2019 Broncos roster review: Offensive guard Don Barclay

Don Barclay is the epitome of a journeyman depth signing along the offensive line. He began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers and earned a spot as a reserve tackle on their roster for six years.

During his stint with the Packers, he mostly played right tackle, and aside from stepping into a starting role for the 2013 season due to a swath of injuries along the O-line, he has stayed in a reserve role.

At the beginning of 2017 after his rookie deal expired, he was brought back for a small one year deal with Green Bay in the off-season, but was let go with an injury settlement after being placed on injured reserve, then bounced around from the Lions and Saints, before being signed to a futures contract by Denver, after sitting out the 2018 season.

The Good

Barclay is a veteran who can play both right guard or right tackle, and has a year of starting tackle experience under his belt.

The Bad

He has never been more than a reserve/spot starter, and that was at the peak of his career. Lately, he has struggled to stay healthy and latch onto an NFL roster.

Don Barclay’s roster status with the Broncos

I see this as a super low risk move for Denver who is looking for linemen with T/G versatility.

During OTAs with Leary out, Barclay has gotten some starting snaps. If he remains healthy, along with Mike Munchak’s development, Barclay could turn into a solid veteran depth signing, with the ability to cover both right tackle, and right guard in case of emergency.

We’ll see how it plays out in camp as the last few roster spots along the offensive line are some of the least solidified this off-season for Denver.