The Denver Broncos offensive line was a strength of their’s during Bo Nix’s rookie season last year, and they’ll be even better going into 2025 as Denver’s franchise quarterback finds himself more comfortable.
Denver Broncos offensive line building on strength in 2025
As the Denver Broncos prepare for training camp, there won’t be much focus on any position battles when it comes to the starting offensive line. Broncos head coach Sean Payton made note that Denver’s trenches on offense were a group that permeated throughout the team’s building, setting the tone for the franchise.
In 2025, Payton appears to be banking on his unit being even stronger this upcoming season. Luke Wattenberg returns as the starting center after being the guy last year, where they’re hoping his ongoing development will carry over into further success this year.
Next to him, Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz return as the starting offensive guards, and next to them stand Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey at offensive tackle. Bo Nix’s protection is set.
This unit was deemed the Broncos’ highest graded unit, internally by general manager George Paton. One of the bigger keys to success this upcoming season for this unit, the offense, and the team will start and end with a hopefully revamped rushing offense.
Enter RJ Harvey, J.K. Dobbins alongside Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Blake Watson, and Tyler Badie, a group of backs Payton hopes can transform Denver’s offense into an explosive, high-scoring unit this upcoming season.
What about the depth behind the offensive line?
Broncos focused on developing depth further
As the Denver Broncos look to make a deeper playoff run this upcoming season, the depth behind their starting offensive line will be important. Last year, Mike McGlinchey missed several games due to a sprained MCL, but second-year undrafted offensive tackle Alex Palczewski stepped up and played well in his absence.
He looks to be the solidified right tackle option behind McGlinchey on the 53.
Behind Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth looks like the sure-thing backup at center. When Wattenberg missed some action last year, Forsyth stepped in, and the Broncos offense didn’t miss a beat and seemingly had a boost in the run game.
Where Wattenberg is more of a physically imposing anchor at the center position, Forsyth feels more versatile — what he lacks in strength compared to Wattenberg, he makes up for with smarts, great technique, and is a great communicator presnap.
Undrafted rookie free agent Joe Michalski is the only other option designated as a center going into camp, where he’ll likely look to compete for a spot on the team’s practice squad.
Behind Garett Bolles at left tackle, Matt Peart seems to be the key veteran piece that can step in and help there if needed while also serving as the team’s extra offensive lineman. After a rough preseason showing last year, Peart stepped up and looked entirely different during the regular season once he got comfortable inside Payton’s scheme and was an upgraded depth piece.
Where things appear open from a depth standpoint could be a combination of players who can play guard and tackle. Last year, Frank Crum made the roster as an undrafted rookie free agent at offensive tackle, while this year, he’ll look to compete for a spot as a depth option and will have competition from players like Xavier Truss and Marques Cox, two of Denver’s undrafted free agents from the 2025 class.
Clay Webb, one of the Broncos’ undrafted signings, will be a key name to watch as a swing guard/center depth option who will likely compete with veteran Calvin Throckmorton and second-year player Nick Gargiulo, who will both see plenty of playing time during the preseason.
Clearly, this is one of the Broncos’ deepest position groups heading into training camp and the season.