Denver Broncos: Will Quinn Meinerz take a starting job in 2021?

The Denver Broncos used a third-round pick on Wisconsin-Whitewater offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz, and while third-round picks are certainly not required to start immediately, there’s no denying that Meinerz is an intriguing case. Going from a Division III school that didn’t have a season in 2020 (not in the fall, anyway) to starting on a Mike Munchak-coached offensive line?

It’s going to take some impressing at training camp and in the preseason, but if anyone can do it, why not this guy?

Meinerz was one of the most fascinating prospects in the entire 2021 NFL Draft class, regardless of position. After blowing up the Senior Bowl with his outstanding play and exposed gut, Meinerz became the official 2021 Draft correspondent for the show Good Morning Football on the NFL Network.

Meinerz’s quirks aren’t just a feel-good pre-draft story — this guy’s workouts in the wilderness (and undoubtedly plenty of work in the weight room, too) added up to one of the most athletic interior offensive line prospects the NFL has ever seen.

Will his outstanding athleticism translate to a starting job?

Denver Broncos: Can Quinn Meinerz beat the odds?

If Meinerz is going to start in 2021, he’s going to have to beat out Lloyd Cushenberry III, one of the top centers in the 2020 NFL Draft who snapped for the legendary 2019 LSU offense. Cushenberry struggled in his rookie season but seemed to be figuring things out and improving late.

Prior to his arrival in Denver, Meinerz was primarily an offensive guard and said that he is “self-taught” at the center position.

Getting some coaching from Hall of Fame offensive lineman Mike Munchak, a very good NFL offensive lineman in Denver Broncos assistant Chris Kuper, as well as offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur — believe it or not, a center himself — should greatly benefit Meinerz in his quest to go from pretty much unknown to NFL fans six months ago to a starter in 2021.

This guy was absolutely just blowing people off the line at Wisconsin-Whitewater, but considering his elite athleticism relative to any prospect coming out in the last 30-plus years, that would probably be considered “expected”.

For him to come in and do that same thing at the Senior Bowl? That was impressive.

Now that Meinerz is in camp with the Denver Broncos, it will be fascinating to see what happens when the pads come on and he’s going up against big Mike Purcell, one of the strongest run defenders in the NFL.

Cushenberry will certainly have to bring his best on a daily basis to fend off Meinerz, who seems like a really quick learner at the center position. The Denver Broncos did not go into the 2021 NFL Draft with a need at the center position, necessarily, but they obviously prioritized getting Meinerz and he’s got a shot to play immediately.