Broncos Guard Ranks High In List Of Top Ten Interior Linemen

The Denver Broncos have built one of the strongest offensive lines in the NFL, with the latest evidence of that being guard Quinn Meinerz placing high in the latest positional list from Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. 

Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz ranked fourth in Fowler’s list of interior lineman, with the writer stating that Meinerz “belongs in the elite category after another consistent season as the anchor of Denver's interior attack.” 

Meinerz’s calling card is his run block win rate of 75.7 percent, which ranks seventh among eligible guards. But a couple of evaluators noted that Meinerz has become a more complete player as the 27-year old lineman enters his prime. 

"Mauler in the run game at the point of attack, good at the second level getting to linebackers and solid in one-on-one pass pro," an NFL coordinator said.

That comment was echoed by another evaluator further up the NFL food chain. 

 "I know he was known for the gut and for run blocking, but he's become more of a complete player,” said an NFL team personnel executive. “He belongs in the top group. Much better in pass pro, occasional lapse where he's overly physical and misses, but he's generally more in control."

Control will be a big question in Denver this year, as coach Sean Payton wants to use the run game more to prevent the ongoing offensive inconsistency that kept the Broncos from reaching the Super Bowl. Guard Garett Bolles also landed in Fowler’s list rating top ten offensive tackle, but some of the comments indicated that he’s not as strong in the run game. 

The running backs are also in the spotlight here. J.K. Dobbins has been talking about his injury history, which is spotty at best, but he’s saying he’d going to stay on the field and have a big year. Jonah Coleman is the big addition among the backs as he provides more size to run between the tackles, but he also comes with a knee issue that was part of the reason he dropped to the fourth round. 

Finally, there’s a new offensive coordinator in Davis Webb, and he’s supposed take over the play calling. The Broncos also made a big trade for reciever Jaylen Waddle, so thee’s a lot to sort out when training camp starts in a couple of weeks. Expect the offensive line to be in the spotlight, but they’ll share it with multiple players and coaches when padded practices start.