The Denver Broncos used to be a team that was unanimous with quality offensive line play. Yet the past couple seasons have not reflected that tradition at all. It’s been particularly down in 2016. Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch were sacked a combined 40 times. The teams’ three leading rushers combined for less than 4.0 yards per carry. It was because of this mediocre blocking that the team wasn’t able to win games consistently enough. That has to change if they’re going to regain their footing in the AFC, and Nelson brings the kind of change needed to not only protect whomever is the Broncos quarterback but create holes for the runners.
Enter Quenton Nelson, one of the better offensive guards, as his consistency has been a make-shift for the Notre Dame offense. He has been everything in the development of the youth for the Irish, and Brian Kelly thinks so also. He (and Mike McGlinchey) have already been pegged to return this year, but the chance to make the first round is too good to pass up. He is a consistent run blocker, using great upper-body strength to muscle blockers off the line, and to make a hole for giant rush lanes. His pass protection is something that needs work, as he does seem to get twisted around on stunts. I think the Broncos would be lucky to get a guy like Nelson.