The Broncos are five days into training camp and key position battles are beginning to come into focus. Throughout the first week, offensive linemen Ryan Harris has played right tackle in situational drills for the majority of camp, while Chris Clark, who came out of OTAs at the top of the depth chart on the right side of the offensive line, has spent most of his time with the second unit.
Clark started seven games at right tackle for the Broncos last season, but struggled to play consistently and keep the quarterback upright. Clark earned the starting job in 2014 after replacing Ryan Clady on the left side when the All-Pro tackle went down midseason with a Lisfranc injury. With Clady again out for the season with a torn left ACL, rookie Ty Sambrailo has been tabbed the starter on the left side, already.
Harris was signed just days after Clady’s injury, after playing last season with the Chiefs. This isn’t Harris’ first go-around with the Broncos or with Gary Kubiak. He previously played in Denver from 2007-10 and for Kubiak in Houston in 2012-13. Harris has played all 16 games in each of the past three seasons.
Clark has done yeoman’s work during his tenure with the Broncos, having played important roles on the offensive line going back to 2011 when he was often utilized in the read-option offense under Tim Tebow. However, his inconsistent play in 2014 prompted the Broncos to draft Sambrailo, who was moved over to replace Clady as noted.
Harris was rated as the eighth-best offensive tackle free agent this offseason, with a -1.6 grade for his play in 2014. The Broncos are trying to replace the productivity of Orlando Franklin, whom the team allowed to leave in free agency for San Diego. Franklin, by comparison, was rated a +15.4 in 2014.
Bryce Rudnick, a Mile High Sports intern and CU-Boulder student, contributed to this report
