Denver Broncos' Future Success Starts Up Front

The stats prove it: the Broncos had one of the NFL's best offensive lines last year. They gave up a miserly league-low 12 sacks, allowed Jay Cutler to pass for over 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns and be voted to his first Pro Bowl.

Perhaps more impressive than that was their blocking for 1862 yards (11th in the NFL) 15 touchdowns (14th) at an average of 4.8 yards per carry (third), despite having seven running backs on injured/reserve.

Led by free agent pick-up and veteran center Casey Wiegmann and anchored by first round draft pick Ryan Clady at left tackle, the Broncos offensive line is widely regarded as one of the most dominating in the league. However, coming into the season, there were questions marks hanging over every position.

Tom Nalen had been injured and his return was uncertain whilst Wiegmann was a Kansas City Chiefs cast-off; Clady was a rookie; right tackle Ryan Harris barely played last year; left guard Ben Hamilton missed all of last season with concussion; right guard Chris Kuper played left guard last year and was a right tackle prospect coming into training camp.

Such success is due in large part to Rick Dennison, the offensive line coach since 2001 who has seen his offensive lines block for five different 1000 yard rushers. The Broncos decision to retain him on the staff this year seems wise.

The best news about the offensive line though? They look set to stay together for the foreseeable future. Clady signed a six-year contract before training camp, Harris still has two years to run on his deal, Hamilton is contracted through 2010 and although Kuper is heading into a contract year he is virtually guaranteed to be offered a new deal this offseason.

Wiegmann, the veteran of the group, signed a one-year deal with the Broncos last year and although he is said to be contemplating retirement, his first selection to a Pro Bowl and his role on one of the best offenses in the league may tempt him in to one more season.

Beyond the starters, the Broncos have solid depth. The coaches like Kory Lichtensteiger, last year's fourth round draft pick out of Bowling Green, as a future starter at center or guard and Tyler Polumbus, a free agent out of Colorado is a solid backup at tackle with his impressive size (6'8", 310). No doubt the Broncos will look to add depth in the draft this year, but the rest of the draft will largely be concerned to repairing the league's 29th ranked defense.

Despite the Broncos problems on defense, the health of Jay Cutler is paramount to Denver's success. With a young and talented offensive line, that looks to be secure and when looking at the Broncos offense this season, don't just look at the Pro Bowl trips for Cutler and Marshall, it's the guys up front who made it all possible. If the Broncos are to challenge for a Super Bowl, they are set on the offensive line.