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Broncos will be able to ‘let the belly breathe’

Quinn Meinerz and Javonte Williams are two fun picks in George Paton’s first NFL Draft as a GM.

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NCAA Football: Senior Bowl Practice Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Broncos Country!

“Let the belly breathe.”

That’s all I needed to hear or know about new Denver Broncos offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz. I had obviously seen the infamous photo of the Wisconsin-Whitewater product from the Senior Bowl, but knew nothing else about him.

When George Paton made “The gut” the the first of the Broncos’ two third-round picks and I saw the video of him pancaking trees, I was sold. Then Ian Rapoport said on NFL Network, “let the belly breathe.”

Whether Meinerz turns into a starter or not, he’s the player you want in your room. The work ethic and determination is something that is infectious. And if it pushes second-year center Lloyd Cushenberry, all the better. Before the Senior Bowl, no one even knew who Meinerz was. But because of his work ethic and determination, he’s now a third-round pick. You know that will only grow now that he’s in the NFL.

The other pick that could pay off even more is running back Javonte Williams. The tweet from Josina Anderson increases my enthusiasm a little more every time I read it. And then I watch the highlights and then it shoots up even more.

One of the other comparisons I’ve heard people throw out for “Pookie” Williams is Marshawn Lynch. To get some Mile High Beast Mode could be a lot of fun. And regardless of who the Broncos quarterback is, a potential three-down back will only help Denver’s offense. From short-yardage and goal line situations to another receiving threat. Not to mention Melvin Gordon’s contract is up after this season and there’s a possible suspension hanging over him.

As the NFL Draft comes to a close, hope springs eternal, especially if Paton is able to land a certain quarterback who plays with a “G” on his helmet.

Broncos Blast

MHR’s Joe Rowles joined Michael Klahr and me on on Denver radio station ESPN 1600 AM. This week the guys go through the first two days of the Draft and whether Aaron Rodgers to Denver will happen.

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