The Denver Broncos have done a great job of turning undrafted free agent offensive linemen into key members of the 53-man roster. Alex Palczewski has been a valuable backup who has started and done well in multiple games for the team and just signed a contract extension with the Broncos. Also, Frank Crum has been on the 53-man roster since joining the team as an undrafted rookie and could be pushing for a swing tackle role this summer.
Now, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters that they added two more undrafted rookies to the mix and noted that they had draftable grades on both.
Payton noted that they drafted Boise State offensive lineman Kage Casey, a guard/tackle flex who can even play some center if needed.
“He’s got flex, so guard/tackle flex. He is one of those guys who we felt could do a lot and even go inside and play center. I think we are working him in at guard and tackle.”
He would later add that the offensive line is an impressive group and that they added two more undrafted rookies to the mix that they had draftable grades on.
“I would say the offensive line just in general, when you come out and you look at them, we were able to draft a player and then sign a number of guys that we had draftable grades on. It’s an impressive-looking group.”
The two undrafted rookie offensive linemen they added this offseason are Iowa State’s Tyler Miller and Weber State’s Gavin Ortega. Miller is a massive offensive tackle who comes in at nearly 6-9, 324 pounds with 34-inch arms and good athleticism. Ortega doesn’t have the opposing size (6-5, 304 pounds); however, he is another guard/tackle who can provide the Broncos with more depth and versatility along their offensive line.
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As I mentioned, the Broncos have a great track record with their undrafted free agent offensive linemen under Sean Payton and the current regime. Palczewski is the Broncos’ top reserve and someone who has performed well in heavy packages and spot starts at right tackle and left guard. Frank Crum doesn’t have a ton of playing experience, but the Broncos are high on his potential; he has been on the 53-man roster for two straight seasons, and could be pushing for a swing tackle role this summer. Oh, he’s also a red zone touchdown specialist.
Could Tyler Miller and Gavin Ortega be the next undrafted rookies to stick on the Broncos’ 53-man roster? Payton seems high on them, and I am excited to see their development throughout the offseason and into training camp and the preseason. Both are likely top practice squad candidates, but it will be interesting to see if one of them gets the Frank Crum treatment and makes the 53-man roster his rookie year.
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