While bookend offensive tackles Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris get much of the publicity (or lack thereof) among the Denver Broncos’ offensive lineman, one man up front has been equally as dominant for an even longer period of time.

That man is fourth-year guard Chris Kuper, a former fifth-round draft choice out of North Dakota.

Kuper has been the starting right guard for the Broncos since Week Seven of the 2007 season, and he has quietly been one of the more consistent  guards in the entire NFL.

Furthermore, the Anchorage, Alaska native has proven to be extremely tough, playing the final two games of the 2008 season with a broken hand. 

The Broncos were extremely fortunate to have nabbed Kuper in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, as he was a two-time All-American with the Fighting Sioux.

Kuper enters his contract season as one of the elite inside linemen in the league, and league observers and analysts may finally be starting to take notice. Recently, Kuper has received numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro votes from NFL writers.

He has helped the Broncos become an elite offense over the last two years, and at the young age of 26, he only figures to get better with time.

Still, the Broncos know that the offensive line is an area where much depth is needed, so they used a fourth-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft on another right guard prospect who could eventually make an impact in this league.

That player was Seth Olsen, an extremely versatile lineman from the University of Iowa who has played every position other than center as an All-American for the Hawkeyes.

The All-Big Ten performer was the leader of an offensive line in Iowa City that helped lead the way for the nation’s top runner, newly acquired New York Jet and Doak Walker Award recipient Shonn Greene.

As an Iowa fan, the drafting of Olsen was exciting for me, as I watched this kid in action for four years.  Kirk Ferentz is well-known for developing offensive linemen and turning them into solid professionals, and Olsen figures to be no different.

Olsen also has a chance to contribute immediately at left guard because, from what I am hearing among trusted Broncos’ opinions, Ben Hamilton could be a surprise veteran cut at training camp. 

Another player who will have the chance to compete for a roster spot is Pat Murray, who was signed away from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad late last season.

Murray is a Division II college prospect out of Truman State, and while he may seem like a longshot to make the final roster, he has a great chance of earning a practice-squad spot.

Chris Kuper appears to be head and shoulders above his peers at the right guard position, but the Broncos do not lack depth.

The Broncos can rely on this unit for years to come.

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