Should the Broncos attempt to bring in a legitimate starting center?
The Denver Broncos have invested heavily into their offensive line over the last couple of seasons, particularly making big splashes in free agency with Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey. Those investments have improved the offensive line, but we’re still waiting for them to completely earn their contracts. But there is a center set to hit the open market that has the chance to be a massive improvement to the unit while not entirely breaking the bank.
That man is Drew Dalman, the (possibly) former center from the Atlanta Falcons.
Drew Dalman – Center
Age: 27 | Experience: 4th | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 305 pounds
Why the Broncos should sign Dalman
If there is any hole in this Denver offensive line it is at the center position. Losing Lloyd Cushenberry was not devastating considering Luke Wattenberg did as good of a job and possibly better than what Cushenberry did last year. But Wattenberg still left a lot to be desired when it came to the run game.
Drew Dalman was one of the best run blocking centers in the league last year and that would give the Broncos a massive boost in the middle of the field. And while Wattenberg struggled against almost every head-up tech he faced last year, Dalman can absolutely handle business against a big and bruising NT.
Why the Broncos should not sign Dalman
The only reason why the Broncos wouldn’t or shouldn’t sign Dalman is money. Dalman will likely be commanding around $11 to $12 million a year, which would make him the sixth-highest paid center in the league. And while Denver does have some money to spend, center is not a priority this offseason compared to some of the bigger holes on the defensive side of the ball.
And luckily Wattenberg’s shortcomings can be covered up in most run schemes. Also, who’s to say that the mastermind that is Zach Strief doesn’t push Wattenberg to make some big strides this offseason?