Editor’s note: Fifth in a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Previously: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. Today: Offensive line.
Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Re-signed Matt Peart.
Under contract: Garett Bolles (four years), Ben Powers (two years), Luke Wattenberg (one year), Quinn Meinerz (four years), Mike McGlinchey (three years), Matt Peart (two years), Alex Forsyth (two years), Alex Palczewski (two years), Nick Gargiulo (three years), Calvin Throckmorton (one year), Frank Crum (three years), Will Sherman (three years).
Need scale (1-10): 4. The Broncos have enviable continuity up front. They return all five starters and all of their top reserves. Most of them are under contract beyond 2025, even. But that doesn’t mean stasis is guaranteed. Wattenberg is entering the final year of his contract. Powers doesn’t have any guaranteed money remaining on his deal, and McGlinchey doesn’t after 2025. That doesn’t guarantee multiple departures after this year, but it does mean the time to plan for the future is now. And now means the middle rounds of the draft.
Top five
Will Campbell, LSU: A three-year starter at left tackle for the Tigers, Campbell has proven he can handle the edge. Doesn’t have ideal arm length, but is a good athlete who ran a sub-5-second 40-yard dash at 319 pounds. Safely a first-round pick.
Armand Membou, Missouri: Not many improved their draft stock in 2024 more than Membou, who was a dominant player for the Tigers. A two-plus year starter at right tackle for Mizzou, Membou could be the first offensive lineman off the board.
Josh Simmons, Ohio State: Simmons might have been the top lineman in the class had it not been for a torn patellar tendon in October. At 6-5 and 317, he started at right tackle in 2022 and left tackle each of the past two years. A team with a bit of patience might land a steal later in the first round or early on Day 2.
Grey Zabel, North Dakota State: The Bison churn out pro talent at the FCS level and Zabel’s the latest. He started up and down NDSU’s offensive line over the course of his career, including 2024 at left tackle. NFL teams may see him mostly as an interior player, but one with versatility.
Kelvin Banks, Texas: A three-year starter at left tackle for the Longhorns. Banks won the Outland Trophy in 2024 and was a first-team All-American. Has been a blue-chip prospect and player since high school.
More Broncos options
Jared Wilson, Georgia: Wilson’s not the biggest interior offensive lineman, but he’s a good athlete and started just one year at Georgia. Broncos center Luke Wattenberg is entering the final year of his rookie contract, meaning Denver could be on the hunt for a center to develop and compete with Alex Forsyth in the future.
Cameron Williams, Texas: Another potential developmental candidate, Williams has size and talent that can’t be taught. He’s 6-6 and 317 pounds with long arms. Teams are always looking for tackles and Williams would be an interesting fit along with Frank Crum and Alex Palczewski learning under offensive line coach Zach Strief.
Logan Brown, Kansas: Another tackle the Broncos have shown pre-draft interest in, Brown was a five-star recruit out of high school who eventually started for Kansas at right tackle in 2024. He got limited work in college but will get Day 3 looks from NFL teams.
Trey Wedig, Indiana: Like Brown, a Wisconsin transfer who caught on and started at right tackle for a really good Indiana team. Wedig had a good week at the Shrine Bowl but didn’t get an invite to the combine. He was a 30 visitor for the Broncos.
Tate Ratledge, Georgia: Broncos coach Sean Payton likes big interior linemen, and Ratledge is that at 6-5 and 308. He’s a mauler who, like others on this list, could be a developmental player and potentially compete as a successor to Powers — or just quality young depth in the group.
Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.
