For the Broncos, the only consistency at right tackle over the past four years has been inconsistency.
Following Ja’Wuan James’ decision to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus, Elijah Wilkinson is the leading candidate to be Denver’s starter at the position. Since the start of 2016, the Broncos have used 10 different right tackles, and if Wilkinson starts in Week 1 against Tennessee, he will be the fifth different opening-game starting right tackle in as many years.
A look back at the last four years:
2016: Donald Stephenson (13 starts) and Ty Sambrailo (three). Stephenson was signed to a three-year, $14 million contract.
2017: Menelik Watson (seven starts), Stephenson (four), Allen Barbre (four) and Cyrus Kouandjio (one). Watson signed a three-year deal in March 2017 and started the first seven games before sustaining a calf injury. Stephenson started four of the final five games.
2018: Jared Veldheer (12 starts) and Billy Turner (four). Veldheer was signed from Arizona and played well when available; he missed time with a knee injury. Turner filled in at right tackle and then left guard. He signed with the Green Bay Packers in March 2019 to start at guard. The Broncos declined to re-sign Veldheer, who was with New England and Green Bay last year.
2019: Wilkinson (12 starts), James (three) and Jake Rodgers (one). James signed a four-year, $51 million contract with the expectation he would stop the game of musical chairs. He didn’t make it through the first half of the first game, though. James injured his MCL in Week 1 at Oakland, his meniscus in Week 8 at Indianapolis and was shut down for good after playing one half at Houston in Week 14. Wilkinson started 12 games. When he missed the finale with an ankle injury, Rodgers got the start.
2020: Wilkinson (projected). Before one practice was held, Wilkinson was moved from a backup left tackle spot to take over for James.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
If you enjoy The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription offer for you! Try the first month for just 99¢
What’s on tap?
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Ask the Expert
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Tap here to ask Ryan O’Halloran.
Must-Read
Gabriel Christus, provided by the Broncos)
Broncos’ A.J. Bouye participates in strength and conditioning practice at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial on Aug. 4, 2020.Father Knew Best: Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye’s work ethic, mindset established early in athletic career
Acquired from Jacksonville in March, Bouye will be tasked with replacing long-time cornerback Chris Harris. Read more…
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Von Miller (58) of the Denver Broncos takes a breather on the sidelines against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of Denver’s 27-17 win at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019.Von Miller gave “serious consideration” to opting out, but is confident in Broncos’ protocols
Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller said Tuesday he gave “serious consideration” to opting out of this season because of coronavirus concerns, but decided to play because of the team’s safety protocols. Read more…
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Noah Fant (87) of the Denver Broncos celebrates his 7-0 touchdown reception with fans against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter of the NFL match up at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019.Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: Will Broncos fans be able to attend Denver home games in 2020?
In a year when the coronavirus has rewritten the rules for how we lead our lives, what are the chances we’ll see Broncos fans in Empower Field at Mile High for the Sept. 14 game against Tennessee … or anytime this season, for that matter? Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos Mailbag: Does receiver DaeSean Hamilton have a role … or even a spot on the roster?
+ Keeler: Garett Bolles might be luckiest man on planet. He just became Broncos’ most indispensable player.
+ Trial over late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s trust pushed back to 2021
+ Justin Simmons not disappointed by lack of long-term deal, ready to “focus on winning football games”
+ Broncos podcast: Analyzing Von Miller’s rap session, Ja’Wuan James’ opt out and Denver’s depth at the tackles
+ Broncos coach Vic Fangio says moving back to right tackle “good thing” for Elijah Wilkinson
+ NFL Journal: Camp began July 28, but for Broncos coach Vic Fangio, it really starts Friday
+ Will Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb be ready for opener? “No doubt”
+ Former Broncos quarterback becomes part-owner of a winery
+ Want to chat about the Broncos? Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.
"right" - Google News
August 09, 2020 at 07:00PM
https://ift.tt/3a8iHuY
Broncos Insider: Denver’s only consistency at right tackle over the last half-decade has been inconsistency - The Denver Post
"right" - Google News
https://ift.tt/32Okh02
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Broncos Insider: Denver’s only consistency at right tackle over the last half-decade has been inconsistency - The Denver Post"
Post a Comment