Broncos' C.J. Anderson: To run behind reinforced line in 2017

The Broncos have committed nearly $24 million in guarantees to free agent offensive linemen Ronald Leary and Menelik Watson, 9News Denver reports, with both moves potentially paying dividends in the way of rushing lanes for Anderson this coming season.

Analysis:

Much has already been made of Denver's decision to move away from Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking attack this season, with new head coach Vance Joseph's confirming that the team will instead employ a mix of gap and zone schemes. The real issue last season was mediocre talent along the offensive line, with Denver's front ranking as the sixth worst in the NFL in terms of yards before contact, according to Pro Football Focus. Leary, who played left guard in Dallas, should join center Matt Paradis and guard Max Garcia, PFF's highest-ranked Broncos linemen in 2016, to form a quality interior line. Expect Watson, whose athleticism earned him a 2013 second-round selection, to be a part of the open competition at both left and right tackle, provided his injury woes don't follow him from Oakland. With further upgrades likely coming in the draft, Denver's line should give Anderson more room to work with in 2017.