The Denver Broncos drafted Luke Wattenberg with the 171st pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. At the time, the team was starting yet another rebuild under Nathaniel Hackett. One of the few positive surprises from those days was Wattenberg, who has been nothing if not impressive over his career with the Broncos.
The Broncos‘ offensive line is arguably the best in the NFL. Wattenberg is a key piece of that puzzle. He was injured in their Week 15 game against the Jaguars, but made a return for the AFC Championship game.
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 25: Luke Wattenberg #60 of the Denver Broncos lines up during the AFC Championship Playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Luke Wattenberg| Center | Denver Broncos
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There have only ever been two questions about Wattenberg: run blocking efficiency and injury issues.
He’s answered the bell for me with improvements in run blocking. The team issue there in 2025 was one of talent behind the line, not so much inability to execute the blocking up front.
I honestly think the injury bug is the only thing that is keeping him from getting some well-deserved Pro Bowl buzz. If a guy can change Ross’s mind about his quality, he’s got to be doing something right (and I’m in the same boat as Ross…I wasn’t crazy about him until I saw the product he put on the field this past season).
Wattenberg is a badass. He’s the starting center on the best offensive line in the NFL as long as he is healthy. He’s an elite pass-blocking center. He’s a good run blocker who I honestly think hasn’t hit his ceiling in that area by any stretch of the imagination.
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I think the retooling of the running back room is going to pop off this season. Wattenberg is going to be blocking for an offense that is going to hum in 2026.
