How did Ben Powers do in his first season with the Denver Broncos? Let’s review.

In order to help with Sean Payton’s offensive style, the Denver Broncos needed to improve their run-blocking abilities up front, which required pursuing one of the top free agents available.

Did Ben Powers fulfill the hype?

Anticipations for the preseason
Ben Powers established himself as a formidable run blocker who ups the ante on physicality up front during his time in Baltimore. I had anticipated that he would bring a similar mindset to the Broncos. He seemed like a terrific guard to start opposite Quinn Meinerz in order to strengthen the interior offensive line, in my opinion.

And although he wasn’t particularly well-known for it, he had reliable and strong passing game skills.

Seasonal response on par

Powers proved to be a valuable addition to the run game, particularly in comparison to Dalton Risner, whom Powers was replacing (no slight to Risner; I felt he was pretty good). Powers was a solid opponent who hardly ever gave up. His ability to operate with his hips underneath him and his strong base underneath him enable him to be so powerful up front. Along with Bolles and Cushenberry, he excelled at working double teams and had the ability to easily pick up linebackers or pass first-level blocks.

Pass blocking is his weak point, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t perform well. For the majority of the season, he was spotless, allowing just four sacks in 17 games. Wilson was almost always getting a good pocket from him. To my surprise, however—especially in light of what I just mentioned regarding his run blocking—I believe that blocking the bull rush was his greatest shortcoming. When facing Powers, defenders were able to collapse the pocket with a straightforward bull rush. Perhaps this was just the effect of looking back on the season. When he has the advantage of momentum, he can perform well; however, when he has to catch defenders, he struggles to gain footing.

This point is strange because, although Powers had been fairly effective against the bull rush in the early part of the season, by the end of the game, it appeared that Powers was outmatched more by that move than by speed plays.

Remember, though, that the passing game still featured far more excellent blocks than poor ones. He frequently demonstrates his intelligence as a blocker by moving through his progression in the face of a blitz. When the Chiefs brought the house, it was one instance of this.

Ben Powers, with a head-up rusher on Cushenberry, notices that two rushers are above him, one rushing the A gap and the other the B gap.Powers makes the wise decision to take the rusher rushing the A gap. As a lineman, it is customary to take the innermost man, and in this case, he read correctly. Furthermore, it is far more difficult than it seems to make a snap decision of this nature.

ultimate score
Powers is the superior offensive lineman, at least right now, of the two free agents the team signed before the 2023 campaign. His part and how he fits into the inner part of the line appeal to me. In the event that the Broncos choose to replace Cushenberry, Powers is a valuable veteran asset who can assist the next center in the lineup. Either a novice or an accomplished player such as Alex Forsyth.

Pass blocking: C+

Run blocking: B

Overall grade: B-