Predicting Broncos' Plan at Center After Massive OL Investments

What is Sean Payton's plan at center for the Denver Broncos' offensive line?

The Denver Broncos attacked the offensive line's weaknesses with gusto on the first day of the legal tampering period of NFL free agency. The Broncos roped in new starters at left guard and right tackle with two sizable contracts, but they have yet to address the final O-line weakness. 

Denver struggled with Lloyd Cushenberry III at center in 2022, and many have thought the team would be looking for an upgrade. The Broncos may not spend big — or invest any money — for a new starter at that position, and here is why. 

Sean Payton likes certain types of offensive linemen, and even though Cushenberry has struggled since entering the league, he does fit the profile of some past New Orleans Saints centers.

From 2008-11 and again in 2014, Jonathon Goodwin was the starting center for Payton's offense. He was 6-foot-3 when he played and weighed in at 318 pounds. Goodwin was described as having a powerful, thick frame with good hands for the initial punch. With his stoutness, he was solid against the bull rush.

Erik McCoy took over the center after New Orleans drafted him in 2019. The scouting reports described him as having a thick frame, strength, a good initial punch, and a strong rush anchor. He is also able to handle A-gap rushers. He stood 6-foot-4 and weighed 303 pounds.

The traits describing McCoy were very similar to how analysts described Cushenberry when he was entering the draft pool. Cushenberry has a similar size to both of the aforementioned players and playing style. Payton may believe he can get the best out of him because of his fit.

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There is no denying that Cushenberry has struggled, even though many thought he would be a third-round steal in 2020. He got thrust into the starting lineup as a rookie and was one of the worst starting centers in the league that season. 

However, Cushenberry improved significantly in 2021. He didn't provide exceptional play, but he showed improvement nonetheless with an upward trajectory at the position. By the season's end, he was about the middle of the pack.

Then the Nathanial Hackett experience happened. Hackett hired Butch Barry, who was a disaster and changed from more of a power scheme to a (sort of) wide zone scheme. Cushenberry did not fit the transition well but put in the work in the offseason to do the best he could in that new offense that did not fit his skill set. 

Perhaps Payton believes he can make Cushenberry work in his power scheme. Furthermore, the Broncos' new offensive line coach Zach Strief played alongside Goodwin and coached McCoy as an assistant in New Orleans, so he may also think the Cushenberry is a fit.

Bottom Line

The Broncos have already spent big on two offensive line positions, and it would be unlikely for them to give a large contract to a center. Denver may attempt to bring in a one-year solution by offering a small contract to an older vet, and it most certainly will attempt to draft a player at the position.

Plenty of time remains in this free-agent frenzy, and the Broncos could surprise with another offensive line signing. On the other hand, fans may need to get used to the idea that Cushenberry will be sticking around for another season as the starting center.

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