Good morning, Broncos Country.
If there is one area of the team (outside of quarterback) where there is a legitimate cause for concern entering the regular season, the Denver Broncos’ offensive line certainly would rank high on the list.
The franchise brought in high-profile guard Ronald Leary as their prize gem of the free agency period, as well as Menelik Watson at right tackle and swung a conditional draft pick based trade for veteran guard Allen Barbre. It is almost a certainty that two of the three aforementioned players (Leary and Watson) start for the Broncos this season, but there may be an underdog who cements his status as a starter prior to the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Studying Connor McGovern's #DENvsCHI snaps. Impressive.
— Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) August 13, 2017
After yesterday’s joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers, Head Coach Vance Joseph had some praise for second-year player Connor McGovern, who has filled in at center for Matt Paradis this offseason.
“He’s been really impressive as far as playing center for us. Directing the offense as far as protection and those things,” stated Joseph. “Then, moving to left or right guard and playing well at both spots, that’s been a real shot for us having him play well at two positions, especially at guard.”
If there is any set back to Paradis’ recovery from hip surgery, mark it down in the books that McGovern will be the team’s starting center at the beginning of the season. Additionally, if either Barbre or Garcia fail to pull ahead and take a lead at the guard position opposite of Leary — don’t be surprised to see McGovern overtake one of them and earn a starting position at guard once Paradis is healthy enough to play at the high-level he did for the Broncos last season.
Either way, it’s great to hear some positive news in regard to the development of one of the team’s offensive line draft selections. The franchise has struggled in this regard mightily the past several seasons, and the team will most certainly need McGovern to step up and be the next man up if any of the team’s current interior players struggle.
What do you think Broncos Country? Will McGovern start for the Broncos this season? Sound off in the comments sections and make your voice heard.
As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tacks.
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