The Denver Gazette examines different Broncos position groups before the start of training camp with rookies reporting July 22:

Offensive line

Projected starters

—LT Garett Bolles

—LG Ben Powers

—C Luke Wattenberg

—RG Quinn Meinerz

—RT Mike McGlinchey

Projected backups

—LT Matt Peart

—LG Alex Palczewski

—C Alex Forsyth

—RG Nick Gargiulo

—RT Frank Crum

Roster hopefuls

—Kage Casey

—Michael Dieter

—Tyler Miller

—Gavin Ortega

—Calvin Throckmorton

Elephant in the room: Should Denver run it back — again?

The Broncos have extreme continuity on their offensive line. It’s been the same five starters to begin each of the last three seasons with quarterback Bo Nix under center. But is a shakeup required for the offense to reach its full potential?

The Broncos have yet to establish a consistently strong running game with coach Sean Payton. There hasn’t been a 1,000-yard rusher in Denver since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. The Broncos ranked near the middle of the NFL last season averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Of course, that production doesn’t rest entirely on the offensive line. But it’s a notable area for improvement for an otherwise talented unit.

Two Broncos offensive linemen (Bolles and Meinerz) were named first-team All-Pro selections last season. Wattenberg and McGlinchey were also solid. But it’s fair to wonder if this will be the last season for Powers in Denver. He enters the final year of his deal in 2026 without a contract extension. He also missed nine games last season with a torn biceps muscle.

Biggest competition: Kage Casey vs. Returning depth

The Broncos picked Casey in the fourth round of the NFL draft as an accomplished left tackle out of Boise State with position flexibility to play guard. Casey has a chance to become a key reserve as a rookie with a strong performance in training camp. There is some uncertainty among the team’s returning depth up front.

Gargiulo missed all of last year with a torn ACL. Peart made one start at left guard before a torn MCL derailed his season, too. It’s possible those injuries will open the door for Casey to rise on the depth chart. But the NFL learning curve can be steep for offensive linemen. The Broncos won’t rush Casey’s development if he’s not quite ready for live action.

Bottom line

There are plenty of NFL teams envious of this Broncos position group. They’ve also built quality depth with Palczewski and Crum on track to eventually become starters. The offensive line, when healthy, is an area of real strength for Denver in 2026.