Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is not sure what the team’s offensive line will look like in 2008, but Thursday he said he believes the return of injured veterans and the emergence of young players will give the group a chance to regain its reputation as one of the league’s best.
Still, Shanahan admits he is not sure what the five-man unit will look like.
“That is part of the evaluation process over the next number of months,” Shanahan said.
There will be at least one change in the wake of Matt Lepsis’ retirement. The left tackle, a starter since 1999, retired on Dec. 31.
Lepsis walked away from $9 million remaining on his contract because he thought his play had dipped. Shanahan agreed with the move.
“Matt Lepsis has had a great career here,” Shanahan said. “This was not a good year for Matt Lepsis, and he would tell you he probably should have retired before this year started.”
Ryan Harris, a third-round draft pick in 2007, and Chris Kuper likely will compete to replace Lepsis. Harris only had two plays from scrimmage as a rookie but was impressive in practice. Kuper played the final 11 games of the season at left guard. Shanahan said Kuper improved steadily as the season went along.
There are many routes the team can take if Kuper wins the job at left tackle. Harris could play right tackle and Erik Pears could be moved from right tackle to left guard.
Shanahan expects center Tom Nalen and left guard Ben Hamilton to return to form. Nalen tore a biceps in the fifth game and was out for the season. Hamilton missed the entire season because of a concussion. Shanahan said Hamilton is close to being at his old form, but conceded he could be one play away from another serious head injury.
Chris Myers, who filled in for Hamilton and Nalen, also figures to be in the mix, likely at guard.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
