, allowing three sacks and committing 11 penalties in 12 starts at right tackle.
Stephenson restructured his contract with during the 2017 offseason, taking a cut in pay to remain with the team. The most-seasoned veteran on the offensive line, Stephenson could start at left tackle while Bolles adjusts to playing at an NFL level.
Throughout the 2016 season, Stephenson periodically lost his starting job to fellow offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo.
Sambrailo, a former second-round pick out of Colorado State is entering his third year with the Broncos. Sambrailo was thrust into early action in 2015 when incumbent left tackle Ryan Clady was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Unfortunately for Sambrailo, his time as the team’s starting left tackle was short-lived, as he too was placed on Injured Reserve early in the 2015 season.
2016 brought its own challenges for Sambrailo, who struggled to stay healthy for much of the season. He allowed seven sacks in just four starts. 2017 looks to be the “make-or-break” season for Sambrailo in terms of long-term plans for him.
General manager John Elway publicly stated his faith in Sambrailo last year, stating that the team thought of Sambrailo as a “legitimate left tackle” before he went down with injury.
So far, in offseason workouts, Sambrailo has made a positive impression on his new head coach.
“He’s looked athletic this offseason,” Vance Joseph said. “He’s getting his strength back. He was with the first team today as a left tackle, so he’s doing fine. He’s coming along great.” said head coach Vance Joseph of Sambrailo’s development.
First-year player Justin Murray could also factor into the equation should injuries and poor performance persist for Sambrailo and Stephenson. Murray spent 2016 on the Broncos practice squad after signing as a college free agent out of Cincinnati.
The Broncos are a team that needs to improve its play on the offensive line if it wants to return to the playoffs in 2017.
Stephenson and Sambrailo are a better fit for Mike McCoy’s flexible offensive scheme than they were under Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison, and new head coach Vance Joseph appears willing to give them another chance to make a positive impact. Bolles is the future, but the depth at tackle gives him time to develop – especially with other improvements on the line like Watson and new right guard Ronald Leary.
With the ability to play two veterans or turn to their player of the future, the Broncos have plenty of options at left tackle.
