Broncos roster 2017: Guard Chris Muller

Name: Chris Muller
Position: OG
Height: 6’6" Weight: 300 lbs
Age: 23 Experience: R
College: Rutgers

One of the biggest questions for the Denver Broncos heading into training camp later this month is their offensive line. They’ve added a lot of talent via free agency and the NFL Draft to their roster, but were also able to find some prospects with pro potential as undrafted rookie free agents. Former Rutgers Scarlet Knight Chris Muller happens to be one of them.

After being passed on by every team in the league in the 2017 NFL Draft, Muller signed with the Indianapolis Colts shortly after it ended, but was released several weeks later. As soon as he hit the open market, the Broncos were more than happy to sign him, and were able to get a closer look at him during the pre-draft process when they brought him in for a private workout.

Over the course of his collegiate career, Muller was a stalwart for the Scarlet Knights’ offensive line, where he played in 50 total games and started the last 49 contests of his career — with 48 starts at right guard and one at center. He was a team captain for the 2016 season and earned All-Big Ten Honorable mention for his play in 2015.

It might be fair to say Muller didn’t develop as well as he could have while at Rutgers. The former four-star high school recruit had three different offensive line coaches and five different offensive coordinators in a span of five years with the team. That lack of stability in regard to the coaching staff certainly had a negative impact on his development, and likely didn’t allow him to grow into the top-flight player his recruiting profile may have suggested.

Yet, all of that is in the past and he has a chance to realize his dream of being a professional player in the NFL. He is now under the wings of Jeff Davidson and Chris Strausser, who are well-respected offensive line coaches who are known for their power (Davidson) and zone (Strausser) techniques and should prove to be great teachers for Muller and the rest of the team’s offensive lineman.

With that being said, Let’s take a deeper look into Muller as a player and what he offers the team for the 2017 season.

The Good

Iron man player who never missed a collegiate game due to injury and reeled off 49 consecutive starts. One of the strongest players in college football, Muller put up an impressive 34 reps at his Pro Day — which was second best for all offensive line prospects eligible to be drafted. He is also known for having a nasty demeanor on the field, which lines up perfectly with the identity the Broncos are trying to have on the offensive line. Muller is also a dominant blocker in the running game and leads into his blocks off the snap with great intensity.

The Bad

Despite his positives and an impressive Pro Day, Muller isn’t a high-profile athlete and only possesses average athleticism for the position, but that might not be a huge issue with the Broncos switching to more of a power running scheme. However, he dropped fifteen pounds from his college weight to improve in that regard. Concerns also exist in that respect with getting to the second level consistently, as well as criticism given for his technique.

Quotable

“I think it can only help me. It shows I can take some lumps and that I am a durable player. I just hope I get the opportunity to represent Rutgers more in a positive view.” — Muller at his Pro Day discussing his streak of 49 consecutive starts

Status

There is a lot to like about Muller, but it isn’t likely that he will be able to find his way onto the final roster. The Broncos have a logjam of young players on the interior offensive line, and they signed high-profile veteran Ronald Leary who is a lock to start at right guard for the team. However, he possesses the skills and ability to merit consideration for development on their practice squad.