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The Denver Broncos are expected to see a major makeover on the offensive line this offseason, specifically at the center, guard, and right tackle positions. According to ESPN's Jeff Legwold the Denver Broncos are expected to look at centers early in free agency.
As @caplannfl reported earlier today TE Casey set to visit #Broncos this week ... #Broncos also expected to look at Cs early in free agency
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) February 23, 2015
ESPN's Adam Caplan suggested that Oakland Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski is a player to "keep an eye on" for the Broncos.
Wisniewski a former second-round pick has missed only three starts over the past four seasons while anchoring Oakland’s offensive line. He began his career at left guard before being moved to his more natural position at center.
While Wisniewski had a "down year" by his standards in 2014, he still played alright. He only gave up 1 sack and was only responsible for three quarterback hits on rookie Derek Carr. According to Pro Football Focus, Wisniewski ranked 22nd out of 32 centers this past season. He ranked 11th in 2013 and 17th in 2012.
Another name to keep an eye on for the Broncos is free-agent center Rodney Hudson. The Chiefs center has become one of the better centers in the entire NFL. If the Chiefs who have cap issues allow Hudson to hit the free agent market, he is expected to be looking to be the highest paid center in the league.
Could the Broncos target guard Mike Iupati?:
According to NFL Insider, for ESPN Denver Cecil Lammey, there's buzz building around the combine that the Broncos could be interested in signing free agent guard Mike Iupati.
buzz building about the #Broncos looking to free agency for a left guard, the name that keeps coming up? Mike Iupati
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) February 19, 2015
The former first-round selection is the top-ranked guard on the free agent market and is expected to command top dollar on the free agent market.
Iupati is one of the better run blocking guards in the entire NFL. According to Pro Football Focus Iupati, ranked as the number two run blocker in the NFL last season.
However, Iupati does struggle some in pass protection. He only ranked 55th among NFL guards in pass protection last season.
According to ESPN's Bill Williamson, this imbalance of talent means that Iupati doesn't rank among the elite guards in the NFL.
"He’s a mauler and moves well for a mauler, but he’s still a mauler and some teams need guys who can move better," Williamson wrote. "I could easily name half a dozen guards in the league who are better. He is not elite."
There's also the question about scheme fit. He has played in a power run scheme in San Francisco the past few seasons and might not be the best fit for Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme.
It will be interesting to see if the Broncos do target Iupati in free agency like Lammey suggests they do.