The Broncos filled almost every pressing roster need via free agency, which puts them in the ideal position of being able to target the best players available as opposed to chasing needs at bad value.
One area a pressing need remains though, is at right tackle. It was an issue that often plagued John Elway, and it looks like Ja’Wuan James isn’t the long-term solution. Also, because of James’ injury history, you have to make sure you have a quality backup behind him who can take over the starting job sooner as opposed to later.
Here’s a list of three fun tackles that can fill that need and who are an absolute joy to watch and dissect.
Penei Sewell
When it comes to Penei Sewell, the question isn’t ‘should the Broncos target this player or draft this player?’ The question is ‘will Sewell fall far enough for it to be a possibility, and if so, does Denver’s employee in charge of draft cards tear their ACL with rapidly they sprint the draft card to the commissioner.”
Sewell is a rare tackle prospect with tools that seem to break the laws of physics. He’s the epitome of the phrase ‘dancing bear’ as he’s impressively nimble while also mauling defenders with a ferocious and powerful blocking style. Human beings built like Sewell should not be allowed to move the way Sewell does outside of the create-a-player mode in Madden.
However, he is lacking some refinement. His technique and hand placement is inconsistent and can occasionally lead to him whiffing on a block. Up to this point, his athleticism has been able to get him out of jams his unpolished technique has put him in.
All that isn’t too surprising though considering he’s just 20 years old, and the last time we saw him play he was 19 and had just two seasons of college experience.
With that said, there might not be an offensive line coach in the league who is better suited to help Sewell realize his generational potential than Denver’s Mike Munchak. He has the potential to make an All-Pro team while still on his rookie deal if he gets with the right coach, and Munchak is that coach.
Rashawn Slater
The second premier tackle option Denver should consider is Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater.
The fact that we have both Slater and Sewell in the same class just goes to show how spoiled we are with this year’s tackle group. While it’s pretty hard to see Sewell making it all the way to the Broncos’ pick, there’s an excellent chance that Slater is still on the board
Slater is a much more polished tackle prospect and his technique is excellent. His pass protection will be better than Sewell’s as they enter the league and it’s definitely possible that remains the case. Part of this comes from how head-smart of a football player Slater is. He understands how to properly utilize his athletic gifts and technique to make himself an immovable object.
It’s been mentioned ad nauseam but Slater famously gave reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young, more trouble than anyone during the 2019 college football season.
The major knock on Slater is length, and if his 33-inch arms will be functional for an NFL offensive tackle (34-inch is often considered the minimum). Eventually, that lack of length could force him inside to guard.
However, short arms isn’t a death sentence for a tackle as talented as Slater. Joe Thomas, Joe Staley, Jason Peters and Ryan Ramcyzk have all made All-Pro teams and all have arms shorter than 34 inches.
Also, if Slater’s arm length does prove to be an issue, they could move him inside and have an elite guard for the next decade or more.
Spencer Brown
Maybe the most likely solution to Denver’s tackle issues is Spencer Brown. Just like Netane Muti was an incredible value and a perfect pick for Munchak last year, Brown could be that this year. Though Brown’s concerns are far lesser than Muti’s entering the draft.
Brown is a goliath that might share more of a resemblance with The Incredible Hulk than with your average human, measuring at 6-foot-9 and 311 pounds. Also impressive is that Brown can move surprisingly well given his oversized frame.
His set of tools will have Munchak looking like a kid in the candy store.
Especially considering he knows how to use them fairly well. Despite his outrageous height, he’s still able to create terrific leverage. He also uses those tools in the run game to play like a playground bully who’s several years older than his peers.
He’s the unstoppable force, seeking out contact as a lead blocker and violently squashing defenders into the ground. Defensive backs are better off diving for cover than attempting to hold their ground with Brown.
He also plays the role of the immovable object very well when engaged in pass protection.
While he moves well for his size, he isn’t an elite mover like Sewell, and agility concerns do pop up. Brown can get rolling downhill, but he struggles to change direction once he gets rolling. He also might struggle against elite speed rushers, like Von Miller, who can get around the edge with their first step, before Brown has a chance to get his paws on them.
Another concern is inexperience considering he had his 2020 season cancelled and has only played at the FCS level.
