Mile High Report
As the Denver Broncos inch toward their first preseason game, a lot of questions surround the team with respect to who is rising and falling down the depth chart. A lot of key positions are set in stone, but dozens of players are vying for a larger opportunity with the team in 2025.
However, one of those positions with little variability is the offensive line. Every starter is set to be back in their role for the upcoming season. Last year’s unit was one of the best in the National Football League. They were top-notch when it came to pass protection and keeping Bo Nix clean. That’s a big reason why Nix was able to have such a successful rookie campaign. And despite some inconsistency running the ball, analytics gave them favorable reviews and grades with respect to their run blocking win rate.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t get better this year. Heading into his fourth year with the Broncos, center Luke Wattenberg is coming off a good season. Taking over for Lloyd Cushenberry III, Wattenberg played admirably in his first time as a full-time starter. In fact, Pro Football Focus graded out him as one of the league’s best centers when it comes to pass protection. However, making a positive impact in the running game was a struggle for him.
The former Washington Huskies standout recently mentioned improving that aspect of his game is a major goal for him the upcoming season.
“I really want to take the next step in the run game and running off the ball. Chris Morgan (the Broncos’ assistant offensive line coach) has been helping me a lot with that and taking the next step in my run game. Playing fast, playing with my hat and getting my backside hand in have all been a point of emphasis for me, and he’s been helping me a lot with that,” stated the Broncos’ man at the pivot.
Over the past few weeks, multiple players have hinted toward the franchise making some major adjustments to the running game. Last season, a majority of their runs game from zone concepts—in particular inside zone. This season, more emphasis will be placed on outside zone concepts. That should bode well for Wattenberg, who operated and excelled at those concepts during his collegiate years.
If Wattenberg is able to prove himself as a quality run blocker, expect a significant uptick in the Broncos’ rushing production in ‘25. Can you imagine how great a formidable run game will be for the development of Nix? It would be monumental. But for now, Wattenberg and his teammates will keep focusing on the details—leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy.
“I think we just have to keep focusing on the details and take it one step at a time. We just have to focus on what we want to get better at the next day. That will take us to where we want to go.”
