Much like Denver Broncos veterans Graham Glasgow and Quinn Meinerz, rookie Luke Wattenberg is dubbed an “interior offensive lineman,” unlike the team’s offensive tackles who typically specialize in one position.
Denver’s interior offensive linemen are often asked to be able to play at both guard and center in case of injuries. The positions are similar enough that the coaches believe the players can transition between them without too much adjustment.
Glasgow and Meinerz are currently focused primarily at guard, but either can fill in at center when needed. Wattenberg shares their versatility, but he’ll begin his pro career at center instead of guard.
“Center is the most demanding position on the line as far as just the communication aspect and seeing the whole big picture,” offensive coordinator Justin Outten said earlier this month. “He’ll probably start out there, and we’ll move him around and see how much he can handle.”
Outten’s been impressed by Wattenberg’s ability to run off the ball and the team’s coaches are working on refining the offensive lineman’s technique.
“He’s buying into it, and it’s starting to connect,” Outten said.
Wattenberg’s competition at center this summer is Lloyd Cushenberry, the incumbent starter who’s started 32-of-33 games over the last two years (the only game he missed was due to COVID-19).
Cushenberry’s experience will give him an early advantage in the competition, but Wattenberg will have opportunities to get on the field with time. If he doesn’t win the starting center job, Wattenberg will presumably serve as a backup swing center/guard as a rookie before returning to compete for a starting job next offseason.
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