Broncos OL Legend Reveals Why He 'Isn't 100% Sold' on RG Quinn Meinerz

Quinn Meinerz entered the crosshairs of one of the Denver Broncos' most famous offensive linemen of all time.

During last season’s 5-12 debacle, the Denver Broncos' offensive line issues did much to dent Russell Wilson's fragile confidence. When free agency rolled around, the Broncos' front office rightly opted to go after proven veterans like Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey to turn things around.

Throwing money at the problem was essential, but the Broncos also hope that several existing starters from last year's underperforming unit can take some strides in 2023.

Third-year right guard Quinn Meinerz is one player the Broncos are counting on to continue his development from being a DII diamond in the rough toward a more polished gem. If anybody knows about playing the guard position, it's current FOX Sports broadcaster Mark Schlereth — who helped Denver win two Super Bowls in the '90s and started on one of the greatest blocking units in team history.

Schlereth, who also hosts the popular morning show Schlereth & Evans on 104.3 The FAN in Denver, has been an especially harsh critic of Denver's O-line struggles in recent years. That trend continued as Schlereth poured cold water on Meinerz's outlook.

“I’m not 100 percent sold on their right guard,” Schlereth said of Meinerz via The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson. “He’s young. I like his aggressiveness but I think he’s got to learn nuances... Hopefully, he continues to get better but it remains to be seen."

Ex-#Broncos guard Mark Schlereth needs to see more from third-year guard Quinn Meinerz “I’m not 100 percent sold on their right guard. He’s young. I like his aggressiveness but I think he’s got to learn nuances... Hopefully, he continues to get better but it remains to be seen."

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 17, 2023

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While many fans might choose to discount Schlereth's critical musings, it's clear that after the unit’s constant capitulations, absolutely no incumbent O-lineman in Denver deserves a pass. Much will depend on how many tricks new Broncos OL coach Zach Strief can teach the 321-pound road-grader. 

Learning and mastering the nuances Schlereth highlighted with Meinerz is handed down through the tradition of the student/teacher relationship between coach and player in the NFL. Pass protection is where Meinerz's lack of nuance sticks out, in terms of advanced technique. 

READ: Broncos Vet: Russell Wilson 'Wasn't the Problem' in 2022

Relying too much on sheer power and strength often puts the brakes on a young lineman's NFL development. The 24-year-old from a small school background in Wisconsin-Whitewater still has plenty yet to prove, so hopefully, he'll be receptive to intensive coaching from Strief.

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